Think it's easy investigating tips about reported terrorist plots? Imagine you had to check out a report - from an anonymous Mexican smuggler of immigrants - that he helped several Chinese illegally cross into the U.S. near San Diego, and they indicated they were on their way to Boston to take part in a "dirty bomb" explosion plot.
Phew. What a script.
More from the San Diego Union-Tribune. Of course, like many such tips, it could prove untrue. But, what if.......
And......if there's something substantial there, but the feds derail it, do you think we'll ever really see the details reported?
No, and that's probably just as it should be. It also means that the public necessarily has very little idea of what successes may be occuring weekly, in the realm of domestic terrorism prevention.
Which, again, is not to say this bizarre story will prove largely accurate. But that's not quite the point, in the end. The point is this: an awful lot has to go through the intelligence sieve these days. It's damn hard work, and we should ensure it's properly funded, and appreciated.
Posted by Matt Rosenberg at January 20, 2005 11:49 AM
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Here's the more interesting question: why did someone on the Joint Terrorism Task Force or someone else in Homeland Security or the Justice Dept. or whoever did it, tip the media to this anonymous call? As the government spokesperson said, We get these kinds of tips everyday. Why the day before the inauguration? Inquiring minds want to know.
Posted by: Steve at January 20, 2005 05:17 PMWell, Steve, I don't know. But you're clearly suggesting the info may have been leaked to boost Bush's popularity, or approval ratings. But, hey, he's already BEEN re-elected, and can't run again. So, I'm not sure why anyone associated with his administration would feel the need to use the supposed "scare" factor to his advantage, even on Inauguration Day.
Moreover, Bush has proven time and again he's not terribly worried about public or "world" opinion. To me - and doubtless others - THAT's one of his political advantages, as opposed to pandering to the public and press like Spineless Kerry did so often.
Posted by: Matt R. at January 20, 2005 06:37 PMI was being a bit tongue in cheek, but I do believe the Bush administration through its "colored" alert levels and leaks of this type seeks to keep everyone's fear level high. That fear level allows them a significant amount of political cover from questions about their policies.
BTW, I thought Bush's speech yesterday was pretty good. However,one of my problems with the guy has always been that he talks a better game than he plays. It will be interesting to watch how the "freedom" speech translates to actual policy over the next four years. I'll know he's serious when he invites the leader of one the most active democracies in Asia --Taiwan-- to the White House. Don't hold your breath.
Posted by: Steve at January 21, 2005 03:23 PM