posted on December 21, 2003 05:43:36 PM new
U.S. government raises terrorism threat level
Ridge: Indicators 'perhaps greater now than at any point' since 9/11
MSNBC staff and wire reports
Updated: 7:12 p.m. ET Dec. 21,
2003WASHINGTON - The U.S. government on Sunday raised the national threat level to high, the second-highest, saying attacks were possible during the holidays and that threat indicators are “perhaps greater now than at any point” since Sept. 11, 2001. The color-coded scale for terrorism alerts is now at orange, raised from the elevated level, or yellow.
“Extensive and considerable protections have been or soon will be in place all across the country,” Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said at a hastily arranged news conference at department headquarters.
“Your government will stand at the ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to stop terrorism during the holiday season and beyond.”
Orange means a high risk of terrorist attack. Since May, the level had been at yellow, or an elevated risk, and in the middle of the five-color scale.
Ridge cited reports that Osama bin-Laden’s terrorist network is trying find holes in U.S. aviation security.
The government elevated the threat level after U.S. intelligence agencies “received a substantial increase in the volume of threat-related intelligence reports,” Ridge said.
He urged Americans not to disrupt holiday travel plans. “America is a country that will not be bent by terror. America is a country that will not be broken by fear,” Ridge said.
Multiple sources, none specific
The threat information comes from multiple, credible sources but officials are unaware of a specific target or means of attack, added a senior law enforcement official.
Some of the intercepted communications and other intelligence mention New York, Washington and unspecified cities on the West Coast, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Authorities also are concerned about dams, bridges, nuclear plants, chemical facilities and other public works.
Thousands of state and local law enforcement agencies have received an FBI advisory urging special notice of sites that could be a conceivable target and potential security upgrades, the official said.
In addition, Ridge said he has contacted his counterparts in Canada and Mexico about increasing border security.
He also said officials did not see a connection between the capture of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and the heightened security alert.
’Holiday season’ attacks possible
“These credible sources suggest the possibility of attacks against the homeland around the holiday season and beyond,” he said. “These strategic indicators, including al-Qaida’s continued desire to carry out attacks against our homeland, are perhaps greater now than at any point since Sept. 11.”
posted on December 21, 2003 06:11:10 PM new
Gore's Son Charged With Possessing Pot
Three Stopped After Driving Without Headlights On
POSTED: 10:41 a.m. EST December 21, 2003
ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The son of former Vice President Al Gore is facing marijuana possession charges.
Twenty-one-year old Albert A. Gore was arrested Friday night along with two others in downtown Bethesda, Md.
A Montgomery County police officer stopped a dark-colored Cadillac driving without its headlights on. Gore was the driver.
The officer noticed an odor of marijuana. A search of the car turned up a partial marijuana cigarette, a cigarette box with suspected marijuana, and a soda can that also smelled of pot.
Gore and his two passengers -- Yann Kumin and Marc Gordon, both of Cambridge, Mass. -- were each charged with one count of possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor.
OK I get it now, you're talking about a different HIGH alert.
"Another plague upon the land, as devastating as the locusts God loosed on the Egyptians, is "Political Correctness.'" --Charlton Heston
posted on December 21, 2003 06:49:22 PM new
lol bear.....a different high alert.
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Four times before had the threat level risen to orange. Each change sets off a flurry of increased security measures by cities, states and businesses. The lowest two levels, green and blue, and the highest, red, have not been used since the system was put in place in early 2002.
[Fox News' Anna Stolley and The Associated Press contributed to this report.]
posted on December 22, 2003 06:17:15 AM new
Hey, Helen, if shopping will be curtailed (meaning trips to local malls and such) does that mean eBay business should pick up? Lordy I hope so!
Edited to add: And Bear, I'm going to be one of "you all" and say why don't you start your own thread instead of throwing this one off topic?
posted on December 22, 2003 07:13:33 AM new
Cheryl, Oh shucks! Did the Orange alert came too late to give Ebay sellers a boost?
I suppose such fear mongering messages are only useful to Bushco as diversion from something...probably the deteriorating situation in Iraq and the plight of the troops during this "happy holiday season".
The message on CNN right now is 'Be afraid' but continue with your usual plans.
posted on December 22, 2003 08:22:54 AM new
But..I thought we were safer now...did Saddam escape???
___________________________________
The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then gets elected and proves it.
-- P. J. ORourke (Holidays in hell, 1989)
posted on December 22, 2003 09:34:11 AM new
Cheryl........Ah shucks...........
"Another plague upon the land, as devastating as the locusts God loosed on the Egyptians, is "Political Correctness.'" --Charlton Heston
posted on December 22, 2003 11:09:12 AM new
If this administration didn't give warnings, and something did happen, they'd be accused of knowing about the attacks before-hand and NOT informing the public. Another 'no-win' situation.
posted on December 22, 2003 03:51:59 PM new
I agree with you on that one Linda It is a no-win situation no matter what happens
No alert - Attacked - Knew and did nothing
Alert - Not attacked - Used threat of attack to justify what ever it is needs to be justified this week.
Alert - Attacked - Knew it was coming and still blew it.
Lets all move to Mexico - other than Twelve, no one dislikes them
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on December 22, 2003 04:11:46 PM new
At least, Homeland Security is getting some good practice for a change...surrounding DC with surface to air missiles etc.
posted on December 22, 2003 04:47:23 PM new
wow Helen, you live there, that should make you feel safer right, with surface to air missiles at your disposal. I don't think they do that here.
Wanna Take a Ride? Art Bell is Back! Weekends on C2C-www.coasttocoastam.com
posted on December 22, 2003 08:39:07 PM new
What terrified me was on our TV news they said don't worry everything is under control.
Time to head for the basement..............
posted on December 24, 2003 09:15:29 AM new
I just love living in between two nuclear power plants: Davis-Besse and Perry. Davis-Besse has already been enough trouble! Thanks for sharing the article, bear.
posted on December 24, 2003 01:37:14 PM new
Try taking the baggage screener test on the right sidebar.....
"Another plague upon the land, as devastating as the locusts God loosed on the Egyptians, is "Political Correctness.'" --Charlton Heston
Lordy I hope so!
