I am not sure exactly what we are supposed to make of this other than to take it at face value. The State Department issued a travel warning yesterday which as best as I (and many others) can determine, basically warns us all to avoid the Planet Earth until February 24, 2016 and then it will all be better.
The good news is this means the WH (Pres. Obama) and the State Department (John Kerry) might just be taking this whole "terrorist threat" stuff a bit more seriously. The bad news...well there's nothing like going from giant-yawn/nothing-to-see-here/they-are-contained to complete hysteria-inducing THEY-COULD-BE-ANYWHERE messaging to get the Holiday season off to the right start. Let's discuss...
Just in case you missed the travel alert, here is the full text [emphasis added]:
Worldwide Travel Alert
LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 23, 2015
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016.
Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services. In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali. ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt.
U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country. U.S. citizens should:
-Follow the instructions of local authorities.
-Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
-Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
-Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
-Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots. We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
The good news is this means the WH (Pres. Obama) and the State Department (John Kerry) might just be taking this whole "terrorist threat" stuff a bit more seriously. The bad news...well there's nothing like going from giant-yawn/nothing-to-see-here/they-are-contained to complete hysteria-inducing THEY-COULD-BE-ANYWHERE messaging to get the Holiday season off to the right start. Let's discuss...
Just in case you missed the travel alert, here is the full text [emphasis added]:
Worldwide Travel Alert
LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 23, 2015
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016.
Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services. In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali. ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt.
U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country. U.S. citizens should:
-Follow the instructions of local authorities.
-Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
-Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
-Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
-Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots. We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
Form a circle, face outward and fire.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that the White House and the State Dept. so adamantly insist on using "ISIL" when practically everyone else uses "ISIS"? I was listening to an Obama interview the other day and it was almost comical. The interviewer would ask, "What about ISIS?" and the president would say, "Well, ISIL is such-and-such," and the interviewer would follow-up, "You're saying ISIS is blah-blah-blah," and the president would respond, "Yes, ISIL is blah-blah-blah."
ReplyDeleteI guess the only reason I find it so disconcerting is that the current administration has a penchant for word games that play into distractions, distortions and deceptions. This one is right out in the open, and everyone happily plays along. It seems innocuous for now, but how will it seem after the screw turns? What is the screw? (At least with Clinton, we knew what the screw was.)
I'm so scared I'm carrying an extra magazine for my Glock 27...and I have an Ar-15 in the trunk of the car, two tactical shotguns ready in the house and a minefield set up at the farm...OK, I'm lying about the shotguns....
ReplyDeleteGood point about the ISIL/ISIS lunacy...Part of it is Lurch, I mean John Kerry who does that stuff so well....we all remember his famous "Jin-Jis Kahn" pronunciation that had even his friends scratching their heads.
ReplyDeleteTryanmax; I've noticed that too. It's an elitist thing. Whilethe common herd calls it ISIS our harvard educated overlord refers to them as ISIL. He thinks it makes him sound intelligent.
ReplyDeleteGypsyTyger
One more thing; The danger from ISIS is increasing as members return from Syria, but Syrians coming to the United States pose no danger. I'm confused.
ReplyDeleteGypsyTyger
As my old pappy would say, "Obama wouldn't say s*%t if he had a mouthful." He has to follow that uber-libtard line that these people aren't our enemies...well, guess what, they are.
ReplyDeleteTime for the obligatory, "I don't remember it being this dangerous in 2008!"
ReplyDeleteKit - it probably was "just as dangerous" in 2008, but here is my obligatory retort. "It's just that our Dear Leaders took the threat seriously and put security measures in place to root out potential 'evil-doers' between 2001 and 2008. And I ain't talkin' TSA security.
ReplyDeleteWhen Obama came on the scene, it was all deemed offensive to want to look for these potential 'evil-doers' 'cause #NotAllMuslims are terrorists and stuff. And It was easier to Blame Bush than see the world as it is.
And Obama convinced everyone that there was no threat and he was going to dazzle the world with his soaring words and open-Palm gestures and the like and peace was supposed to break out and a giant global party was supposed to commence." Shocking as it may seem, that did not happen...
//end retort
NEWS ALERT: Obama and Hollande are having a joint press conference. Either Obama is about to declare war against ISIS (ISIL) or justifying not doing much more...
ReplyDeleteHe actually he had in the bag and then blew it with the multi-cultivate lets just all get along you bigots...
ReplyDeleteBev, This is so idiot, it almost defines bureaucracy. This is like a sign warning you to "Avoid Dangerous Activities." Gee, thanks.
ReplyDelete