Terror Alert [Archive] - GreekChat.com Forums

Hootie

12-21-2003, 10:10 PM

Did they say exactly why it was raised? Is it because of the recent capture of Saddam? Do they fear reprocussions? Just curious - I've been working 22 hours in the past 2 days and with my recent graduation, I haven't been around a television.

PhiPsiRuss

12-21-2003, 10:13 PM

Originally posted by Hootie
Did they say exactly why it was raised?
Well if they said exactly why it was raised, then the enemies might be able to figure out our intelligence sources, as well as know what we know and what we don't know.

AlphaSigOU

12-21-2003, 10:18 PM

From what I've been able to piece together, Ayman-al-Zawahiri, SPECTRE's* - ahem - Al-Qaeda's 'Number Two' man went on Arab TV and mentioned that they were planning a major terrorist attack around the holidays in the U.S. of A. There may be other indicators we may not be aware of that caused the powers that be to ratchet up the threat condition to Orange.

Al-Zawahiri is considered just as dangerous as Osama, and some say he's even worse than his boss. Unusual to see him instead of the main man delivering a threat, and that's something that's keeping our defenses up on guard.

* SPECTRE - The SPecial Executive for Counterintelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion. Had to insert a sly James Bond reference, but al-Qaeda operates very much like the fictional nemesis of 007. ;)

texas*princess

12-22-2003, 01:24 AM

Here's a snippet from CNN.com

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge warned of possible terrorist strikes more devastating than the al Qaeda attacks of September 11, 2001.

He said the move was the result of a "substantial increase" in the volume of intelligence pointing to "near-term attacks that could either rival or exceed what we experienced on September 11."

For the full story, I'm pretty sure www.cnn.com will keep everyone updated.

I hope this helped :)

DeltAlum

12-22-2003, 10:44 AM

My guess is that I'm totallly wrong, but I have this theory that these "terrorists" are screwing with out heads.

Seems like just about every time a traditional holiday when Americans travel a lot comes up, so do the "credible" threats.

Of course we can't ignore them, but this may be a form of psychological terrorism.

bethany1982

12-22-2003, 10:51 AM

OMG, I think I'll stay in all week.

PhiPsiRuss

12-22-2003, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by DeltAlum
My guess is that I'm totallly wrong, but I have this theory that these "terrorists" are screwing with out heads.

Seems like just about every time a traditional holiday when Americans travel a lot comes up, so do the "credible" threats.

Of course we can't ignore them, but this may be a form of psychological terrorism.
You're probably right, but you're also in Colorado. I live in Manhattan, and even though there probably won't be a terrorist attack, which is a collection high value targets for Al Qaeda. I can't be so dismissive of these threats.

xok85xo

12-22-2003, 10:57 AM

Originally posted by russellwarshay
You're probably right, but you're also in Colorado. I live in Manhattan, and even though there probably won't be a terrorist attack, which is a collection high value targets for Al Qaeda. I can't be so dismissive of these threats.

no, but new york city has also been in a constant state of orange alert since 9/11..has that stopped you from living your life normally (well, as normal as post-9/11 can be..)?

Kevin

12-22-2003, 11:00 AM

Great... I'm flying tommorow. They ALWAYS choose me to be searched before boarding.

PhiPsiRuss

12-22-2003, 11:03 AM

Originally posted by xok85xo
no, but new york city has also been in a constant state of orange alert since 9/11..has that stopped you from living your life normally (well, as normal as post-9/11 can be..)?
Not all "states of orange" are equal. What was recently announced includes potential targets in my town, so it is effecting me. Its easier to be completely rational when you don't live in a potential terrorist target.

xok85xo

12-22-2003, 11:30 AM

Originally posted by russellwarshay
Not all "states of orange" are equal. What was recently announced includes potential targets in my town, so it is effecting me. Its easier to be completely rational when you don't live in a potential terrorist target.

i live 12 miles from manhattan, and am in the city pretty often. don't dismiss my being rational because i live in middle america and am not in similar danger should there be an attack. my risk is clearly not as high as yours - but should something happen it would definately have a huge impact on my everyday life, thanks.

SmartBlondeGPhB

12-22-2003, 12:06 PM

I think it's all just stupid.

