The Terror Alerts

[Toolz]

Okay so the alert system is on High again, how many times do the raise this thing? Anyone else feel like it's the Government crying wolf to keep people on their toes and keep them paranoid?

Seems like every time they raise this Ridge is on TV: "We have signficant evidence there's an impending attack"

I've heard this so many times I've lost interest, just arrest some scapegoat and say he had some C4 or something, plant evidence, whatever, you're the government it's easy to do. Seems to me it would give this whole "alert" system some credibility if they actually caught someone.

[Mike AI]

Yeah I feel the same way. In a way its just a mechanism for the gov't to cover their ass.

However, by raising the level - this may put pressure on terrorists and they may slip up, or change theri plans and possibly get caught.

Hopefully everyone is looking out for something suspicious as well. Both people and actions. I know anytime I fly I look at everyone who gets on the plane. One reason I like siting in the front.

[DrGuile]

The only people causing "terror" right now is the American Government.

Im happy some americans are finally noticing it.

Im not a conspiracy theory nuts, but its a little odd how, just when Bush's popularity was slipping, they capture saddam, Libya accepts to stop its WDM program (whatever that means), and they put country on Orange. Coincidence?

How long will most people follow blindly?

I mean, for the FBI, CIA, even the FAA, this "alert/warning" system makes sense, but for the general population, its just there to induce paranoia. Fear makes people very receptive. What are they suppose to look out for? If the neighbors mows the lawn counter-clockwise instead of clockwise like he usually does?

[Mike AI]

Originally posted by DrGuile@Dec 22 2003, 12:32 PM
The only people causing "terror" right now is the American Government.

Im happy some americans are finally noticing it.

Im not a conspiracy theory nuts, but its a little odd how, just when Bush's popularity was slipping, they capture saddam, Libya accepts to stop its WDM program (whatever that means), and they put country on Orange. Coincidence?

How long will most people follow blindly?

I mean, for the FBI, CIA, even the FAA, this "alert/warning" system makes sense, but for the general population, its just there to induce paranoia. Fear makes people very receptive. What are they suppose to look out for? If the neighbors mows the lawn counter-clockwise instead of clockwise like he usually does?


Dr. Guille you need to catch the latest South Park episode. I think you are in it, as "Scott the angry Canadien"!

So predictible it has become boring. Canada was already irevelant... nothing with change it. Just enjoy being the neighbor of a country who has provided for your defense for the past 80 years or so.

[Peaches]

I've never paid attention to them. I figure when my time's up, it's up. When they hit the WTC, my first instinct was to go pick the kid up from college, make sure my Dad wasn't going into Atlanta (he was scheduled for a meeting at CNN that day - he heard everything on the radio that AM and turned around :awinky: ) and offer anyone who needed it a place to stay in the hills. :P But now I realize that except for the place to stay, nothing I do or don't do is going to matter much in the grand scheme of things.

Due to where I live and the possibility of long power outages, I have alternate power, heat, water, food, firewood, etc. so there's nothing I'd do different even if they said my town was going to be bombed tomorrow.

But I do think the warnings are nothing but CYA - they've made so many where nothing happened that I don't think even the people who DO care are paying attention to them any more. :unsure:

[DrGuile]

Originally posted by Mike AI+Dec 22 2003, 12:48 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Mike AI @ Dec 22 2003, 12:48 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin--DrGuile@Dec 22 2003, 12:32 PM
The only people causing "terror" right now is the American Government.

Im happy some americans are finally noticing it.

Im not a conspiracy theory nuts, but its a little odd how, just when Bush's popularity was slipping, they capture saddam, Libya accepts to stop its WDM program (whatever that means), and they put country on Orange. Coincidence?

How long will most people follow blindly?

I mean, for the FBI, CIA, even the FAA, this "alert/warning" system makes sense, but for the general population, its just there to induce paranoia. Fear makes people very receptive. What are they suppose to look out for? If the neighbors mows the lawn counter-clockwise instead of clockwise like he usually does?


Dr. Guille you need to catch the latest South Park episode. I think you are in it, as "Scott the angry Canadien"!

So predictible it has become boring. Canada was already irevelant... nothing with change it. Just enjoy being the neighbor of a country who has provided for your defense for the past 80 years or so.[/b][/quote]
Uh, ok Mike....

did you even read what I wrote? Or did you just looked who posted it and dismissed it as "canadian ranting"?

We were basically agreeing on this subject... so Im a bit puzzled as to your answer...

[PornoDoggy]

Uh, Mikey, the past 80 years?

Now, I'm as American as you are, but I have read a book or two ... and we sat on the sidelines for the first two years and three months of Canada's last war.

[PornoDoggy]

Originally posted by DrGuile@Dec 22 2003, 12:57 PM
Uh, ok Mike....

did you even read what I wrote? Or did you just looked who posted it and dismissed it as "canadian ranting"?

