NationStates Jolt Archive

New Yorkers are feeling like they got left at the prom with no ride home. But here's the deal. All the money might be in NY, but all the WOMD's that we aren't supposed to have are in the Midwest. So yeah, the feds wanna protect their war machine more than they want to protect a few million New Yorkers. And you are surprized why?:gundge:

Link perhaps?

Or a point?

New Yorkers are feeling like they got left at the prom with no ride home. But here's the deal. All the money might be in NY, but all the WOMD's that we aren't supposed to have are in the Midwest. So yeah, the feds wanna protect their war machine more than they want to protect a few million New Yorkers. And you are surprized why?:gundge:

WTF is a WOMD? Are you stoned, drunk, or high? Maybe it's because it's friday night and all, but c'mon. It's not even 1100 yet and you are gone.

Those "World's largest balls of twine" won't protect themselves you know.

WTF is a WOMD? Are you stoned, drunk, or high? Maybe it's because it's friday night and all, but c'mon. It's not even 1100 yet and you are gone.

You must be on mountain time. I have 12:19 AM :D

You must be on mountain time. I have 12:19 AM :D

Central man!

Did your BS meter peg when it hit this thread? Mine did. I swear, I stepped in dog turds once that looked like this guy's post.

Actually if you were to say the midwest is being rewarded for being a "red " bunch of states...while the " blue" states are being punished...I might be going along with your " conspiracy " theory of the day....oops...I wasnt supposed to tell...I'll be punished for this ...OMG...they are comming...I hear them....


at any rate what are they gonna do throw money at the terrorist ?
that should stop them dead in there tracks I tell ya !

Central man!

Did your BS meter peg when it hit this thread? Mine did. I swear, I stepped in dog turds once that looked like this guy's post.

If you are in central Time then it is 1126 PM!

New Yorkers are feeling like they got left at the prom with no ride home. But here's the deal. All the money might be in NY, but all the WOMD's that we aren't supposed to have are in the Midwest. So yeah, the feds wanna protect their war machine more than they want to protect a few million New Yorkers. And you are surprized why?:gundge:

I think I decrypted your post...


OMG!111!!! TEH FEDS ARE MOVING THE WMDS11!!!!!11!!! WE ARE GOING TO WAR OMG!!11!!!! WERE ATTACKING CANADA OMG!!11!!!! WERE GOING AFTER THER MAPLE SYRUP OMG !111!!!!ITS A VAST RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY OMG CALL THE PEEPS OMG LIKE DUDE ITS HALLIBURTONS FAULT OMG!!11!!!! DUDE THEY MOVED THE KBR EARTHQAUKE 2.0 GENERATOR OMG!!11!!!!!
ETA: Forgot OMG!!11!! IT'S BUSHES FAULT!

I did this for the sake of everyone else.

The announcement of such large cuts in funding for two cities attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, prompted outrage from lawmakers and local officials in both areas, who questioned the wisdom of cutting funds so deeply for cities widely recognized as prime terrorist targets.

In Washington, D.C., where the funding was cut to $46 million from $77 million, Mayor Anthony Williams called the decision "shortsighted."

New York's grant plummeted to $124 million from $207 million. A Department of Homeland Security risk scorecard for the city claimed that the home of the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge had "zero" national monuments or icons.

"As far as I'm concerned the Department of Homeland Security and the administration have declared war on New York," Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, told The Associated Press. "It's a knife in the back to New York, and I'm going to do everything I can to make them very sorry they made this decision


They ONLY get 124 million ...............:D

Them WOMD 's better be worth it ...........:D :D Whatever the fuck they are .......http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003031818_security01m.html

They ONLY get 124 million ...............:D

Them WOMD 's better be worth it ...........:D :D Whatever the fuck they are .......http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003031818_security01m.html

Texas' homeland security got cut by 30%. You should protect your self with what you've got, not with what they'll give you.

OK, so I am a shit starter...LOL But its fun! See how you redneck mutherfuggers totally over-react cracks me up. WOMD's...WEAPONS OMINOUSLYBAD MASS DESTRUCTION.

C'mon, don't act like you haven't heard of those....LOL

Kansas & Nebraska - more missle silos than other locale in the US. Look it up.

http://www.siloworld.com/

Texas' homeland security got cut by 30%. You should protect your self with what you've got, not with what they'll give you.

Because protecting empty space populated sparsely with rednecks, chickens, and the occasional tumbleweed is a national priority even greater than protecting our most populated regions. While I'm not sure WMDs have a thing to do with it, I can't for the life of me figure out what good reason there would be to give money to protect non-coastal, low population density regions before protecting coastal, high population regions.

