Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said this week he had a "gut feeling" that there was a higher threat of an al-Qaida terrorist attack in the United States this summer. But he also said he saw no need to raise the threat level.
Seems a bit sketchy, but maybe that’s because fully one-quarter of top Homeland Security positions are vacant, according to a House oversight committee, which warned that the vacancies made the United States much more vulnerable to attack.
Maybe Chertoff should consult his gut about the need for new hires.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
Registered?
Commenting on WE Blog now requires you to be a Kansas.com member. Use the links above to register, if you haven't already, or to log in.Contact us
Follow us
Daily Archives
-
Recent Comments
- Daniel on Open thread 11/22
- Rage on Open thread 11/22
- Rage on Open thread 11/22
- BlueJay on Open thread 11/22
- American_Way on Open thread 11/22
- Rage on Open thread 11/22
- American_Way on Health care reform would save state money
- American_Way on Health care reform would save state money
- American_Way on Open thread 11/22
- Phantom on So they said
51 Comments
National security decisions are now being made based on the intestinal rumblings of senior citizens.
Lovely.
Gad. Either be credible, or shut the hell up. That comment is directed towards Chertoff
I wonder if an application of GAS-X or Beano would change his apprehensions?
He must have developed the bush sensitivity to his gut feelings, if that doesn’t trump Alll!
Does the timing of this strike anyone as being less than coincidental?
Wichita Eagle Democrat is the new name of the paper now.
They have ceased to report objective news.
Vaughn,
What “strike?” You mean, Chertoff’s bleating about his gas attack? How its being used to distract from what’s going on in the Senate right now?
Nope, no coincidence at all.
Vaughn, you wouldn’t be suggesting that the administration would talk up the threat from terrorism just as his own party is pushing him to change his “strategy” in Iraq, would you?
Just as it’s heading home for an August recess? Surely not!!!
Shame on you, sir! The president would never in a million years try to leverage a manufactured fear of losing elective office in order to commit the US to an enormous foreign policy blunder!
What makes the US much more vulnerable to attack is him.
Could that jerk fight his way out of a wet paper bag?
“Homeland Security” is a slogan to keep the murdering of Iraqis perpetual.
What would the threat level go to if Chertoff ate several bean burritoes with jalapenos, and had a couple of beers?
Chertoff saying “Our edge is technology and the vigilance of the ordinary citizen,”I, myself like so many as an ordinary citizen are not able to identify a terrorist activity, do any of you know what, who or how on terrorist?You must admit it; it does not matter if there is a political cover up, a distraction or what ever you want to call it, when it comes to security we should all be aware of our surroundings and not let our guards down.For whatever Chertoff’s reasons to say that he has a gut feeling about an attack, I feel more comfortable with someone who seems foolish then with someone who said “Everything is OK, nothing to worry about”.
So, a quarter of all positions in Homeland Security are unfilled? And this after all the speeches about the terrorist threats and the absolute need to secure our country? If there is really a terrorist threat, why is Bush giving us only a cheap illusion of security? Does he know something we don’t, or do we know something he doesn’t?
It would reach Critical Mass, and America would have to take cover with the plastic and duct tape!
Wait! I thought we already won the war on terrorism waaaayyyy back in ‘03? Did I miss something? Are you all telling me our borders are not secured, the immagration problem is not solved, terrorists are still plotting against this country, and there are still WMD in Iraq?
I’m shocked, I tell you, shocked!
The bush administration gives ME a gut feeling that urges me to visit the porcelain alter. A bright and scary object this. No more.
Well, it seems as if the threats have become more specific. Remember though, come what may, all ragheads are not bad. And we must, must, must, continue to worship the gods of tolerance, diversity, open borders and “multiculturalism”;that is all!
Al Qaeda Cell in the U.S. Or On Its Way, According to New IntelShare July 10, 2007 6:30 PM
Brian Ross Reports:
Senior U.S. intelligence officials tell ABC News new intelligence suggests a small al Qaeda cell is on its way to the United States, or may already be here.
