[Lone_Gunman]

If there was no obvious, clear information connecting an event to terrorism, but the US found out that it was related to terrorism, would they even tell us?

There seems to be an overwhelming urge for the government to immediately deny an event was terrorism, even before the cause is clearly known.

Take for example the power outage. I don't believe it was terrorism, but for the government to come out and immediately rule out terrorism seems a little odd. They admit they dont know what caused it, but seem certain it absolutely was not terrorism.

It makes them look like they don't want to upset the flock.

[SkunkApe]

I find myself (strangely) in agreement with Lone Gunman.

The Bush administration is spending 3 billion dollars and 30 American lives per month in Iraq alone, not to mention the costs the Afghanistan war, the Department of Homeland Security, increased airline and border security, and the Patriot Act.

If the terrorists strike again, its not a positive thing for Bush. And its certainly clear by now that Bush and company (like most politicans) play fast and loose with the truth.

Yep, they'd lie.

[Thumper]

Wait.

I think we all agree that a major, unhideable, terrorist act should be terrifyingly easy to plan and implement.

We haven't seen any.

SO:

A.) Terrorists are terribly incompetent.

OR:

B.) This administration has been terribly competent.

OR:

C.) There are no terrorists.

OR:

D.) The terrorists are somehow incapacitated.

Did I miss any?

[Lone_Gunman]

Thumper:

Maybe the terrorists just havent decided to do anything yet.

[SkunkApe]

Thumper,

I've been giving option "C" a lot of thought lately.

[Standing Wolf]

Terrorist activities are on a need to know basis, and mere commoners don't, I'm sure.

The real terrorist assault against our nation consists of million upon millions of illegal aliens—but we don't have a $28,000,000,000 Department of Homeland Security to take an occasional peek at the borders.

[Thumper]

Maybe the terrorists just havent decided to do anything yet.

Even after numerous public calls by their leaders to act? I don't know.

I've been giving option "C" a lot of thought lately.

Hmmm...nah...they've definitely made themselves obvious in areas outside our borders of late.

[Kingcreek]

Did I miss any?
E. 2 or more of the above

[scottgun]

TWA flight 800? Al Gore?

Save your tin foil beenie comments. There seems to be a large gap between the eye witness accounts and the government's report on this incident. A spark will not cause jet fuel to explode.

With the power outage, it's unlikely that it was terrorism, jmnsho.

Why would the government admit to something that would cause the people to question it's effectiveness? Everyone repeat after me, "we are with the governement, we are here to help".

[hillbilly]

Just something to remember....

On July 4, 2002, an Egyptian man assaulted the El Al Airlines counter (official ariline of Israel) at LAX in Los Angeles and was shot dead during his attack by an El Al security guard.

A Muslim attacking Jews on July 4th at an American airport.............

At the time, the government said, "Not terrorism, not terrorism" in a very loud voice .


Almost a year later, a little tiny report from the FBI said in a very small voice, "Oh yeah, that um, Muslim, you know the one like shooting Jews at that, uh, airport? Yeah, that guy? Well, don't tell anybody, but that was really, uh, it was actually, oh, I don't like to say this word, but it was sort of, kind of, well, you know........the "T" word..........................terrorism...."

hillbilly

[Baba Louie]

hillbilly,

but he was a little "t", with no roots or base organization to back him up so I guess he doesn't count (as much) like other, better financed, clearly tied to mid-east organizations or nation-states "t's".

just another crazed gunman in L.A.

an they ain't "t's" unless Unca Sam says they're "t's".

only big "t's" count ya know. better to expand a budget or implement a new cabinet/department.

for the children.

Adios

[Waitone]

The federales in particular have a vested interest in denying terror involvement at the outset of an incident. Can't say I disagree because of the unprincipal and unrestrained horror-mongering of the media.

The other principal is it is impossible for gov't to protect everyone everywhere at all times. Fact of reality. Probem is lots of Americans think gov't should do just that. Given those constraints I an not surprised gov't lies right out the box.

[gun-fucious]

heres a scenario

HLS intercepts a dirty bomb on board a container ship heading for NYC.

Do they report the operation to the public?

[Lone_Gunman]

gun-fucious

If i was Bush, and it was a month or 2 before the elections, I would report it for sure!

[buzz_knox]

The federales in particular have a vested interest in denying terror involvement at the outset of an incident. Can't say I disagree because of the unprincipal and unrestrained horror-mongering of the media.

Doesn't this run contrary to the oft-run mantra that the gov't will use any and all means to expand its power? Shouldn't it be calling everything terrorism, to insure that its powers reach as far as possible?

[Leatherneck]

It makes them look like they don't want to upset the flock.
Well of course they don't, and for just the reason Waitone cited. Can't say as I'd do anything different; maybe put it in more objective terms like: "At present we have no indications that it was caused by terrorism, but please remain aware." Hey, I could be in Gummint with thoughts like that, Huh? Oh, wait...never mind. :D

TC
TFL Survivor

[Sergeant Bob]

A spark will not cause jet fuel to explode.
Not trying to make a judgement on TWA 800 one way or the other but, indeed a spark can cause jet fuel to explode. I spent the better part of 18 years trying to prevent said (as in static and electric) sparks from causing jet fuel to explode.