In recent days, we have been told via various media that Amtrak and other public transportation has stepped up security measures and that carry-on bags in high density areas will undergo the same scrutiny as in airports. I often wondered why this hasn't taken place sooner than it has as a normal practice and procedure after the Madrid train bombings and other attacks by terrorists across the globe. Surely the TAS and HLS departments are and have been aware of the vulnerability of the American Public Transit Systems.
WASHINGTON - Amtrak today announced the deployment of its new specialized Amtrak Mobile Security Team to patrol stations and trains and randomly inspect passenger baggage. The Mobile Security Team supplements ongoing patrols already in place by Amtrak to enhance the safety and security of passenger rail travel. The deployment of the Mobile Security Team and the launch of random baggage inspection are further steps in Amtrak's ongoing efforts to strengthen rail security as a means to minimize the risk of terrorist threats. The Mobile Security Teams will ultimately be deployed nationwide. [...] Read the rest...There has been a recent report released by TSA and, another here, in regards to the threat assessments we Americans face in a world of unseen enemies among us. Back in 2002, there was a similar report and for the life of me, I cannot see why it has taken this long to even begin implementing the plan(s).
The document released on 2/28/08 is 11 pages in length is quite concise and to the point. The opening remark is foreboding seeing that security is being beefed up.
Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO). It contains information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, the media, or other personnel who do not have a valid "need-to-know" without prior approval of an authorized TSA official. No portion of this report should be furnished to the media, either in written or verbal form.OOPS! I wonder how MSNBC got a hold of it, then? Just for the hell of it, I saved a copy while it is still available. Isn't MSNBC part of the media? Just wondering. Having now released this "closely held document" to the general public, will they now be charged with Fear Mongering? Or, is this not considered Fear Mongering? I suppose it all depends upon who is mongering the fear and to what end.
From MSNBC: (from the "Deep Background" page...sounds mongerish and ominous to me...shh!)
In a bulletin released Friday to U.S. law enforcement officials, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is warning of "continued strong terrorist interest" in targeting mass transit systems in the U.S. The 10-page threat assessment, labeled "Unclassified/For Official Use Only" and obtained by NBC News, cautions that the "U.S. mass transit and passenger rail systems are vulnerable to terrorist attacks because they are accessible to large numbers of the public and are notoriously difficult to secure." Previous rail attacks in Madrid, London and Mumbai "could inspire terrorists to conduct similar attacks in the United States," the report adds. [...]Apparently, NBC's Jim Popkin, NBC News Senior Investigative Producer, didn't read the part about releasing this to the public. Well, he did. Thus this post.
Whereas this data is really no massive secret, law enforcement really doesn't like to strike fear into the hearts of the populace for the sake of striking fear into the hearts of the populace. Apparently, "Pops" has a morbid streak within him and in the name of "news making" he released this unreleasable document...typical of the American Lame Stream Media.
Like I said, anyone with blood flowing through their veins and is able to move about on their own volition knows that the terrorist threats are ever present and ever real. It seems that quite a few prefer not to acknowledge these threats and when they are made public, scream Fear Mongering. My question is this...why is it OK for the American Lame Stream Media to Fear Monger? And, is this Fear Mongering? If so, why? And, if not, why?
Vote it up at RCP and Digital Journal.
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