Report Finds Threat Alerts in Color Code Baffle Public

[kskiska]

Poor Tom Ridge

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 — A new Congressional report has found that the government's much ridiculed color-coded terrorist alert system is so vague in detailing threats that the public "may begin to question the authenticity" of the threats and take no action when the alert level is raised.

The review by the Congressional Research Service, a nonpartisan branch of the Library of Congress, offered lawmakers options for replacing or overhauling the system, including a proposal that the five-color palette of alert levels be replaced with "general warnings concerning the threat of terrorist attacks."

The Aug. 6 report has not been made public, although it has been circulated to members of Congress involved in oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, which administers the color-coded alerts.

While the report does not recommend that the alert system, called the Homeland Security Advisory System, or H.S.A.S., be scrapped or suggest any other specific action, its catalog of existing criticism will probably be seized on by lawmakers who argue that the system needlessly confuses and alarms the public.

more…
http://nytimes.com/2003/08/10/national/10THRE.html

[NYC]

1. The public may begin to question the authenticity?

All they tell us are colors. They don't tell us what actions to take to prevent/protect ourselves. I think "may begin" is the wrong tense. The public has, from the beginning, questioned authenticity may come closer to reality.

The whole thing seems foolish, and has all along.

[cherryperry]

2. How about just using a rainbow? LOL n/t

[pinniped]

12. A percent system might work too but some might be unfamiliar with numbers.

But I don't think it will fall under 50% anytime soon.

[DagmarK]

3. The way I see it is: we are either under martial law or we aren't......

If we aren't under martial law/police state (ie, red alert), then.....business as usual.

Pretty simple to me.....

[Robin Hood]

4. Hell, The English language baffle most Americans.

And that color coded system is lame.

[NNN0LHI]

5. I think if they were to switch to some nice soft pastels it would be OK?

I think all those bright colors scare people too much? Oh, wait a minute. Thats the whole idea of the gizmo.

Don

[Robin Hood]

7. Sage green and butter cream.

Something that Martha Stewart would use. We are way beyond primary colors.

[cherryperry]

9. "...primary colors..." ?

Is that another Clinton reference? LOL

[aquart]

6. IOW, it was an idiotic waste of time and money.

God, that Ridge has really made us safer.

[NYC]

8. How much did it cost?

Did it actually cost us money?

[stevedeshazer]

10. $41 BILLION

As part of his $2.23 trillion spending package, President Bush has set aside $26.7
billion for the Department of Homeland Security.

Included among the budget is:

$373 million for border security, with funding earmarked for purchasing and
maintaining radiation detectors, X-ray machines and other cargo inspection
equipment.

$500 million to conduct vulnerability assessments for critical infrastructure,
such as water facilities, nuclear power plants and government computer and
communication networks.

$500 million decreased in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
budget, reflecting one-time spending in 2002 for screening equipment now in
place.

Bush has earmarked a total of $41 billion for Homeland security funding across all governmental departments, a
10 percent increase over current levels.

source: http://govtsecurity.securitysolutions.com/ar/security_bush_releases_homeland/

They sure are purty colors.

[NYC]

13. In that case, I guess we can call them

"rich colors".

[revcarol]

11. It costs cities, towns, rail systems, highway patrols, port authorities...

and so on...BIIIIIIG BUCKS every time the terror threat is increased...because they ALL have to go on alert and pay overtime to EMT's, police, fire, security,,,,,,and so on,,,,

AND NO MONEY FROM THE FEDS.

[NYC]

14. New York City has been "orange" since 9/11.

There's no need or excuse for Tom Ridge to spend money on a color chart. Nothing changes in New York, just orange, orange, orange. We could do this without giving it a color name.

You're right about the lack of federal funding. (They needed the money for the tax cuts. Can't fund something like homeland security or port security. That would run up the deficit.)

[JM]

15. Color Code my ass...

...

1) Look for advanced color recognition training to be added to Leave No Child Behind

2) Does the fact that nearly all alerts issued somehow coincide with news W and his merry band of cronies want moved under the radar have anything to do with it?

3) Look for DHS to be disbanded within the next 3-6 months.

Later,
JM