It specifically warned about attacks on New York and Washington
"After US missile strikes on his base in Afghanistan in 1998, bin Laden told followers he wanted to RETALIATE IN WASHINGTON according to a XXXXXX service."
that's not specific - it only names Washington - can you imagine the hullabaloo it would have caused if our government went into full swing alert on that non-distinct bit [and it is a bit] of info? additional National Guards at airports, around government buildings, of course a press release explaining it to the public [the press alone would demand it]
something like this? 'we are expecting a terrorist attack, maybe something like the World Trade Centre bombings' - [that would get everyones attention] - question 'what do you to base this on?' - answer, 'oh, After US missile strikes on his base in Afghanistan in 1998, we've heard bin Laden told followers he wanted to RETALIATE IN WASHINGTON - and though bin Laden has not succeeded, his attacks against the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998 demonstrate that he prepares operations years in advance and is not deterred by setbacks, so we'll stay on alert for an indefinite amount of time till we can clear this thing up'
'oh and btw, we've also heard rumors that a bin Laden cell in New York was recruiting Muslim-American youth for attacks and that FBI information since that time indicates patterns of suspicious activity in this country consistent with preparations for hijackings or other types of attacks, including recent surveillance of federal buildings in New York, so we're also placing National guards in New York Federal buildings'
the government would also have to add, we don't know when, we don't know where, we don't know how, but we are being pro-active just in case and forever long it takes
think anyone might be upset over all that? hell, even now AFTER 9/11 when we go on a yellow alert you hear people question if it's needed, question the duration
there will always be critics, no matter what course is taken |