Like they are really going to ANNOUNCE they're coming.

Cars are now being searched at the airport, as if we needed more delays to deal with.

Cloud9

12-22-2003, 12:06 PM

I live in NYC and I'm not afraid of any attacks. If it happens, it happens, not much I can do about it. I'd rather die living my life than stay "safe" quaking in a closet. I find that most New Yorkers feel this way.

DeltAlum

12-22-2003, 01:54 PM

Originally posted by russellwarshay
You're probably right, but you're also in Colorado. I live in Manhattan, and even though there probably won't be a terrorist attack, which is a collection high value targets for Al Qaeda. I can't be so dismissive of these threats.
On the other hand, there's a 50/50 chance I'll be moving to Manhattan shortly after the first of the year.

Just won't allow these guys mess with my mind...

xo_kathy

12-23-2003, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by Cloud9
I live in NYC and I'm not afraid of any attacks. If it happens, it happens, not much I can do about it. I'd rather die living my life than stay "safe" quaking in a closet. I find that most New Yorkers feel this way.

* raises hand *
Me too!

GeekyPenguin

12-23-2003, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by ktsnake
Great... I'm flying tommorow. They ALWAYS choose me to be searched before boarding.

Poor you! My car has always gotten waived right through - I think the sorority decals and pink everywhere manage to convince them I'm not a threat. ;)

xok85xo

12-23-2003, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
Poor you! My car has always gotten waived right through - I think the sorority decals and pink everywhere manage to convince them I'm not a threat. ;)

i don't know how much that holds true:) i was always searched even before 9/11. once my friend and i went to pick her boyfriend up (when they still allowed non-passengers to go to the gates) at the albuquerque airport and they tested our purses for explosive material. not kidding..the bags were seriously tiny too.

Munchkin03

12-23-2003, 01:43 PM

Currently, I'm at home in Florida--about 2 miles from the largest military installation in the free world. I remember how tight security was during Gulf War I. The way I see it, I'm in just as much sitting here on the Gulf as I am in my Manhattan apartment.

So I don't worry that much--here nor there.

GeekyPenguin

12-23-2003, 01:51 PM

Originally posted by xok85xo
i don't know how much that holds true:) i was always searched even before 9/11. once my friend and i went to pick her boyfriend up (when they still allowed non-passengers to go to the gates) at the albuquerque airport and they tested our purses for explosive material. not kidding..the bags were seriously tiny too.

Yikes! I've never had problems flying yet. (knocks on wood) Now that I've said this, it'll take us like 9 years to get through security in D.C., I can see it.

AlphaSigOU

12-23-2003, 06:14 PM

Just remember to be sure and use the restroom before flying to or from DCA (Washington National Airport*)! Current security requirements prohibit anyone from getting up out of their seats for 30 minutes before landing into and 30 minutes after takeoff from DCA. Get up out of your seat before the 30 minutes are up and you will automatically force the flight to be diverted to the nearest airport.

(*Sorry, not calling it by its official title - Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Same goes with Houston Intercontinental Airport - aka George Bush Houston Intercontinental. They ain't dead yet! :) )

DeltAlum

12-23-2003, 06:37 PM

Old habits die hard. With absolutely no disrespect to the former President, it'll probably always be "National" to me.

AlphaSigOU

12-23-2003, 09:50 PM

Originally posted by DeltAlum
Old habits die hard. With absolutely no disrespect to the former President, it'll probably always be "National" to me.

At least I'm not alone here! :)

Peaches-n-Cream

12-23-2003, 10:10 PM

I was out and about in Manhattan today. I haven't seen this many police officers since Sept. 2002. The city was the busiest I can remember in over two years. I was near Rockefeller Center and saw the Christmas tree. I walked up Fifth Avenue. The stores were decorated beautifully. There were so many people out shopping and sightseeing. I felt secure. I was afraid of pickpockets which aren't uncommon at this time of year. It took me one hour to walk 20 blocks which is a long time for me. So in summary, I am not afraid, but I am concerned. I am living my life as safely as I can. :)

aephi alum

12-23-2003, 10:18 PM

Originally posted by DeltAlum
Old habits die hard. With absolutely no disrespect to the former President, it'll probably always be "National" to me.

