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July 13, 2004
Report Questions Value of Color-Coded Warnings
By ERIC LICHTBLAU
ASHINGTON, July 12 - The federal government's color-coded threat system is
too vague and confusing to help many local and state law enforcement
officials prepare for possible terrorist attacks, Congressional
investigators said Monday in a report that prompted leading members of
Congress to call for an overhaul.
The report by the General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of
Congress, cited widespread concern among federal, state and local
officials about the quality and timing of threat information they received
from the Department of Homeland Security. A survey sent to 84 agencies,
states and United States territories as part of the study found that the
warnings were often vague and inadequate, and had "hindered their ability
to determine whether they were at risk" and what protective measures to
take in response.
Representative Christopher Cox, the California Republican who leads the
House homeland security committee, said in releasing the report that the
officials overseeing the threat system needed to "make it work better or
get rid of it."
Mr. Cox and Representative Jim Turner of Texas, the ranking Democrat on
the panel, said the public was at risk for "threat fatigue."
"I'm afraid if we don't make improvements in the system," Mr. Turner said,
"the public's going to lose trust and confidence in that system and won't
pay any attention to it anymore."
Their comments reflected a growing unease in recent months among leading
members of Congress about the government's ability to warn law enforcement
officials and the public of an attack.
Those concerns have taken on new urgency after Tom Ridge, the homeland
security secretary, warned anew last week that Al Qaeda might be planning
a major attack in order to disrupt the electoral process in November.
But domestic security officials said they decided not to raise the
nation's threat status - now at yellow, the midpoint in the five-color
scheme - because they said they did not have specific information about
the timing, place or manner of such an attack.
Domestic security officials defended the threat warning system, saying
they had sought to offer more detailed guidance in recent months.
"The homeland security system is a good system," said Brian Roehrkasse,
spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security. "Over the past year, it
has continued to evolve into more of a risk-based system because we are
further along in our assessment of the nation's critical infrastructure,
allowing us to determine the impact an attack would have."
One change that Mr. Cox and Mr. Turner said they would push as part of an
intelligence bill to be considered in the House this week was to give the
homeland security secretary the authority to put out limited advisories to
particular states, regions or sectors.
Mr. Turner said that putting out nationwide alerts "willy-nilly"-when
there might be no direct threat to 90 percent of the country - was costly,
confusing and potentially counterproductive.
But domestic security officials said they had already been putting out
more pinpointed, regional alerts and the Congressional proposal for
"limited advisories" would merely codify the practice. The department has
issued some 80 bulletins in the last 16 months to specific regions,
sectors or facilities that may be at particular risk, officials said.
The General Accounting Office study, expanding on preliminary findings
issued by the office in March, found "continuing confusion" among federal,
state and local officials about how threat warnings are made and how they
should respond.
The report said that many federal agencies and some states said that they
had learned about changes in the threat level from news reports.
The General Accounting Office report also found that the Department of
Homeland Security had not documented the policies and procedures it uses
for assessing intelligence information, determining whether to raise or
lower the threat level, and notifying other agencies about changes in the
threat level. A domestic security official, speaking on condition of
anonymity, said that the department had such a protocol in place but did
not turn it over to Congressional investigators because of its sensitive
nature.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/13/politics/13alert.html?ei=5006&en=ef09491fe2efceef&ex=1090296000&partner=ALTAVISTA1&pagewanted=print&position=
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| User: "Woodswun" |
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| Title: Re: Report Questions Value of Color-Coded Warnings |
13 Jul 2004 05:52:18 PM |
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In article <cd13dd0iqm@enews3.newsguy.com>, "Dr. Blunt" <ufocalypse@yahoo.com> wrote:
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July 13, 2004
Report Questions Value of Color-Coded Warnings
By ERIC LICHTBLAU
ASHINGTON, July 12 - The federal government's color-coded threat system is
too vague and confusing to help many local and state law enforcement
officials prepare for possible terrorist attacks, Congressional
investigators said Monday in a report that prompted leading members of
Congress to call for an overhaul.
We don't need to "understand" it. All that's needed is for state and local
officials to follow the checkoff list of policies and procedures that need to be
put into place for the corresponding color.
Woods
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| User: "Michael Johnathan McDonald" |
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| Title: Re: Report Questions Value of Color-Coded Warnings |
13 Jul 2004 09:32:04 PM |
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(Woodswun) wrote in message news:<CIZIc.44360$yd5.22196@twister.nyroc.rr.com>...
