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the convenient QHA (Quadrennial Heightened Alert)
josh posted on the main TPM page about the Dept of Homeland Security deciding to declare a "Period of Heightened Alert". the ABC News article on the PoHA includes this explanation of the reasons for the heightened alert:
and since the War on Terror (TM) could go on forever (or at least another 100 years!), DHS presumably foresees heightened alerts (with or without terror level color changes) in the summer and fall of every presidential election year for the rest of our lifetimes.
how convenient. a great way to get the populace to vote its fears, rather than its hopes.
Anti-terror officials in the U.S. cite this summer and fall's lineup of two major political parties' conventions, November's general election and months of transition into a new presidential administration as cause for heightened awareness and action.gee - the two major party political conventions, plus the summer olympics, plus a presidential election always fall during a four-month period towards the end of a presidential election year. and there is a period of "transition into a new presidential administration" at least every eight years - and certainly the potential for such a transition every four years.
and since the War on Terror (TM) could go on forever (or at least another 100 years!), DHS presumably foresees heightened alerts (with or without terror level color changes) in the summer and fall of every presidential election year for the rest of our lifetimes.
how convenient. a great way to get the populace to vote its fears, rather than its hopes.
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Two words: October surprise.
Prediction: A terror alert based on cables from overseas and some hapless tourists who mistakenly take picture of some building or farm field that is suddenly high on the watch list. People are told to stand by, buy duct tape, bottled water and plastic wrap. New items will be on the list of things you can't take with you when you fly -- like, oh, toenails, hair and underwear. Reports will circulate of new underwear based items equipped with overwhelming stench to be used by the turrurists. Which is why you'll have to fly sans Underoos. New colors will be added to the alert system: fuchsia, aqua, tangerine, kumquat, baked potato and spinach. Pomegranate will be considered, but rejected. Schoolchildren will be required to practice duck and cover, hiding under their desks in the event of an unexpected visit to their classroom by either Messrs. McCain or Bush. Tuesdays will no longer be allowed for two-fers.
The QHA will be lifted on the day after the election regardless of who wins.
July 28, 2008 8:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Adds new meaning to the term going commando...
We all will do it so the turrurists can't, is that how it goes?
July 29, 2008 1:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
I was traveling in June and heard there was an Orange alert. What bunkum.
BTW, Balto-Wash airport completely missed my Mom's titanium hip, as well as her liquids in carry-on.
Just show, Potemkin security.
July 28, 2008 10:04 PM | Reply | Permalink