Oil prices, markets spooked by warning of possible al-Qaeda attack on US

[Khephra]

WASHINGTON: World oil prices jumped and US markets slumped Thursday after a shock warning from US Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge that terrorist network al-Qaeda was planning another major attack on US soil in an "effort to disrupt our democratic process."

snip.......

Shortly after Ridge spoke, New York's benchmark light sweet crude oil contract for delivery in August soared 1.25 dollars to close at 40.33 dollars a barrel, the first finish above 40 dollars since June 1.

Brent North Sea crude for August leapt 1.16 dollars to 37.77 dollars.

US stocks slumped as frightened investors sold, pushing the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 71.16 points, the Nasdaq composite down 30.79 and the broader S and P 500 down 9.22.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world_business/view/94709/1/.html

[teryang]

1. "A shock warning?"

Like shock and awe? This isn't a threat warning, it's just a threat. And the threat is our own fascist junta and it's sick team of covert black operations planners.

Hilliary is a big help.

[indepat]

2. Maybe bad for consumers, but surely good for our buddies in the oil patch

[aquart]

3. These idiots never notice collateral damage.

They can't walk and chew gum. They don't connect a politically necessary terrorizing of the American people with the action of the markets... Did their mothers have martinis while pregnant?

[HuckleB]

4. Dang. They sure are stupid.

Using this to pump up oil prices, now that figures, but dumping stocks? Ridiculous.

This is one of them there times to buy, since others are running scared for no good reason. Anyone got any money to loan at below market interest rates?

[The_Casual_Observer]

5. What kind of excuse wouldn't they use to drive the price up?

For the last couple of weeks the stock analysts have almost be guaranteeing that a fair weather market, including low gas prices, would prevail through the summer. As if Iraq and the middle east in general have suddenly become a Valhalla.

[asjr]

6. What I want to know is

where did Tom Ridge get his information. Did Osama call up and say, Hey, Tommy Boy, I am going to pull a terra escapade in the U.S. I want to disrupt your democratic process. Tell the people we are coming. Our so-called "intelligence" has screwed us up before. Why do the Homeland Security folks think we are going to believe it? They have cried wolf so often I don't pay any attention anymore. Shrub and company really must be afraid of Kerry.

[They_LIHOP]

7. Oh, that is BRILLIANT!!!

What a nice fringe benefit for the Bush's friends the Saudi's, who FINANCE the terrorism that drives up the price of oil that gives them MORE money to finance the terrorism that drives up the price of oil that...

If our Media doesn't catch on to this, they are SERIOUSLY LAME. Oh, wait, we already know they are - BUT, MOST companies out there DO NOT want oil to rise in cost, and those are the advertisers, so... maybe they'll mention it after all! Well, they won't say 'bush's friends', but...

This is a GREAT opportunity for K/E to start pimping their 'energy independency by 2014' plan, pointing out what a brilliant idea it is (even though it's patently impossible, it's still worthwhile to work TOWARDS the GOAL...), for just this very reason - the 'vicious cycle' of the terrorism/oil prices cycle I just mentioned...

[MrSlayer]

8. Bah, the only people trying to Cheney the process is they themselves.

What a bunch of shit. I'm sick of these assholes and their fearmongering.

[delete_bush]

9. Has anybody checked on the

the buyers/sellers of oil futures the day before these announcements are made?

Of course any investigation would end up like the one into the shorting of airline stocks the day before 9/11.