We don't need to "understand" it.
Yes, we do.
I think the citizens should be told of credible threats so they can
become involved - that is America - Unity.
All that's needed is for state and local
officials to follow the checkoff list of policies and procedures that need to be
put into place for the corresponding color.
Woods
.
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| User: "Dr. Blunt" |
|
| Title: Re: Report Questions Value of Color-Coded Warnings |
17 Jul 2004 04:19:26 PM |
|
|
"Michael Johnathan McDonald" <abookoflife@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:dd3256f0.0407131832.70ad19d3@posting.google.com...
woodswun@tepidmail.com (Woodswun) wrote in message
news:<CIZIc.44360$yd5.22196@twister.nyroc.rr.com>...
We don't need to "understand" it.
Yes, we do.
I think the citizens should be told of credible threats so they can
become involved - that is America - Unity.
Without specific information on the origin or nature of the threats, it is
impossible for the populace to protect itself. However, the parade of
color-coded alerts through the LIBERAL media every day does serve some
purpose: to keep the public thinking there's a seige underway, and keep
supporting the Homeland Security Dept., thereby helping boost the
incumbency's popularity.
Despite the usual "credible" sources spouting "unspecified" threats, it's
quite curious that the yellow alert has not gone orange for months. If
this nation was under a credible threat, then instead of spending tax
dollars to produce lucrative govt.-corporate-military contracts, why not
spend a portion on individual protection, such as distributing chemical
masks (and extra filters), basic "crisis" medical kits and all the
necessary training or information needed to every citizen? Why are there
no terrorist attack drills in schools for the kiddies (and no supplies)?
Why would Tom the Fat-***** Ridge make quips about protecting Americans
with plastic sheeting and duct tape from a chemical or biological attack?
Does he think we should stay inside our buildings with everything sealed
up until the danger passes? If so, then where is the specific evidence for
that danger? Hell, it's not in any of the alerts! Gee golly, it could be a
major transportation system, or shopping centers...and what will be used
in the attack, where will it occur, and who knows enough to protect
themselves?
Why don't you travel back to the commie hysteria of the past and warm your
rightist obsessions on that tired ol' fireplace? We didn't build a
security state in America, with burglar alarms, surveillance cameras, and
loads of private security to protect ourselves form international
terrorists, fella. It was put together on the real fear of other wonderful
Americans threatening us. Americans are much more likely to be threatened,
injured or killed (or raped) by your neighborhood "brothers and sisters"
than by terrorists. Jeeezuz...get some reality into your overheated
deluded brain. Or, get laid more often...or something.
If it's a constant state of authority servitude, paranoia and anger you
wish to live with in America, feel free to live in it in your own personal
delusions. But, don't be so deluded as to think there will be a time when
the rest of us will be in lockstep. You'll be in your grave and people
will still be at odds with one another over the fears, ideologies, et al.
I know the ideological hole you're digging, or have already dug, for
yourself. It is a cold, dark and foreboding place to live in and to die
in. Not many would elect to join you...as most would volunteer to bath in
toilet water.
I once confronted a Marine recruiter who'd been enjoyably hassling me
about my liberalism while I was on my job (he was a customer).
Red Dawn George, as I liked to call him, stopped the verbal harassment
after I made this remark:
'Ya know, George, have you ever noticed that the folks who argue about
politics and religion obsessively, and are steaming about current events
they don't like, are really anal-retentive about interpersonal intimacy,
like love and sex, and can't loosen up around people ? That they haven't
had good loving relationships and good satisfying sex? That's what some
psychological surveys have shown.'
He quietly muttered, "I don't know."
George then ignored me for the duration of that job, dropped his almost
daily drone about the commie threat posed by Granada and Nicaruaga, the
feared northward Russian invasion of the USA through Mexico (Red Dawn), et
al, although I got an occasional glassy "stare."
Years afterward, a friend told me that George was in jail for assault and
battery of his wife and two teen daughters. True story, believe it or
not...I'm not implying you are like George, of course.
Dr. Blunt ------------Serving the Usenet's mentally ill since 1998.
All that's needed is for state and local
officials to follow the checkoff list of policies and procedures that
need to be
put into place for the corresponding color.
Woods
.
|
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| User: "Marvin The Paranoid Android" |
|
| Title: Re: Report Questions Value of Color-Coded Warnings |
17 Jul 2004 06:59:11 PM |
|
|
On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 14:19:26 -0700, Dr. Blunt overjoyed me with this news:
"Michael Johnathan McDonald" <abookoflife@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:dd3256f0.0407131832.70ad19d3@posting.google.com...
woodswun@tepidmail.com (Woodswun) wrote in message
news:<CIZIc.44360$yd5.22196@twister.nyroc.rr.com>...