The White House has convened an urgent multi-agency meeting for Thursday afternoon to deal with the new threat.
THE BLOTTER RECOMMENDSBlotter Secret Document: U.S. Fears Terror ‘Spectacular’ PlannedBlotter Al Qaeda No. 2 Makes More Threats Against the U.K.Click Here to Check Out Brian Ross Investigative PhotosTop intelligence and law enforcement officials have been told to assemble in the Situation Room to report on:
–what steps can be taken to minimize or counter the threat,
–and what steps are being taken to harden security for government buildings and personnel.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told the Chicago Tribune editorial board on Tuesday he had “a gut feeling” that an attack was coming.
“We do worry about whether they are rebuilding their capabilities,” Chertoff said. “We strike at them; we degrade them; but they rebuild.”
“It suggests they have information that the cell or cells coming this direction want to attack a government facility,” Brad Garrett, a former FBI agent and ABC News consultant, said.
Law enforcement officials say the recent failed attacks in London have provided important new clues about possible tactics….http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/07/al-qaeda-cell-i.html
I have a “feeling” that with the Libby commutation, upcoming congressional subpoena showdown, a surge in Iraq that is not working and Bush approval ratings at a new low, that a dose of fear was just what the Bushco political doctor ordered. You can always count on Bush and his cronies to bring out the fear mongers when they need some political cover.
The Bush White House is the most effective terrorist organization to ever operate in the US. Their entire term in office has been based on keeping the entire country fearful of the terrorist boogeyman. Fear is a useful tool when you are stripping away long held civil rights and lying the country into an immoral war.
SS,
The racist shilling continues on multiple threads, I see.
You may want to learn a new tune, since the one-note racist bleating appears to be losing some of its effectiveness.
Would you buy a used car from that man?
Hey, Chertoff – al-Qaeda is 8 guys in a cave in northwest Pakistan. They haven’t made a phone call in over 5 years because they would get blown to smithereens if they tried.
Of course, you know that already.
how convenient.
Sentate votes to DEFUND cheneyGonzalez is on the hot seat againMeiers has to testify DESPITE pissypants claiming EPIraq War failing
but
but
wait for it…
Chertoff has a “gut feeling” some boogie man might attack us this summer…
way to go chimpy … bring out the terror card again, but this time people are on to your corruption
thought we were fighting them there so we didn’t have to here???
that is the final argument
BRING OUR BOYS HOME
Bring em home, Republicans won’t even let them have time to recuperate!
If the cell is on its way, they’ll probably want to use the southern entrance to our country, since bush has done next to nothing to secure it.
My “gut” tell me that al-Qaida is causing the 13 deaths which are caused by refrigerators each year.
Sneaky al-Qaida is disguising themselves as refrigerators and “terrorizing” us.
No doubt about it, so check your “gut” and be aware { say something in Arabic to your refrigerator and see if it answers }.
“way to go chimpy … bring out the terror card again, but this time people are on to your corruption”
“Their entire term in office has been based on keeping the entire country fearful of the terrorist boogeyman.”
Reasons # 5931 and 5932 why McGovern’s Ghost will bit you people right in the ass.
The threat is real.
Please, don’t stop.
You and the rest of the 29% that still support Bush may need a daddy figure to protect you from the big bad wolf, but the rest of the country no longer buys the BS you and your party are selling.
It must be comforting to bush to know he’s smarter than at least 29% of the population!
It must be comforting to bush to know he’s smarter than at least 29% of the population!
It must be comforting to bush to know he’s smarter than at least 29% of the population!
Hey it even posts when you get ‘page can not be displayed’ message!
It his way of saying it is his best guess and that is how this whole thing has been run. It is a hard job to second guess the terrorists. It does not help when they focus on subjects that are of no use in the game.We fight war on the cheap, focus on the other party more then the enemies of this country and stand divide on everything. So why would the terrorists need to have an other attack?
