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October 7, 2005
Mixed Messages
Yesterday NYC Mayor Bloomberg, NYC Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and the Assistant Director of the FBI that a terrorist attack on New York's subway system could be possible in the coming days.
Officials at different levels of government, however, questioned the credibility of the information. A Bush administration official told CNN the threat involved the use of explosives hidden in baby carriages. The official said he believes New York officials made the threat public "out of an abundance of caution." An official from the Department of Homeland Security told CNN that the agency has received intelligence regarding "a specific but not credible" threat to New York's subway system but intelligence officials believe the information is of "doubtful credibility."
I am sure that the Mayor, the Police Commissioner, and the Assistant Director of the FBI had solid information before alerting the public. One would think that when the FBI is involved the alert is indeed credible; however, the Department of Homeland Security's response illustrates the need for government officials to be on the same page. All should be in agreement instead of this alert/no alert, credible/not credible, specific/not credible mixed messaging that's being relayed.
Cindy
Comments
I find this kind of stuff amazing. How is it possible that ALL government departments don't share the SAME information from the SAME database or whatever?
Secondly, what idiots don't know - in these precarious times in which we are living - that an attack on ANY subway ANYWHERE in the world could be imminent?
I think the Mayor of New Yoik and his officials did the right thing in alerting the public, however remote the possibility of an attack. It is right that the citizens are cautious and vigilant.
Brain matter deposited by: Piggy and Tazzy on October 8, 2005 4:47 AM
so will you be using the subway or resorting to ye olde automobile ?
Brain matter deposited by: zed on October 10, 2005 2:53 PM
Zoe - I'm still riding the subway, regardless. If I wasn't doing that, I'd probably walk, unless under a time crunch - then I'd take a taxi cab.
P&T - yes, they did the right thing.
Brain matter deposited by: Cindy on October 10, 2005 3:44 PM
Typical government reaction: create a whole new layer of bureaucracy (DHS) instead of just making it mandatory that the various existing agencies communicate with each other. Effect? Even more talking heads without the whole picture, like those blind men describing the elephant.
Brain matter deposited by: Ted on October 10, 2005 5:50 PM
Mixed messages is right. Keep your eyes peeled for baby strollers then. Even if they're not terrorists diapers themselves can be explosive. (I know - shame, shame.)
The page looks really good.
Brain matter deposited by: Kat on October 11, 2005 9:58 AM