FBI warns al Qaeda possibly planning 'spectacular' attack

[wovenwonder]

I have to admit that I am feeling slightly uneasy this morning after hearing of this warning. I think it is the actual wording of it that hit me this time. I am under 20 miles from the nuclear power plant TMI and that is always in the back of my mind.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Al Qaeda may be planning a "spectacular" terrorist attack intended to damage the U.S. economy and inflict large-scale casualties, the FBI warns.

"Sources suggest al Qaeda may favor spectacular attacks that meet several criteria: High symbolic value, mass casualties, severe damage to the U.S. economy and maximum psychological trauma," says the alert, which was posted on the FBI's Web site early Friday after its existence was reported by The New York Times and The Associated Press. It originally had not been released to the public.

The highest priority targets remain within the aviation, petroleum and nuclear sectors, as well as significant national landmarks, it adds.

entire CNN.COM article can be found here

 

[The Mystery Machine]

WW, yep in the back of my mind I know that this will probably be a reality. I have decided to not let it run my life.
DH flys to NYC twice a month now & also we are going there for Thanksgiving. I know that I am taking a risk BUT I am willing to do so. (It is scary BTW)
I do appreciate the warnings they give out but until they know exact info I can't run my life on the THREAT of an attack. It is just something I cannot do.

To me this is our "new" reality forever...

 

[faith]

It really worries me too. Especially since my son, daughter in law and two grandsons will be flying to DW soon! Normally I would be so excited for them. I try to remember to put my trust in God and appreciate each day.

 

[codeMonkey]

 

[LunarLady]

To tell you the truth, I saw this on CNN while working out and it didn't really strike me one way or another. My first thoughts were that they were putting out this info to cover their behinds because the story that came on after it was about Terrorist Insurance.

It will happen or it won't happen. I might die, I might not. I can do nothing to change these facts. Worrying about it is spending my energy that could easily be routed somewhere else.

 

[Mskanga]

Oh please....I don't need to see this as I am flying to WDW in two more weeks but I won't let them run my life!!

 

[snowball22]

I think the FBI terror alert of a "Spectacular Attack" is totally IRRESPONSIBLE!!!!!!!!!! How dare they issure this statement to the public!!!!!!! September 11, 2001 is still fresh in everyones minds. What the heck is the "Spectacular Attack" statement suppose to do to help the public but spread fear. If you are going to issue a statement like this, then follow up on what "Joe public" can do to protect themselves. Our homeland security is a pityful joke. I just pray for our children. Do you think our children won't see this on television tonight??????!!!!!! "Spectacular Attack" is a very fightening statement for anyone to read or see especially our children.

 

[LunarLady]

Originally posted by snowball22
September 11, 2001 is still fresh in everyones minds. What the heck is the "Spectacular Attack" statement suppose to do to help the public but spread fear.

I beg to differ. Many bad things have happened to me personally since 9/11/01, therefore the idea that it's still fresh in EVERYONE'S minds is false.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

The government is covering itself by issuing these warnings. That way, when something does happen (and something WILL happen, eventually) the American public can not say that we were kept in the dark.

Like a previous poster said, this is our new reality and we need to become accustomed to it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I do think everyone's was used by snowball as a quantitive figure of speech. Sort of like, It's raining cats and dogs, not to be taken literally. I may be wrong (not the first, nor last time) but that is the way I took it.

As for the FBI warning, I have operated on that premise since last year's 9/11, and I have led my life pretty much the same as I had prior to.

 

[becka]

snowball22 would you also complain if something did happen and there was no public warning? Were you upset that the intelligence clues pre-9/11 were not made public?

I am not sure that we gain much by the govt. releasing these "threats" because I think we all need to be aware that we are targets all of the time not just because some randon threat was picked up in some intelligence chatter.

Since there is no specific information all the govt. can tell the average person is just to remember to remain alert. There is nothing any of us can do at any time regardless of specific threats other than just to remain vigilant.

 

[glo]

I know that there has been a threat, but lately because of circumstances in my life, I have come to the conclusion that you live each day, because you may not have another chance to later. I refuse to let these people or anyone else change my life or cause me fear....I will do what I have always done.

 

[snowball22]

Hey, the statement bothered me because of the word "Spectacular". The statement was sensationalized. I take these statements to heart because I have two young children who were effected by the September 11th attacks. They learned about terrorists and Anthrax. Two things I never wanted my children to learn about or experience. As to Lunarlady's comments--- I also have been through alot since the attacks. I was diagnosed with cancer and my father had to be taken off life support in June. I am sorry you have been through alot also but when our country is attacked it is something you can't just forget.

 

[LunarLady]

Perhaps the word "spectacular" was used to catch attention of people like me who don't really pay attention anymore. Unfortunately, when I saw it, my first impression was "Yeah right...wonder what else is on?"

I just can't place any significance on CYA notifications out of Washington, nor do I become overly upset when the increase in frequency. I suspect I'm not the only person out there that feels that way.

 

[tedsmom]

My tendency is to think that 9/11 was pretty "spectacular" in itself, and most children are probably more aware of what happened than we think they are.

The threat of terrorism is our new reality. I will not be terrorized by anyone. I live in a free country,and will continue to live my life in that manner.

 

[LunarLady]

It should also be noted that MSNBC just said that this notice was drafted last month and only released today. There wasn't anything specific they were worried about. Again, IMO, just more CYA from our government therefore to be disregarded and life goes on.

 

[C.Ann]

I don't like our new "normal".. It makes me very sad..

Whether I should or I shouldn't, I am going to worry about all of my fellow DISers here who will be traveling soon..

Please stay safe..

 

[WillyJ]

My personal opinion is that because it came to light that the FBI and INS were aware of some of the terrorists being in the country illegally and were a potential threat, and they did nothing about it. . They took some well deserved heat over that, and they have decided to give these warnings whenever there is any hint of possible activity. . .

I think this goes beyond CYA. . . it feels to me like more like a, "How dare you criticize us!!! We'll teach you a lesson by scaring the heck out of you every once in a while". . .

Not only is that arrogant and wrong, but if they continue to give the warnings and nothing happens, some time they may have real, critical info that might be ignored and cost a lot of lives. . .

If they do have solid info about a specific attack, they need to be putting all their resouces into stopping it, and if they do say something to the public, it should be specific information and not a general warning. . what are we supposed to do with this information??

I personally just don't get it..

 

[EROS]

More rhetoric from the administration that can't shoot straight . Hopefully, this bozo will be out of office in 2 years,2 months. I wouldn't call these warnings "leadership"............they're more like "Return of the House of Usher" .......

 

[preshi]

maximum psychological trauma,

Is it me or does it seem like it's the media causing this portion of it???