We don't need to "understand" it.
Yes, we do.
I think the citizens should be told of credible threats so they can
become involved - that is America - Unity.
Without specific information on the origin or nature of the threats, it is
impossible for the populace to protect itself. However, the parade of
color-coded alerts through the LIBERAL media every day does serve some
purpose: to keep the public thinking there's a seige underway, and keep
supporting the Homeland Security Dept., thereby helping boost the
incumbency's popularity.
Despite the usual "credible" sources spouting "unspecified" threats, it's
quite curious that the yellow alert has not gone orange for months. If
this nation was under a credible threat, then instead of spending tax
dollars to produce lucrative govt.-corporate-military contracts, why not
spend a portion on individual protection, such as distributing chemical
masks (and extra filters), basic "crisis" medical kits and all the
necessary training or information needed to every citizen? Why are there
no terrorist attack drills in schools for the kiddies (and no supplies)?
Why would Tom the Fat-***** Ridge make quips about protecting Americans
with plastic sheeting and duct tape from a chemical or biological attack?
Does he think we should stay inside our buildings with everything sealed
up until the danger passes? If so, then where is the specific evidence for
that danger? Hell, it's not in any of the alerts! Gee golly, it could be a
major transportation system, or shopping centers...and what will be used
in the attack, where will it occur, and who knows enough to protect
themselves?
Why don't you travel back to the commie hysteria of the past and warm your
rightist obsessions on that tired ol' fireplace? We didn't build a
security state in America, with burglar alarms, surveillance cameras, and
loads of private security to protect ourselves form international
terrorists, fella. It was put together on the real fear of other wonderful
Americans threatening us. Americans are much more likely to be threatened,
injured or killed (or raped) by your neighborhood "brothers and sisters"
than by terrorists. Jeeezuz...get some reality into your overheated
deluded brain. Or, get laid more often...or something.
If it's a constant state of authority servitude, paranoia and anger you
wish to live with in America, feel free to live in it in your own personal
delusions. But, don't be so deluded as to think there will be a time when
the rest of us will be in lockstep. You'll be in your grave and people
will still be at odds with one another over the fears, ideologies, et al.
I know the ideological hole you're digging, or have already dug, for
yourself. It is a cold, dark and foreboding place to live in and to die
in. Not many would elect to join you...as most would volunteer to bath in
toilet water.
I once confronted a Marine recruiter who'd been enjoyably hassling me
about my liberalism while I was on my job (he was a customer).
Red Dawn George, as I liked to call him, stopped the verbal harassment
after I made this remark:
'Ya know, George, have you ever noticed that the folks who argue about
politics and religion obsessively, and are steaming about current events
they don't like, are really anal-retentive about interpersonal intimacy,
like love and sex, and can't loosen up around people ? That they haven't
had good loving relationships and good satisfying sex? That's what some
psychological surveys have shown.'
He quietly muttered, "I don't know."
George then ignored me for the duration of that job, dropped his almost
daily drone about the commie threat posed by Granada and Nicaruaga, the
feared northward Russian invasion of the USA through Mexico (Red Dawn), et
al, although I got an occasional glassy "stare."
Years afterward, a friend told me that George was in jail for assault and
battery of his wife and two teen daughters. True story, believe it or
not...I'm not implying you are like George, of course.
Dr. Blunt ------------Serving the Usenet's mentally ill since 1998.
Good post Blunt.
I think Mike's pretty harmless and doesn't pose much threat to anyone ...
Tony OTOH came from the same mold as Red Dawn George ...
.
|
|
|
| User: "Dr. Blunt" |
|
| Title: Re: Report Questions Value of Color-Coded Warnings |
17 Jul 2004 08:13:04 PM |
|
|
"Marvin The Paranoid Android" <marv@HeartOfGold.com> wrote in message
news:cdceh401jh1@news3.newsguy.com...
On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 14:19:26 -0700, Dr. Blunt overjoyed me with this
news:
"Michael Johnathan McDonald" <abookoflife@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:dd3256f0.0407131832.70ad19d3@posting.google.com...
woodswun@tepidmail.com (Woodswun) wrote in message
news:<CIZIc.44360$yd5.22196@twister.nyroc.rr.com>...
