Take a deep breath, say homeland officials

US News and World Report ^ | February 14, 2003 | Paul Bedard

[ewing]

Indications from government sources are that the already heightened Code Orange security alert Washington D.C. is operating under may be increased to 'Code Red' in the next 24 hours because of a heightened concern about a possible terror attack.

Whispers learns that lawmakers are being encouraged to send their families back to their home states.

Other government sources are freely talking about the increased security alert possbily coming as soon as Friday.

Also, Equipment that can detect chemical and biological weapons has been deployed in Washington.

And some government workers have been warned that if terrorism strikes, agencies might not be able to provide enough food water or clothing.

[DoughtyOne]

Democrats? Come on fella, you can do better than that. Tell me one stinking proposal by the Republicans to reign in our out of control borders. This has been an equal opportunity sell-out.

[A2J]

I think this Homeland Security coding system is ridiculous.

The U.S. has always been the target of terrorism and yet we are expected to walk around on egg shells in our own country. The coding system has done more to incite fear than 9/11 ever could.

Maybe they need to add an additional level: Weenie Alert.

[dirtboy]

You realy don't have to panic until you see Teddy Kennedy stocking up on Scotch along with his Duct Tape.

True enough, but you left out an important qualifier to help avoid generating panic - if you see Teddy staggering out of the local liquor store with a case of Scotch, it's not stocking up, it's just preparations for the weekend...

[blackdog]

The fisherman is wearing a red hat. I repeat, The fisherman is wearing a red hat. He is rigged for albacore and swordfish. He plans on reaching his limit.

That is all....

[ewing]

I'll bet Bob Dole and Sen. Innouye (both who lost limbs in World War II) are still in Washington...

[SevenDaysInMay]

Frist is not going to keep the Senate in session to force the Dems to filibuster Estrada's nomination, so they can go home?

Leaders in name and extortion, under penalty of law, only.

[Coop]

Why shopping malls and not the subway?

Because there's a very limited number of subways, with controlled entries/exits. There's a TON of shopping strips/malls, also usually with controlled entries/exits, but I imagine all the individual stores would make monitoring for chem/bio much more difficult. Just MHO.

[FreeTheHostages]

I am going out of town this weekend. Actually, lots of DC Chapter members will be joining our NYC colleagues tomorrow to Freep the peaceniks in NYC.

[Loyolas Mattman]

The pending blizzard is a blessing. If these guys want to gas empty streets, take your best shot. This town hunkers down in a storm. There won't be any crowded places to hit...

[John H K]

I heard from a friend in D.C. who works with someone who's name you would recognize. He said to keep out of populated areas today and this weekend. Especially shopping malls.

There were identical postings for Halloween of Oct. 2001 and 2002, I believe.

[cynicom]

Nope, not presuming anything. "IF" they are leaving on inside information, that would be a tad much. I have family in DC also.

[blam]

"Frist was going to force the Senate to stay in session next week but changed his mind abruptly yesterday. This would account for his change of mind."

Good observation and making connections, Peach

[John H K]

I'd be a lot more worried about the increasing possibility of 2+ FEET of snow in DC through Monday......

[A2J]

RE: # 74

Bingo!

[Coop]

a cousin who works, um, someplace else I won't mention.

It's to their advantage to be thought stupid and incompetent. Which is not to say, of course, that some aspects of the FBI are not stupid and incompetent.

Are you sure you won't at least give us a hint? :-)

[wayoverontheright]

There will be no large scale attack because the consequences to potential perpetrators has already begun to far exceed potential gains. The optimum time to hit us has long ago passed them by.

Our reaction has surprised our adversaries, they are defanged, defunded, and demoralized.

They can see the endgame, and involves for them the humiliating prospect of the infidel's occupation of their heartland, having control of 10% of the world's oil, thereby obliterating OPEC and obviating any need to beg for bases of operation.

For them all hell has already broken loose at the prospect of such a rearangement of the Middle Eastern dynamic.

Arabs talk tough only when they have no ability to act. Relax.

[DoughtyOne]

...the Congressmen and Senators are wearing yellow depends...

[blackdog]

You cannot launch a biological attack in freezing weather. I mean you could, but it would be a bit pointless. Now an attack in RFK stadium during a Rolling Stones tour in August is different.

[dep]

They should make the Washington press corps wear gas masks. Especially Helen Thomas.

those downwind of her already do.

dep

[CyberAnt]

You got it! We have a large community of Muslims in San Diego - and for the safety of their children - I really hope there is not an attack here.

They had to have police protection before - I cannot imagine what would happen this time. It's scary.