Ditto!

Oh, I noticed something interesting during my commute today. I pass a truck weigh station on my way to work and another on my way home... Both were open today. Weigh stations are pretty much NEVER open. Hmmm...

DeltAlum

12-23-2003, 11:19 PM

According to NBC Nightly News, the major targets are Las Vegas and a small town I can't remember the name of at the moment.

I still wonder if this isn't mostly psycho-terror.

aephi alum

12-24-2003, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by DeltAlum
I still wonder if this isn't mostly psycho-terror.

It could very well be. Make vague threats and see how high the Americans jump. :(

But a good way to combat psycho-terror is to just keep living your life the way you would do anyway. Screen air passengers more carefully, increase police patrols, yes, but don't let the possibility of terrorism keep you hiding at home. Look at Israel - every time they go to market, they know today could be the day their market gets blown up, but they go anyway. If you hide at home, then the terrorists have won.

Stay safe, everyone.

queequek

12-24-2003, 06:43 PM

Heard on the news that Air France cancelled five flights lately due to terrorist threats, today and tomorrow (24th and 25th Dec)

Also, the police caught a plan to bomb train station (?not sure, might be subway), and they found the bomb on a vehicle. This is in Madrid, Spain, btw

Stay safe ya'll :o

DeltAlum

12-24-2003, 07:15 PM

Right, and those flights were coming to Los Angeles.

PM_Mama00

12-24-2003, 07:21 PM

Originally posted by James
And the little boy cried wolf.

But what happened at the end of that story?

FAB*SpiceySpice

12-25-2003, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by SmartBlondeGPhB
I think it's all just stupid.

Like they are really going to ANNOUNCE they're coming.

NO JOKE!!! I am sorry but seriously these terrorists are NOT THAT DUMB. :rolleyes: I also agree with whoever said that this is more so psychological terrorism than anything else. Ok I'll admit I was wrong if tomorrow the country gets attacked but I honestly doubt it. And I understand people who live in higher danger zones or whatever wanting to be cautious or whatnot, but really the way I see it if it's going to happen, it's going to happen and I don't think there is much any of us individually can do. So I say live your life as best as you can, don't be careless but don't live in fear. I believe that what is meant to happen will happen. That's life. Ok, enough rambling from Kiki.

/hijack

Rudey

12-25-2003, 12:44 AM

Originally posted by aephi alum
It could very well be. Make vague threats and see how high the Americans jump. :(

But a good way to combat psycho-terror is to just keep living your life the way you would do anyway. Screen air passengers more carefully, increase police patrols, yes, but don't let the possibility of terrorism keep you hiding at home. Look at Israel - every time they go to market, they know today could be the day their market gets blown up, but they go anyway. If you hide at home, then the terrorists have won.

Umm that's not true. When there is fear in the air, the streets in Jerusalem are empty. Nobody wants to go into the street. Ben Yehuda becomes a ghost street. The stores and public transport become hard hit and people rely on delivery and private transport. Much of the private enterprise there has hired private body guards for most stores and people usually don't go into places without the guards. That quote about hiding at home is foolish - it doesn't hold in most places where there is rampant terrorism. Terrorism achieves its goal very effectively. It doesn't mean people sit at home crying, but it also doesn't mean you let your children ride the bus to go clubbing.

-Rudey

Rudey

12-25-2003, 01:58 AM

Originally posted by DeltAlum
On the other hand, there's a 50/50 chance I'll be moving to Manhattan shortly after the first of the year.

Just won't allow these guys mess with my mind...

Hey pops, we should go to a bar!

-Rudey

DeltAlum

12-27-2003, 01:09 AM

Originally posted by Rudey
Hey pops, we should go to a bar!

-Rudey
I'll let you know if it happens. Don't forget your ID.

Rudey

12-27-2003, 01:55 AM

Originally posted by DeltAlum
I'll let you know if it happens. Don't forget your ID.

Oh it'll happen. I've got faith in you. James will meet up with us. Only us 3 because hey who would expect it.

