Increased Threat of Terror Attack (Just Before Elections)

The Federal government issued a terrorist threat alert today

"Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks. ....Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services.

...the warning was based on credible reports suggesting al Qaeda was plotting an attack, including intelligence gleaned from recent arrests

...Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., attended (the) briefing but came away unimpressed with the new intelligence, which she described as mostly a rehashing of previous threat information.

"This is nothing new," Boxer said. "We have been aware for some time that al Qaeda wanted to disrupt our country before the election... I would say with rare exceptions, it was fairly generalized (information.)"

The first paragraph is from a report today, the rest of the clips come from a 2004 article reporting on complaints the administration was raising terrorism fears just before the election.

The complaint was that the administration in power would want to remind people about the threat so that they would elect the candidate who would be "tough on terrorism" and keep us safe. There were dozens of articles making this charge (which, according to Tom Ridge's book marketing, may have been true), but today we don't see this administration being criticized for issuing terror alerts just before an election.

So I guess I'll make the charge, "The Obama administration is issuing terror alerts just before the November election because they want you to vote for the candidates who are serious about national security."

There. I said it.

Vote.

Oh, and if you intend to be traveling in Europe a in few weeks... don't forget to send in your absentee ballot.