posted on November 3, 2001 05:25:09 AM new
I think this should be a cabinet position filled by some anxious person who can visualize all possible scenarios. Whoever is in charge of the NRC need not apply, because he or she has not been worried enough.
posted on November 3, 2001 08:41:44 AM new
In a highly alarming yet confusing statement released today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned the American people to expect additional contradictory
warnings from the FBI in the days ahead.
"The American people can expect the FBI to release several worrisome, unhelpful warnings in the next seventy-two hours," the statement read, "or not."
The FBI went on to say that while Americans should go about their business as normal, they should, at the same time, "be prepared at all times to become jittery,anxious, and rattled by any contradictory statements the FBI might make."
Charles Holt, a spokesman for the FBI, attempted to clarify the FBI's latest warning.
"We want to make it very clear, at this time, that we do not know what form our future warnings may take, other than to say that they will be very scary and useless,"
Holt said. "Having said that, I want to assure the American people that I did not really mean what I just said."
Holt urged Americans to remain calm, but added that they should also "be panicky and alarmed to the point of distraction -- or not."
The FBI spokesman added that frightening, unhelpful warnings from the FBI may very well become a way of life in America, but that "that could change."
Seizing on this remark, reporters asked Holt if he foresaw a time when the FBI might start issuing clear, helpful warnings to the public.
"Yes and no," Holt said.
U.S. Spokesmen Stumble Through Verbal Minefield.... (just a few that relate to this topic)
"Bluster: On Oct. 13, after the first outbreaks of anthrax appear in Florida and New York, but before poisoned letters start turning up in Washington, D.C., Bush says in a radio address, "I understand that many Americans are feeling uneasy, but all Americans should be assured: We are taking strong precautions, we are vigilant, we are determined."
More bluster: On Oct. 18, after 31 cases of anthrax exposure are discovered on Capitol Hill but no one moves to systematically test Washington postal workers, Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge declares: "The American people can have confidence that their government is working around the clock to protect them." And Sen. Bill Frist of Tennessee, the Senate's only physician, observes, "Things are under control. The system is working."
Backpedal: On Oct. 22, after two Washington postal workers die from anthrax, Postmaster General John Potter orders testing and says: "We are all dealing with new experiences, we're all dealing with new situations." On Oct. 26, after more cases surface, Ridge says, "We don't have all the answers."