-Rudey
--And why would I be the one to forget my ID? I've still got my memory ;)

Peaches-n-Cream

12-27-2003, 02:10 AM

Originally posted by Rudey
Oh it'll happen. I've got faith in you. James will meet up with us. Only us 3 because hey who would expect it.

-Rudey
--And why would I be the one to forget my ID? I've still got my memory ;)

May I come, too?

Rudey

12-27-2003, 02:19 AM

Originally posted by Peaches-n-Cream
May I come, too?

No. This is an all male gathering. Delt-Alum is going to come shirtless, bang on tables and demand to be served the finest Coors this side of the Rockies.

-Rudey

Peaches-n-Cream

12-27-2003, 02:27 AM

DolphinChicaDDD

12-31-2003, 12:18 AM

My personal opinion on the orange alert....

We are raising the threat to orange to see what the terrorists reaction is, ie if the "chatter" backs off or becomes intensified or what not.

DeltAlum

12-31-2003, 02:05 PM

Originally posted by Rudey
No. This is an all male gathering. Delt-Alum is going to come shirtless, bang on tables and demand to be served the finest Coors this side of the Rockies.

-Rudey
Hey Cream,

Come on by. I promise to be on my best behavior. I don't want to catch a cold, so I'll be sure to wear a shirt.

I haven't liked Coors since college -- even though that's considered heretical around here. Give me Rolling Rock anytime!

decadence

12-31-2003, 02:27 PM

Be glad you don't look REALLY suspicious then!!
There are searches and there are searches buddy ;).

valkyrie

12-31-2003, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by DeltAlum
I haven't liked Coors since college -- even though that's considered heritical around here. Give me Rolling Rock anytime!

Oh my, I have never liked Coors. With all the great microbrews out here, I wouldn't even consider drinking that swill.

Peaches-n-Cream

12-31-2003, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by DeltAlum
Hey Cream,

Come on by. I promise to be on my best behavior. I don't want to catch a cold, so I'll be sure to wear a shirt.

I haven't liked Coors since college -- even though that's considered heritical around here. Give me Rolling Rock anytime!

Thanks DA! :D There is a GC get-together on Jan. 30th if you are in NYC at that time.

Rudey

12-31-2003, 04:07 PM

I'm never wearing my shirt when I drink again.

-Rudey

DeltAlum

12-31-2003, 05:40 PM

Originally posted by valkyrie
Oh my, I have never liked Coors. With all the great microbrews out here, I wouldn't even consider drinking that swill.
When I was in college, Coors was considered kind of a delicacy because it was so light.

But the real reason is that you couldn't buy it in the East in those days, so it was a big deal to have.

Swill, however, is a good word -- and Coors Light is even worse.

Sorry, Kitso.

Tom Earp

12-31-2003, 05:52 PM

Sorry Kitso your ass! TE!:mad:

I drink when I am not drinking Grape Juice and Scotch Whisky, The Exlixcoor of Golden Light Silver Bullets!:cool:

Wish I could say watching My Golden Figure!:D

Swill You Say, You Varlet! Notice I did not Say Harlot! U Slut Puppy!:mad:

The taste is in the eyes of the Drinker!

Now, if you are talking True Bier, that is a Keg of a different Matter!:cool:

What the Heck does this have to do with Polotics?

Bring Back Bill Clinton! Well Helliroy ran it anyway!:rolleyes:

Tom Earp

12-31-2003, 06:01 PM

Oh, and I think the Friggen Morons at Cinn. Kt airport coming back from Olando thought I was a Security RisK!:mad:

Hell a 5' 8 " 60 year old looks like a Terrorist! What the F!:p

The Airline Sucked, Delta, and the dumb assed semi Cops there!:mad:

I just love The Intell for where a Bomb might be and on what planes and what area!:rolleyes:

Do they really have a clue?:confused: EAH! Not! But justifies Their Beaurocratic Jobs!:eek:

wreckingcrew

12-31-2003, 07:44 PM

Originally posted by DeltAlum
When I was in college, Coors was considered kind of a delicacy because it was so light.

But the real reason is that you couldn't buy it in the East in those days, so it was a big deal to have.

Swill, however, is a good word -- and Coors Light is even worse.

Sorry, Kitso.

That's ok DA.

What was that quote? "Flush twice, it's a long way to Golden" ?