If Mike would stop by my place, I’d offer him some Alki-Seltzer. Maybe that would quit his shaky gut.
quiet, not quit
“You and the rest of the 29% that still support Bush may need a daddy figure…”
All the more reason why the Dems impotency is so fun to watch. You people throw out this number, but you won’t do anything. All talk, no action. Pussies.
Dennis
We all make typos and fill in what you mean to say as we read…..not to worry…
that is except for walker, who is always perfect, just behind me, who is ultra-perfect…
This is the guy they replaced the first Homeland Security guy, Guiliani’s crooked thug Bernard Kerik, with.
Yeah, Bush really knows how to pick ‘em!
Bush is actually quite cheritable though – If there is a corrupt bureaucrat out there, this administration finds them – and takes them in.
All the more reason why the Dems impotency is so fun to watch. You people throw out this number, but you won’t do anything. All talk, no action. Pussies.
Posted by: fleettwood | July 11, 2007 at 07:49 PM
Put your gutless lying hypocrite fecal matter encrusted mouth around this…asswipe!
did you hear that as soon as Rudi’s men found the gold, they stopped looking for the dead firemen on 9/11
Of course! All Republicans are gutless, lying, hypocrites.
Oooh.. “Put your fecal matter encrusted mouth around this asswipe”.. Sounds like we have a bush/cheney lover on our hands!
Does your mother let you kiss her with that mouth?
Truth is AQ still wants to hurt us here — and more than likely has operatives / cells working in the country (remember we still don’t secure our borders) — Mikey screwed up by using a gut check as a measure — he would have been better off saying we have intel traffic that indicates AQ is prepping for something and leave it at that.
Homeland Security is really big into Ouiji boards too . . .
What ever happened to those “ORANGE ALERTS! Everybody buy plastic and duct tape and panic!”
“And vote Republican to keep you safe.”
maybe this is an attempt to cover up all the corruption in the Bush administration, but its going to get bad for the repukes…
Larry Flyntt is on a mission and it is going to get good…
just read this little snippet
“Today, looking back, Jeanette is not the least bit ashamed of the business she built. “There is a need for prostitutes,” she says. “We balance everything out. We let a guy live out his fantasies.” Some of the fantasies at the Canal Street Brothel got a little rough. For those who liked that kind of stuff, there were whips, chains and a lot of leather. Jeanette says that most of the clients who wanted to be dominated were Republicans. She cracks a smile, then adds, “They wanted to be spanked and tortured and wear stockings — Republicans have impeccable taste in silk stockings — and these are the people who run our country.”
Mikey screwed up by using a gut check as a measure — he would have been better off saying we have intel traffic that indicates AQ is prepping for something and leave it at that.
Posted by: ken | July 11, 2007 at 10:27 PM
Oh, in other words…LIE. Well, it worked getting Americans to believe we needed to invade Iraq.
Does your mother let you kiss her with that mouth?
Posted by: KCDan | July 11, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Answer: All Republican mothers kiss their fecalmouthed children on the lips and love it. That’s why Republicans are so perverted!
Could this be what’s sticking in Chertoff’s craw?Fake firm gets nuclear license in U.S. govt sting By JoAnne AllenThu Jul 12, 12:46 AM ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Undercover investigators, working for a fake firm, obtained a license to buy enough radioactive material to build a “dirty bomb,” amid little scrutiny from federal regulators, according to a government report obtained on Wednesday.
ADVERTISEMENTThe U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the license to the dummy company in just 28 days with only a cursory review, the Government Accountability Office said in a report to be released on Thursday.
The GAO, which set up the sting, said the NRC approved the license after a couple of faxes and phones calls and then mailed it to the phony company’s headquarters — a drop box at a United Parcel Service location.