My bet is that it's shameless poll whoring, but I'll withhold judgement.

Central man!

Did your BS meter peg when it hit this thread? Mine did. I swear, I stepped in dog turds once that looked like this guy's post.

I have told you on several ocassions that I am a girl. What a bonehead.

Because protecting empty space populated sparsely with rednecks, chickens, and the occasional tumbleweed is a national priority even greater than protecting our most populated regions. While I'm not sure WMDs have a thing to do with it, I can't for the life of me figure out what good reason there would be to give money to protect non-coastal, low population density regions before protecting coastal, high population regions.

My bet is that it's shameless poll whoring, but I'll withhold judgement.

If you think that them thar hills are just filled with rednecks and chickens, I reckon yer mistaken' boy!


Kansas & Nebraska - more missle silos than other locale in the US. Look it up.

http://www.siloworld.com/

The nukes went to NY for a vacation and a little R&R.

I have told you on several ocassions that I am a girl. What a bonehead.

I use 'guys' in a generic term, genderless. To a group of MEN and WOMEN: "Hey GUYS what's up!".

Because protecting empty space populated sparsely with rednecks, chickens, and the occasional tumbleweed is a national priority even greater than protecting our most populated regions. While I'm not sure WMDs have a thing to do with it, I can't for the life of me figure out what good reason there would be to give money to protect non-coastal, low population density regions before protecting coastal, high population regions.

You mean OTHER THAN protecting the US's huge stash of WOMFGD's?

Central man!

Did your BS meter peg when it hit this thread? Mine did. I swear, I stepped in dog turds once that looked like this guy's post.

Um, no, I am pretty sure you thought you were referring to a dude....

<snicker>

If you think that them thar hills are just filled with rednecks and chickens, I reckon yer mistaken' boy!

Yep. We got cows. And pigs. Too.

If you think that them thar hills are just filled with rednecks and chickens, I reckon yer mistaken' boy!

I did mention the tumbleweed, y'know! Besides which, the future pork and beef products of America are on strike right now and have started picketing around the midwestern states. They're demanding better life insurance and injury pay. The chickens are just a bunch of spineless scabs who flu in to fill the positions.


The nukes went to NY for a vacation and a little R&R.

Can you fault a simple thermo-nuclear weapon for wanting to spend a bit of time sight-seeing?

The chickens are just a bunch of spineless scabs who flu in to fill the positions.

Did you say, "flu"?

LOL!! Good one! ^5 Kinda!

at any rate what are they gonna do throw money at the terrorist ? that should stop them dead in there tracks I tell ya !

Well, yeah!!! How the hell do you think they got all that dough in the FIRST PLACE? They had a war with Russia and the US THREW MONEY AT IT.

I soooo need my own radio talk show.....LOL

Press Conference by Under Secretary George Foresman and Assistant Secretary Tracy Henke on the FY 06 Homeland Security Grant Program

The entire log of the press conference is here:
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0922.xml

Under Secretary Foresman: Let me be very clear. Political considerations play no part in the allocation process -- none whatsoever. And I'm unequivocal on that. The thing that plays the part in the process -- and we'll use that metropolitan area as a prime example -- we intuitively have better intelligence of what may or may not be occurring in that community in terms of suspicious activities. And that information is being reported both through the FBI and through other channels in making its way up to inform our national threat understanding. We understand much better today than we did 24 months ago what critical assets are in Louisville. And right off the top of my head, I don't happen to know what they are.

Military Operations in Louisville

Entire Article is here: http://kcma.ky.gov/assets/operations.htm

The conversion of Technology Park to private commercial activity continues. The major private tenants are two defense companies, United Defense L.P. and Raytheon Systems Company. A U.S. Navy engineering group also remains as a permanent tenant. NOSL employment reached a peak of approximately 2,400 in the mid-1980's, with a payroll of $90 million. When privatized in August, 1996, employment had fallen to approximately 1,200. Currently, about 900 employees work at the Park, over 500 of whom work for the private defense companies. We estimate the current payroll at the Park to be around $30 million.

The accompanying data and chart on Navy activity in Kentucky documents the privatization of the Technology Park. Nearly all Navy activity in the state has occurred at the Louisville site. As federal civilian employment by the Navy has declined this decade, the value of private contracts has risen.

