Originally posted by Lerkfish:
This CNN story
is bizarre, to me:
how is that NOT terrorism? Are we differentiating now between homegrown terrorism and foreign terrorism and calling the homegrown variety "criminal threat"?
very bizarre. It almost seems like Homeland Security is not concerned about internal threats.....but isn't that their focus? I mean, even foreign terrorists are going to be doing it from within our borders, right?
Bizarre? Feels like it. But not unsuspected.
The goal of the Homeland Security Department is to give a *sense* of security. Nothing can provide complete security. Just not possible.
Sounds to me like they are playing their cards. he Anthrax threats were containing threats reminiscant of 9/11. It made good headlines. If it was a muslim terrorist, would have looked great to catch.
This case has no earmarks of being a terrorist. Catching some 3rd generation American white male between 18-50 in Montana won't look as good.
Americans like dramatic news. 9/11 even though networks didn't show ads, just the aniversary had very high ad rates. All the documentaries also did. Why? Because people are facinated and watch.
The majority of the focus on the Oklahoma City bombing was the children killed. Not the adults. Most people know exactly how many children were killed/injured. But how many adults?
Because it was branded that way... people paid attention. Catching the "baby killer" as people chanted outside the jail got people watching. The police were hero's.
This doesn't have the earmarks of something worthy of being high profile. Where's the interest?
What gets the public watching? If the public doesn't see it, they dont' feel safer. If the public doesn't get that feeling... what is Homeland Security doing?
I'm positive that's the reasoning. Better use the resources on something that people feel for.
Personally, I think it should be dealt with the exact same way as anything else. No distinction.
Just like how the media followed Todd Beamer's wife (from a neigboring town btw). She was pregnant, young, and a pretty white girl. I'm sure between all the other families, there were people with more of a struggle, pregant wives, etc. She lives in a rather well off community. Would make better stories. But she caught the public eye. Looks, story, baby (appealing to public). Thankfully she took advantage and started an organization in her husbands name. Made good use of the publicity for a good cause. Rather than how some others may take it and just bask in the free fame. With an infant. Quite an undertaking.
Kidnapped kids are the same thing. They showcase the ones that get the public. The cases people relate to. There are many missing kids. But you only hear about a handfull. The ones whose stories sell.
I believe this is the same thing. This story just won't sell. Hence not worth the priority and effort that the Anthrax was.
BTW: remember an infant got anthrax as well? That was a HUGE headline. Even interupted TV to bring updates on the kid.
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