Would you want to know about this terrorist threat?

[LisaR]

I just watched an episode of Blue Bloods last night and it had me thinking about this topic today.

In the show (based in NYC), they had VERY credible evidence that a bomb was going to go off somewhere in the city by 5PM that day. Unfortunately, they didn't know where and their initial focus was on the bridges although it turned out to be a city park.

The mayor wanted to alert the media so they could tell everyone what was going on. The police chief was against that idea because he felt it would evoke panic and the bridges would be jam packed with people trying to get out of town.

Because it is TV, seconds before they were going to tell the media, the vehicle was spotted and the terrorist was taken into custody. Whew!

Do you feel it is the cities job to notify everyone when they have credible proof? Would the likely panic that it would set off be something to take into consideration? If they did not inform the citizens and the bomb went off, would the city be responsible for the pain and suffering that followed?

 

[golfgal]

Tough question-yes I would like the opportunity to get away, however, by doing so they would take valuable resources away from the search for this bomb. In reality, that isn't enough time to really evacuate a major city and would probably cause more deaths then if people just stayed at home.

 

[pixiewings71]

I felt that they way it shown being handled on Blue Bloods was very well done, I don't know if that's the way it's usually done but I was pleased with it. I do feel that people have a right to know, but I also know that it would have caused mass panic so maybe it's best not to say anything until you have facts. I think a lot of people in NY (and around the country) are very sensitive to terror attacks, especially after 911.

That said, I really didn't like the show that much the first 2 episodes, but it's getting much better.

 

[HelenePA]

no it would make for chaos for the police to do their jobs.

 

[DawnCt1]

Yes. While it may not be possible to evacuate the city, I would steer clear of crowded areas, avoid a large venue, a sports event, a concert, etc.

 

[cm8]

Yes. While it may not be possible to evacuate the city, I would steer clear of crowded areas, avoid a large venue, a sports event, a concert, etc.

You mean like Disney World,