We were basically agreeing on this subject... so Im a bit puzzled as to your answer...
Glad to know I'm not the only one who's noticing this. Maybe he's experimenting with a bot?

[Mike AI]

Originally posted by DrGuile+Dec 22 2003, 12:57 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (DrGuile @ Dec 22 2003, 12:57 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Originally posted by -Mike AI@Dec 22 2003, 12:48 PM
<!--QuoteBegin--DrGuile@Dec 22 2003, 12:32 PM
The only people causing "terror" right now is the American Government.

Im happy some americans are finally noticing it.

Im not a conspiracy theory nuts, but its a little odd how, just when Bush's popularity was slipping, they capture saddam, Libya accepts to stop its WDM program (whatever that means), and they put country on Orange. Coincidence?

How long will most people follow blindly?

I mean, for the FBI, CIA, even the FAA, this "alert/warning" system makes sense, but for the general population, its just there to induce paranoia. Fear makes people very receptive. What are they suppose to look out for? If the neighbors mows the lawn counter-clockwise instead of clockwise like he usually does?


Dr. Guille you need to catch the latest South Park episode. I think you are in it, as "Scott the angry Canadien"!

So predictible it has become boring. Canada was already irevelant... nothing with change it. Just enjoy being the neighbor of a country who has provided for your defense for the past 80 years or so.
Uh, ok Mike....

did you even read what I wrote? Or did you just looked who posted it and dismissed it as "canadian ranting"?

We were basically agreeing on this subject... so Im a bit puzzled as to your answer...[/b][/quote]
The only people causing "terror" right now is the American Government.

Im happy some americans are finally noticing it.

Im not a conspiracy theory nuts, but its a little odd how, just when Bush's popularity was slipping, they capture saddam, Libya accepts to stop its WDM program (whatever that means), and they put country on Orange. Coincidence?



We agree on this?? You and PD may agree on this....



PD - I was refering to the sancity of Candian soil. Not their involvement in wars outside the North Hemisphere....

[DrGuile]

Well, Toolz was questioning the usefullness of the alerts, you agreed, I agreed.

That's were we agree.


But you're right, I added something bad about your God, The American Government,


Im a witch! Quick, burn me!



Last edited by DrGuile at Dec 22 2003, 01:05 PM

[Mike AI]

Originally posted by DrGuile@Dec 22 2003, 01:05 PM
Well, Toolz was questioning the usefullness of the alerts, you agreed, I agreed.

That's were we agree.


But you're right, I added something bad about your God, The American Government,


Im a witch! Quick, burn me!


Working hard to build bridges??

You are not a witch, you are a humerous sideshow, a Canadian stereotype that is as predictible as a clock.

I do appreciate it though, it allows me to know that all is right in the world. The more angry and pissed off YOU get about the actions of the US, the more convinced I am of it being the proper action.

Dr. Guille, you are like the parakeet going down in the coal mine. If you are chirping up a storm, all is right in the world!

Keep it up!

[PornoDoggy]

Did Mike really call someone a stereotype?

"Hello, Mr. Kettle ... will you accept a collect International call from Mr. Pot?"

[DrGuile]

Originally posted by Mike AI@Dec 22 2003, 01:09 PM
Working hard to build bridges??

You are not a witch, you are a humerous sideshow, a Canadian stereotype that is as predictible as a clock.

I do appreciate it though, it allows me to know that all is right in the world. The more angry and pissed off YOU get about the actions of the US, the more convinced I am of it being the proper action.

Dr. Guille, you are like the parakeet going down in the coal mine. If you are chirping up a storm, all is right in the world!

Keep it up!
Thats some funny stuff Mike

Im predictable? How about some introspection there buddy?

Im the most balanced person you know. I am not a democrat, I am not a republican, I am not an anarchist that think the government is useless.

I agree with some of what the US is doing, I disagree with parts of it. I agree with some americans, I disagree with others. Same goes for Canada and Canadians.

I believe in the individual analysis of actions, persons, and situations rather than in the whole emcompassing "black or white" vision of the world you seem to subscribe to.

Stereotypes are a usefull way to save time, and can help you deal with a new situation without being overwhelmed, but they should not be your only "truth".

[Mike AI]

Originally posted by PornoDoggy@Dec 22 2003, 01:12 PM
Did Mike really call someone a stereotype?

"Hello, Mr. Kettle ... will you accept a collect International call from Mr. Pot?"


PD - do you agree with what Guille wrote?



The only people causing "terror" right now is the American Government.

Im happy some americans are finally noticing it.

Im not a conspiracy theory nuts, but its a little odd how, just when Bush's popularity was slipping, they capture saddam, Libya accepts to stop its WDM program (whatever that means), and they put country on Orange. Coincidence?

How long will most people follow blindly?


I am interested in this.

Being predictable is not a bad thing. I am clear when I communicate. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. For a liberal I know its hard to understand that concept.