Actually, now that Shiner Bock has released a Shiner Lite, Coors may no longer be on my drink list heretofore.

Kitso
KS 361

DeltAlum

01-01-2004, 12:06 AM

Originally posted by AggieSigmaNu361
"Flush twice, it's a long way to Golden" ?
The very one. Saw that quote above a urinal in bar my first night living in Denver.

_Opi_

01-04-2004, 08:52 PM

Hmm...orange alert just means that I have to avoid the borders!

It seems that everytime they look at my passport and see where I was born (somewhere in the middle-east; regardless that I am a canadian citizen and an american resident)....I always get pulled over.

As for possible attacks..i hardly doubt it.

James

01-05-2004, 11:32 AM

You have to keep raising the alert status in order to keep people scared enough that you can justify the ACTS that take away our civil liberties.

I think some of the Security Acts are up for renewal . . .

Not to mention that any government that seeks more power over is populace has tradtionally empahsized a loosely defined enemy as well as warns against subversives in the domestic population.

Originally posted by DolphinChicaDDD
My personal opinion on the orange alert....

We are raising the threat to orange to see what the terrorists reaction is, ie if the "chatter" backs off or becomes intensified or what not.

DeltAlum

01-06-2004, 05:57 PM

Originally posted by James
You have to keep raising the alert status in order to keep people scared enough that you can justify the ACTS that take away our civil liberties.
Worries me.

justamom

01-06-2004, 08:27 PM

When I flew to D.C. I had to do the spread eagle! I think it was because I had a one way ticket. Now honestly, there is NO WAY I look like a terrorist--even a dissident. They also searched my luggage and went through EVERYthing!:o I had prepared for it...had a funny feeling, ya know?

Now my daughter is in NY-called me from the Square. She will be flying home out of Binghamton (sp?) so I'm nervous, but not chewing my nails to the cuticle.

I'm not as cynical as y'all. I'm glad they are being cautious-even OVERLY cautious.

Did you hear the most recent "threat" is the terrorist putting the explosive inside him/her. Some are calling it a body bomb.

moe.ron

01-07-2004, 06:17 AM

My new t-shirt i'm making "I've Come Not To Bomb But To Love".

_Opi_

01-07-2004, 09:54 AM

^ lol

Peaches-n-Cream

01-07-2004, 02:13 PM

Originally posted by justamom
When I flew to D.C. I had to do the spread eagle! I think it was because I had a one way ticket. Now honestly, there is NO WAY I look like a terrorist--even a dissident. They also searched my luggage and went through EVERYthing!:o I had prepared for it...had a funny feeling, ya know?

Now my daughter is in NY-called me from the Square. She will be flying home out of Binghamton (sp?) so I'm nervous, but not chewing my nails to the cuticle.

I'm not as cynical as y'all. I'm glad they are being cautious-even OVERLY cautious.

Did you hear the most recent "threat" is the terrorist putting the explosive inside him/her. Some are calling it a body bomb.

Why is JustaDaughter :) flying out of Binghamton? It is about 200 miles outside of NYC. I guess it's a connecting flight. She should call me, and I'll keep her safe in the city.

I went to DC after Thanksgiving. I took Amtrak instead of flying because I didn't want to deal with the airlines. The train was four hours and $265, but I think it was worth it.

justamom

01-07-2004, 02:49 PM

She has friends there as well as in NYC. So they split the time between the two locations. New York City, being so expensive it got the shorter stay.

She is landing (as I post) in Philadephia and then will fly into
New Orleans.

I would really like to take a train trip, but Amtrack's record is a little scary!

edited-I will say at this time, I really might feel safer on a train.
Do they have a actual rooms with sleeping/bathroom facilities?
Is it loud?

Peaches-n-Cream

01-07-2004, 03:01 PM

Originally posted by justamom
She has friends there as well as in NYC. So they split the time between the two locations. New York, being so expensive it got the shorter stay.

She is landing (as I post) in Philadephia and then will fly into
New Orleans.

I would really like to take a train trip, but Amtrack's record is a little scary!

If her friends are students at Binghamton, we have an awesome D Phi E chapter there. :D BTW, it was my chapter back in the day. :)