“From the date of application to the issuance of the license, the entire process lasted 28 days,” the GAO said. “GAO investigators essentially obtained a valid materials license from the NRC without ever leaving their desks.”
The NRC oversees the U.S. nuclear industry and nuclear material safety issues.
The GAO report said its undercover agents made counterfeit copies of the license, changed the wording to remove restrictions on how much they were allowed to buy and then ordered enough radiological materials to build a dirty bomb.
The GAO, a nonpartisan investigative arm of Congress, said its investigators did not take possession of the radiological materials.
U.S. officials have warned that militant groups, including al Qaeda, could use conventional explosives and material from sources as common as hospital X-ray departments to build so-called dirty bombs that could spread radioactive waste across urban centers.
The GAO sting was requested by a Senate panel that has been exploring post-September 11 security gaps in the U.S. government’s regulation of radioactive material.
The senior Republican on the panel, Sen. Norm Coleman of Minnesota, said the panel found the NRC was issuing licenses for “dangerous” level materials before visiting facilities making the applications.
“The NRC’s first visit to the facilities could be up to one year after the license was issued. That’s like handing out a gun license and waiting a year to do the background check,” Coleman said in a statement.
The GAO recommended the NRC improve its process for examining license applications for radioactive materials and explore ways to prevent the counterfeiting of licenses.
This is the sinister Gollum in disguise as Shirtoff, he just hasn’t taken his Chert off yet, but you’ll see, Michael become Schmiekel which tranlates Shmeegal or Gollum.God bless Gollums gut, but not his butt, Chert off has a butt reaction, I’d say he ate too much bullshit.This guy knows nine eleven was an inside job, see Israeli Mossad Agents Dancing on Rooftops afterWTC collapses. The same covert operatives are plannin nuke attacks on US cities. Marshall law will be implemented while we are attacking Iran, the media will be shut down and thier will be no 2008 elections. You didn’t think Georgie boy would give up that easy did ya, no third term, but he ain’t goin nowhere.You just watch. Dick Cheney said it all in a recent speech, this guy has cajones the size of beachballs. Meanwhile Amerka lies oblivious to the sinister forces arrayed against them, in Wichita there are Iranian students who have recently arrived and unbeknownst to them, they are the sitting duck patsy, blithely unaware they will take the fall for attacks carried out by our own Delta Force teams.Oh and WTC Building 7, did not collapse on its own, it was pulled(detonators term for implosion),asquoted of Larry Silverstein, NYCreal estate exec and winner of 7 Billion dollar insurance settlement on 300 million dollar policy he took out months prior to the attack.Question is will they attack Wichita, considering three of the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have visited Wichita, Cheney, GW Bush, Rumsfeld. What is Wichita Homeland Security doing while 35,000 illegal immigrants drive around Wichita with SUV’s full of Cocaine and Marijuana. Do they really expect us to believe they are monitoring steel containers brought in on local railroad lines. The real threat lies in this area of shipping, both interstate highway and railroad shipping are the most likely conduits for transported either ‘dirty nukes’ or ‘full blown russian nukes’, or we’ll just use our own. After all the American people paid for them with their income taxes, Cheney figures we ought to get to enjoy them, how considerate of him.Shoot me in the face already would ya Dick.
How dare you tell the American people what really happened. Why do you feel the need to protect these peasants. Your government has given us the authority and the green light. Israel and the Jewish state are more important than a bunch of white and red-necked hillbillies. War through Chaos leads to control of the masses. Why do Americans feel the need to have any rights, you should all be put in the new Internment camps being built,where you will all have a number and a jumpsuit. What more could you want. The next attacks will preempt the election, so there will be no election in 2008 and Bush will remain in power.When it all comes down you won’t be able to shop, buy food or drive around town in your SUV’s.Enjoy whats coming courtesy of your beloved President Dick Cheney and his talking monkey,G.W.Sincerely to a republican controlled city full or rich arrogant alcoholic pricks.Semper FrySalvador Gersen Sunke