Connecticut congressman advises people to avoid Times Square celebration;

[Judi Lynn]

Connecticut congressman advises people to avoid Times Square celebration; NYC mayor irked

Wednesday, December 31, 2003



(12-31) 05:01 PST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) --

Concerned about terrorism, Rep. Christopher Shays urged revelers not to attend New Year's Eve celebrations like the one at Times Square this year. New York's mayor countered that Shays could use an infusion of courage.

A member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security and chairman of a terrorism subcommittee, the Connecticut Republican told WVIT-TV on Tuesday that he wouldn't go to Times Square "for anything."

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said nobody should stay home because of the nation's heightened terror alert, and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said the nation's security was unprecedented.

But Shays said it is irresponsible for officials to make people think they don't need to take precautions, like avoiding packed crowds in New York City.
(snip/...)

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/a/2003/12/31/national0801EST0477.DTL

[DODI]

1. For a republican, Shays ain't bad.

We here in CT have a very confused repug party. Shays doesn't tow the repug line, Simmons is just odd -- Nancy Johnson is evil. They also seem to be the only ones calling for Rowland to resign. As far as Times Square goes -- I wouldn't go there tonight -- but mainly because I hate huge crowds.

[BOSSHOG]

2. He makes an excellent point

Homeland Security throws up a flag of caution and then literally tells us to avoid it.

[DemoTex]

3. Shay's common sense is refreshing ...

When the "orange flag" is flying, avoid large crowds and big jets packed with people and fuel. Tom Ridge and the Regime say otherwise. So, Tom, is it an "orange flag" or a "bullshit flag?"

[Democrats unite]

4. Don't forget the duct tape

eom

[electricmonk]

5. Watching CNN Headline News at work last night

I caught Bloomberg on there and to me it sounded like an invitation or taunt to terrorists. Kind of a Bring em on type thing. He said there's nothing to worry about come on out and be seen by a billion people around the world. He emphasized the billion people part twice. To me that just seemed stupid.

[beyurslf]

6. He makes a good point

about the levels being raised and then being told to ignore it. Why even tell us then?

If I was in NY, I would more than likely go to Times Square. I was there for New Years on 1999-2000. many of the security measures described were done then too. In fact, the only new ones were the searches of cars coming into Manhattan and the helicopter. They welded shut manholes. They removed mailboxes. Covered trashcans. No bags could be brought in. No coolers. Lots of security.

[Occulus]

8. subways running?

[KoKo]

7. Doesn't this prove we are Less Safe now, after Iraq Invasion than before?

Seems to me this proves the point of why we shouldn't have gone in there in the first place. Folks were in Times Square right after 9/11 and last year. The security was hightened but there wasn't the complete hysteria that the Cables are reporting about it this year. So, we capture Saddam and CT Shays says "stay away?" Why this year? Because we are hated around the world now.

[Zech Marquis]

9. I would stay home

Shays is right--the orange alert means something's afoot--or perhaps it's another one of those "let's put the fear of god back in the sheeple" tricks the BFEE likes so much. So why take a chance?If everything is secure, turn off the goddamn orange alert! If there IS a threat, don't downplay it...

alas, I'm not Tom Ridge (thank god) :evilgrin:

[Moderator]

10. Duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=292291