“I believe we are entering a period this summer of increased risk. We could easily be attacked. Summertime seems to be appealing to them. We do worry that they are rebuilding their activities.” – Chertoff bases ‘gut feeling’ on history, Al Qaeda statements
Following the 2004 elections, former Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge admitted it flat out, that the terror warnings leading up to the election were bogus and entirely political in nature – TOM RIDGE’S BOMBSHELL: HOW THE BUSHIES ISSUED UNJUSTIFIED TERROR ALERTS
Republicans are arroused by the idea that we might get hit again sometime soon, as it would be a political win for the party of fear…“At the end of the day, I believe fully the president is doing the right thing, and I think all we need is some attacks on American soil like we had on [Sept. 11, 2001], and the naysayers will come around very quickly to appreciate not only the commitment for President Bush, but the sacrifice that has been made by men and women to protect this country,” Dennis Milligan (GOP chairman of Arkansas) said. Here is another example of this from today: ‘Santorum Suggests New Terror Attacks Will Change View Of War’:
In an alarming display of fearmongering, former Republican Senator Rick Santorum has suggested that a series of “unfortunate events,” namely terrorist attacks, will occur within the next year and change American citizen’s perception of the war. (Source)
I’m not up to riffing on this, but wanted to point out one thing, and that being the dynamic of Congressional oversight. Not only is a letter like the one below written and delivered, but that very action is “news” in and of itself, which makes the fear mongering much more difficult to continue on with. I think this response by Rep. Bennie Thompson, Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee is perfect:
July 11, 2007
Dear Secretary Chertoff:
Over the past five years, tens of billions of taxpayer dollars have been dedicated to standing up and building capacity at the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security is charged with deterring, preventing and responding to the threat of terrorism. To that end, systems have been erected to identify risks and communicate them to the American public. With all the resources you have at your disposal and all the progress that you assure us that you are making, I cannot understand why you are quoted in the Chicago Tribune as saying you have a “gut feeling” that we are entering a period of heightened risk this summer.
Words have power, Mr. Secretary. You must choose them wisely—especially when they relate to the lives and security of the American public. What color code in the Homeland Security Advisory System is associated with a “gut feeling?” What sectors should be on alert as a result of your “gut feeling?” What cities should be asking their law enforcement to work double shifts because of your “gut feeling?” Are the American people supposed to purchase duct tape and plastic sheeting because of your “gut feeling?”
The Committee on Homeland Security has repeatedly emphasized the importance of getting specific, actionable information to our first preventers in law enforcement and other emergency response providers. I urge you to follow up on your “gut feeling” and share whatever information our nation’s first preventers need to be on alert and prepared. Otherwise, we run the risk of communities taking it upon themselves to mobilize for every possible threat. This not only would result in communities depleting their scarce homeland security resources but runs contrary to your efforts to move toward a risk-based approach to homeland security.
This fall, we will be marking the sixth anniversary of the most deadly terrorist attack on U.S. soil. With likely action on legislation to implement the unfinished business of the 9/11 Commission, Congress is poised to give you more and better opportunities to work with law enforcement in a constructive manner.
Mr. Secretary, I urge you to clarify your comments by providing concrete direction to the State, local and tribal stakeholders and if necessary make the required changes to the Nation’s threat level to ensure that the American public can take the necessary steps to protect their families, businesses and communities.
I would be happy to convene a classified briefing of our Members to discuss the threat to our nation if you believe that such a briefing is warranted.
Sincerely,
Bennie G. Thompson
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security
Posted by Al Swearengen in politics