We don't need to "understand" it.
Yes, we do.
I think the citizens should be told of credible threats so they can
become involved - that is America - Unity.
Without specific information on the origin or nature of the threats,
it is
impossible for the populace to protect itself. However, the parade of
color-coded alerts through the LIBERAL media every day does serve some
purpose: to keep the public thinking there's a seige underway, and
keep
supporting the Homeland Security Dept., thereby helping boost the
incumbency's popularity.
Despite the usual "credible" sources spouting "unspecified" threats,
it's
quite curious that the yellow alert has not gone orange for months. If
this nation was under a credible threat, then instead of spending tax
dollars to produce lucrative govt.-corporate-military contracts, why
not
spend a portion on individual protection, such as distributing
chemical
masks (and extra filters), basic "crisis" medical kits and all the
necessary training or information needed to every citizen? Why are
there
no terrorist attack drills in schools for the kiddies (and no
supplies)?
Why would Tom the Fat-***** Ridge make quips about protecting Americans
with plastic sheeting and duct tape from a chemical or biological
attack?
Does he think we should stay inside our buildings with everything
sealed
up until the danger passes? If so, then where is the specific evidence
for
that danger? Hell, it's not in any of the alerts! Gee golly, it could
be a
major transportation system, or shopping centers...and what will be
used
in the attack, where will it occur, and who knows enough to protect
themselves?
Why don't you travel back to the commie hysteria of the past and warm
your
rightist obsessions on that tired ol' fireplace? We didn't build a
security state in America, with burglar alarms, surveillance cameras,
and
loads of private security to protect ourselves form international
terrorists, fella. It was put together on the real fear of other
wonderful
Americans threatening us. Americans are much more likely to be
threatened,
injured or killed (or raped) by your neighborhood "brothers and
sisters"
than by terrorists. Jeeezuz...get some reality into your overheated
deluded brain. Or, get laid more often...or something.
If it's a constant state of authority servitude, paranoia and anger
you
wish to live with in America, feel free to live in it in your own
personal
delusions. But, don't be so deluded as to think there will be a time
when
the rest of us will be in lockstep. You'll be in your grave and people
will still be at odds with one another over the fears, ideologies, et
al.
I know the ideological hole you're digging, or have already dug, for
yourself. It is a cold, dark and foreboding place to live in and to
die
in. Not many would elect to join you...as most would volunteer to bath
in
toilet water.
I once confronted a Marine recruiter who'd been enjoyably hassling me
about my liberalism while I was on my job (he was a customer).
Red Dawn George, as I liked to call him, stopped the verbal harassment
after I made this remark:
'Ya know, George, have you ever noticed that the folks who argue about
politics and religion obsessively, and are steaming about current
events
they don't like, are really anal-retentive about interpersonal
intimacy,
like love and sex, and can't loosen up around people ? That they
haven't
had good loving relationships and good satisfying sex? That's what
some
psychological surveys have shown.'
He quietly muttered, "I don't know."
George then ignored me for the duration of that job, dropped his
almost
daily drone about the commie threat posed by Granada and Nicaruaga,
the
feared northward Russian invasion of the USA through Mexico (Red
Dawn), et
al, although I got an occasional glassy "stare."
Years afterward, a friend told me that George was in jail for assault
and
battery of his wife and two teen daughters. True story, believe it or
not...I'm not implying you are like George, of course.
Dr. Blunt ------------Serving the Usenet's mentally ill since 1998.
Good post Blunt.
I think Mike's pretty harmless and doesn't pose much threat to anyone
....
Tony OTOH came from the same mold as Red Dawn George ...
Well, considering the anonymity of the internet, I don't think he's a
danger to anyone here. And I wasn't implying he was a threat to anyone
anywhere. Mainly, I was pointing out how interpersonal stress is sometimes
transferred into a relative abstraction to avoid the problems we all, at
some time, have to face. And sometimes that abstraction just isn't enough
to handle the problem, and so someone gets a black eye, a vandalized mail
box, egg pelting, ad nauseam. I've seen physical fights result from
political fanaticism, as well as being involved in two peaceful
demonstrations against the Nam war which turned unexpectedly violent. I
got pushed down and hit in the back with my own protest sign by some
redneck. (Neocons will especially find this funny!)
Thanks for the nice comments you've made here on my posts. You've "scored"
some good ones, too, Marvin, and I enjoy reading your posts. You've got a
sharp wit.
Dr. Blunt ---------Serving the Usenet's mentally ill since 1998.
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