Gut Feeling

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff reported that there is no specific or credible threat of new attacks, but does offer a “gut feeling” that the US faces a heightened risk of attack this summer. This comes from a guy with all the available intelligence and the best he can come up with is a gut feeling. This must be the political equivalent of good news, bad news or Dickens’ best of times and worst of times.

The south-side shuffle continues in another report that states, “There are significant gaps in intelligence or we are simply ignorant of potential or planned attacks.” Also a strange statement to release for public consumption.

Now, we can include a recent report that Al Qaeda has rebuilt it’s operating capability to a level not seen since before 9/11. If this is true then Chertoff’s statement provides little in the way of confidence to how Washington is waging war against threats foreign or domestic.

To be realistic, what we can believe from any news report is a crap shoot. They are often filled with half-truths and speculation leaving you and I the task of distinguishing fact from fiction. On the other side we have politicians that simply say things to cover their backside just in case the worst does materialize. They are often blinded by a world view which begins with wrong assumptions that lead to wrong conclusions. Our only hope is to use common sense when we view reports from the great propaganda machines that are government and media.

Another piece of information we must throw into the mix is that when it comes to terrorism the mission of radical Islam is to convert, consume or kill all in their path. Despite popular rhetoric, it’s not a peaceful religion, but one of intimidation, misery and death. We only have to look at the depth of Islamic atrocities to be sure of this conclusion.

So, what can we make of Chertoff’s statement? Is it possible he is signaling something of value? Lets factor in the worlds political correct sensitivities where straight talk is not permitted especially when it comes to US national security. Add to that the stated goal of Islam and its growing reach in the world we can reasonably conclude that Chertoff is probably aware that a terrorist plot is indeed afoot. I must admit his timing of summer seems wrong, but then again I’m not privy to the intelligence he claims not to have.