Have we ever NOT been at Homeland Security Threat Level Orange?

[askmrjesus]

Originally Posted by goof2

If charts scare you what happens when you see a powerpoint, a complete loss of bladder control?

No, that's reserved for the unexpected appearance of ex-wives, and snakes.

Originally Posted by goof2

Part of the reason for the threat level is for the public. It is designed to drive situational awareness among the public. The public has not responded as hoped. It is also designed to cover the government's collective ass. If an attack happens they can point to the threat level as evidence that they tried to warn the public. On both these fronts I don't think it has been particularly effective.

We would seem to be in agreement here.

Originally Posted by goof2

It is also designed to be the civilian agency equivalent of the DEFCON system for the military. Government agencies are supposed to set their preparation, readiness, and security procedures based upon the threat level. The military has different procedures based upon different defense readiness conditions. Civilian governmental agencies are supposed to do the same based upon the different threat levels. I don't know how successful that has been.

I don't know either. Maybe we need a chart...

Originally Posted by goof2

As I said above, part of the reason for the threat level was to drive situational awareness in the public. It hasn't worked. Is that a failing of the system or the public? I would say both.

Ok, so if it hasn't worked, why are we still using it? That, I think, is the whole point of the conversation. Perhaps we should stop wasting our money on charts, and try something else.

JC