Failure?

[devilsadvocate]

A man is in custody for the NYC car bomb incident. Let's hope they have the guy that did it, and if do I would like to commend the law enforcement agencies and agents for a job well done.

As to the incident itself I wonder if the often used "failed attempt" description is accurate.

If the intent was just to kill Americans in an act of revenge, as suggested, for the killing of a Taliban leader, then it was a failure.

If the intent was an act of terrorism, look the word up, then it was a success.

If the latter is the case then the intent was aided domestically by alarmist fear mongering.

[999969999]

Yeah it definitely succeeded in terms of scaring the public.

The truth of the matter is that there is very little the government can do to prevent a terrorist act like that from occurring.

What people need to keep in mind is that the odds of ever getting hurt or killed by a terrorist are extremely low. I don't spend my time worrying about it.

But then, I don't Eagar will ever be a target of terrorism.

[clocker]

But then, I don't Eagar will ever be a target of terrorism.

Your little town- or one just like it- are the perfect targets and I'd be surprised if one doesn't get hit soon.
You have no security surveillance and a small police force...if I were a terrorist, someplace small, unprotected and unaware- like Eagar- would be a prime target.

[999969999]

I can see your point, it would be an easy target, but what good would it do them?

Can you imagine people around the world scratching their heads as the news rolls in that Eagar was just hit by terrorist attack? They wouldn't have any idea where in the world that was.

And when they're yucking it up with their friends, imagine the puzzled looks on their friends' faces when they said that they had just nailed Eagar.

But when they attack some place like New York, everyone knows where that is. They get more bang for their buck from some place like New York. Pun intended.

And there are no easy escape routes from Eagar (hundreds of miles before they would reach a big city), and it is nearly impossible to blend in with the rather monolithic locals-- they almost all look alike (85% white) and they know everyone in the town, so they would be able to spot a stranger rather quickly. You should see what locals do when a tourist comes through a residential (off the main street) area.

[devilsadvocate]

You have no security surveillance and a small police force...if I were a terrorist, someplace small, unprotected and unaware- like Eagar- would be a prime target.

you appear to have put some thought into that.


Tying in with my theory that alarmists fearmongers are doing the work for the enemy I have to agree somewhat with your target theory. While we have domestic elements with megaphones stirring up the fear, small out of the way places would be ideal targets.

The attacks don't even have to be deadly, just the thought that they could have been is enough. Add a few anonymous false alarm warnings just to keep the fear up and let the talking heads on TV, radio and rallies do the rest of the work.

If they are paying attention to these paranoid conspiracy nutters, why would our enemies need another 911?

I can see your point, it would be an easy target, but what good would it do them?

The point being if nowhere is safe the fear is stronger

[clocker]

I can see your point, it would be an easy target, but what good would it do them?

Can you imagine people around the world scratching their heads as the news rolls in that Eagar was just hit by terrorist attack? They wouldn't have any idea where in the world that was.

How many people around the world had ever heard of Oklahoma City?

And there are no easy escape routes from Eagar (hundreds of miles before they would reach a big city), and it is nearly impossible to blend in with the rather monolithic locals-- they almost all look alike (85% white) and they know everyone in the town, so they would be able to spot a stranger rather quickly. You should see what locals do when a tourist comes through a residential (off the main street) area.

Timothy McVeigh would have fit right in.

[devilsadvocate]

You should see what locals do when a tourist comes through a residential (off the main street) area.

What do they do?

[clocker]

I'm picturing a big Hee-Haw type musical production, but could be wrong.

[999969999]

You should see what locals do when a tourist comes through a residential (off the main street) area.

What do they do?

They actually stop whatever they were doing and stare at the stranger driving through their part of town. Sometimes they even come out to the side of the road to get a better look at them, and then continue to watch them until they drive out of sight.

When I first drove my new car home, they all came out to look at it, and then when they saw it was just me, they went back to what they were doing.

[999969999]

I'm picturing a big Hee-Haw type musical production, but could be wrong.

What?