Terror threat hasn't left
The irony is that these warning cries may, of themselves, be fueling complacency.
A year ago, Chertoff raised jitters when he told the Chicago Tribune editorial board he had a "gut feeling" there was a heightened risk for a terror attack during the summer. Such an attack, of course, did not happen.
Now Chertoff has told Congress that terrorists with European Union passports, and with clean criminal records, may be attempting to enter the country. He offered few other details and said nothing about specific threats.
Chertoff isn't the only one talking this way. In March, Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart, chief of the U.S. Northern Command, said al-Qaida may be working extra hard to plan an attack coinciding with this year's presidential elections. He also said he believes terror cells are operating within the United States.
Always, there is talk of terrorist "chatter" overheard by U.S. intelligence officials. But never are specifics shared with the public. It's easy to see why Americans might grow skeptical or tired of the repeated warnings seven years after the last attack.
Chertoff has little to gain personally from continually sounding alarms. Despite rumors, he is an unlikely choice to be John McCain's running mate. His term as Homeland Security chief ends when President Bush leaves office in January.
The American people, however, have much to gain from remembering the way they felt in the days following 9/11, and to be continually alert to anything that seems out of the ordinary.
Recent comments
The terror threat hasn't left. But is has right. And far right...
Punny | July 21, 2008 at 11:58 p.m.
Where are they? A few questionable arrests and not a single conviction...
Terrorists? | July 21, 2008 at 10:35 p.m.
Yes Cats. Be afraid.
Americans, even Utahns, have woken...
dcc | July 21, 2008 at 10:18 p.m.