[Toolz]

Hey dammit, let's stay on topic, which is bashing Canadiens, er rather the Terror altert system :)

[JR]

hahaha.
nice!

http://www.tooley.us/al.jpg

[BradShaw]

In response to the new terror alreats, I am now wearing 2 pairs of underwear.

[JR]

terror alerts have only been raised 4 times. i have only actually fled to my bunker in Idaho twice.

[Carrie]

Just to clarify for the record, DrGuile is *not* a witch.
I hold the Token Witch honor around here!
Speaking of which (which witch? hehe)... enjoy your first day of Winter. :)

[DrGuile]

Originally posted by Carrie@Dec 22 2003, 02:59 PM
Just to clarify for the record, DrGuile is *not* a witch.
I hold the Token Witch honor around here!
Speaking of which (which witch? hehe)... enjoy your first day of Winter. :)
Do you weight the same as a goose?

:agrin:

[TheEnforcer]

I often wonder if these "alerts" do more harm than good from the whackos that probably flood some places with bogus calls because they are paranoid someone is gonna attack them.

[Carrie]

Originally posted by DrGuile+Dec 22 2003, 03:04 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (DrGuile @ Dec 22 2003, 03:04 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin--Carrie@Dec 22 2003, 02:59 PM
Just to clarify for the record, DrGuile is *not* a witch.
I hold the Token Witch honor around here!
Speaking of which (which witch? hehe)... enjoy your first day of Winter. :)
Do you weight the same as a goose?

:agrin:[/b][/quote]
Right now I'm a goose and a half... but I make a hell of a lot more noise when you try to stick me in a pot! :)

[JR]

Originally posted by DrGuile+Dec 22 2003, 12:04 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (DrGuile @ Dec 22 2003, 12:04 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin--Carrie@Dec 22 2003, 02:59 PM
Just to clarify for the record, DrGuile is *not* a witch.
I hold the Token Witch honor around here!
Speaking of which (which witch? hehe)... enjoy your first day of Winter. :)
Do you weight the same as a goose?

:agrin:[/b][/quote]
hehe.. lets build a bridge out of her!

[Sharpie]

The place where you notice the alerts most, is the Airports. When they raise the level, airport security goes up a notch. You know to plan more time if traveling.

You may also find that some police depts make a few changes to their normal routine - especially in places like NYC and LA.

Actually, they are doing their job the best when 'nipped in the bud, and there is nothing earth shattering to report.

[PornoDoggy]

Originally posted by Mike AI+Dec 22 2003, 01:22 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Mike AI @ Dec 22 2003, 01:22 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin--PornoDoggy@Dec 22 2003, 01:12 PM
Did Mike really call someone a stereotype?

"Hello, Mr. Kettle ... will you accept a collect International call from Mr. Pot?"


PD - do you agree with what Guille wrote?



The only people causing "terror" right now is the American Government.

Im happy some americans are finally noticing it.

Im not a conspiracy theory nuts, but its a little odd how, just when Bush's popularity was slipping, they capture saddam, Libya accepts to stop its WDM program (whatever that means), and they put country on Orange. Coincidence?

How long will most people follow blindly?


I am interested in this.

Being predictable is not a bad thing. I am clear when I communicate. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. For a liberal I know its hard to understand that concept.[/b][/quote]
No, I don't agree with what DrGuile wrote there. There is no way that you can argue that the only entity causing terror is the U.S. government.

First of all, the degree to which the U.S. government is responsible for terror has been scaled back considerably in the past 12 years or so. I believe we cut Iraq off after the war with Iran. I think (much to the consternation of folks suddenly concerned with human rights) we cut off any number of other folks at the same time or shortly after, and even more during the Clinton Administration.

Oh, some of our "allies" in Central America (not to mention the membership in the rental countries of the Coalition of the Willing) still have a very spotty record, and I'm quite certain this administration would jump at the chance to fund all kinds of thugs who learn to adapt the anti-communist routine (which worked so well for so long for so many) to anti-funamentalist rhetoric. Islamic fundamentalists, I should specify ... they're not so opposed to fundamentalists in and out of other headgear.

Arguing that a U.S. attack on Saddam is a form of "terrorism" is pretty simple-minded. I don't think it's any more simple-minded than assuming that victory in the war against Saddam will prove a victory in the war on terrorism, or the claim made elsewhere that Ghadafi's change in tune is due to the war in Iraq, however.

So to answer your question, no, I don't agree with him at all about that. I actually like the idea of using U.S. power for the protection of human rights, and hardly consider it terrorism. I am not so crazy about the unilateral aspects of the current policy, and will be interested to see if it carries over to places without oil reserves - but I cannot say that I'm sad to see Saddam go, nor can I see how that can be labelled "terrorism."

There are "parakeet[s] going down" on both sides of the coal mine.

[BIW]

This shit is funny.. Thanks George..

I'll take advantage of BAs cheap flights and spend New Years in New York now. It's just a Shame I can't fly SSC now :-((

I think our governmnets should remember however, that they can only cry wolf so many times... :-(