Ready, aim, fire
http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/detail.html?contents_id=3316

Raytheon Missile Systems relies on six sigma to provide continuous improvements and cost savings for its legacy weapons system. Linda Seid Frembes finds out more

Raytheon is a name that is synonymous with our nation’s defense. With over 80,000 employees worldwide, Raytheon has several dozen facilities across the United States alone. One such facility in Louisville, KY, part of the Raytheon Missile Systems business unit, is the only place where the Phalanx weapon system is built. Raytheon Missile Systems designs, develops, and produces missile systems for critical requirements, including air-to-air, strike, surface Navy air defense, land combat missiles, guided projectiles, exoatmospheric kill vehicles, and directed energy weapons. The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System advanced radar-controlled gun system provides superior defense against close-in air and surface threats. Phalanx is installed on practically all US combat ships and those of 22 Allied nations.

Press Conference by Under Secretary George Foresman and Assistant Secretary Tracy Henke on the FY 06 Homeland Security Grant Program

The entire log of the press conference is here:
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0922.xml

Under Secretary Foresman: And right off the top of my head, I don't happen to know what they are.

The hell she doesn't. How could you forget the biggest missle producing facility in the world???

The hell she doesn't. How could you forget the biggest missle producing facility in the world???

The usual need-to-know basis of this type of information!

WINDFALLS OF WAR
http://www.publicintegrity.org/wow/bio.aspx?act=pro&ddlC=60

"In 1994, United Defense signed a contract with the Defense Department potentially worth $1.1 billion to develop a new howitzer weapon system called the Crusader. "

"The Carlyle Group's (parent company of United Defense L.P.) government ties, both domestic and international, are legion: its investors and advisers include former U.S. President George Bush, former British Prime Minister John Major and former Secretary of State James Baker. Many of United Defense's board members also have ties to Carlyle, others came from the military, and some have both in their backgrounds. "

Me smells a little rat in the cheese....

WINDFALLS OF WAR
http://www.publicintegrity.org/wow/bio.aspx?act=pro&ddlC=60

<chop suey>

Me smells a little rat in the cheese....

Carlyle Group - shady company indeed.

...specifically anti-armour missiles

Lincoln Composites to Build TOW Missile Case
http://composite.about.com/library/PR/2001/blatp23.htm

"ROSWELL, Ga., Oct. 8 - Advanced Technical Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATPX), a producer of advanced composite structures and chemical and biological defense systems, announced today that its Lincoln Composites division has been awarded a $1.5 million development contract for the U.S. Army's Tube Launched, Optically "Engaged", WireLESS (TOW) Fire & Forget missile case.

The Raytheon Systems Company's TOW Fire & Forget Missile System meets the U.S. Army's anti-armor requirement for ground platforms. As a follow-on to the current development effort, the Army is expected to procure 4,000 TOW Fire and Forget Missile Systems during fiscal years 2005 through 2009. The new design achieves a reduced missile case weight and strenuous electromagnetic and damage tolerance requirements."

Ever wonder where the United States' nuclear hotseat was? It just happens to be in a state that is getting more Homeland Security dollars per capita than New York. See? The war machine IS more important than lives!

http://mynptv.org/swi/pers/missiles.html

"For the first time in history, the United States has backed out of a nuclear weapons treaty. President Bush decided creating a Missile Defense System was a higher priority than obeying the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. If that seems like foreign policy far removed from Nebraska, think again. With Stratcom headquarters on Vebraska's eastern edge, and dozens of nuclear warheads buried in panhandle silos, this is very much a local story. Statewide's Bill Kelly recently visited Nebraska's missile complex."

"[Capt. Jeffrey Greenwood] "This is actually where we sit and turn our keys. This is our key switch and our other launch switch. It comes time to launch a nuclear weapon; I will have to perform my actions on this side with a key and a switch. And the deputy on this side will have to use the two switches and turn simultaneously.""

The truth of the matter is, New York holds a large portion of the nation's quickly liquidatible assets, but few if any of its military assets. And the fact of the matter is that many of the worlds largest banks are no longer in NYC, but in the midwest as well. NYC's largest product is garbage, which it exports at the rate of thousands of tons a day. The war has always been more important to this administration than the casualties of war, and certainly to NYC which is little more than a tourist operation. It makes sense that they would move to protect the war machine, and the cities surrounding it, first.

Now out here in Wichita, Kansas, we got military contractors out the wazoo. We got Raytheon (missiles), Boeing (military planes and laser weaponry), Cessna (who has a contract for domestic spy planes so Uncle Sam can watch you BBQ) and McConnell Air Force Base, as well as a National Guard installation, not to mention the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University. Excel Manufacturing Incorporated, Plastic Fabricating Company and Electromech Technologies, all of Wichita, are subcontractors on the Blackhawk. Excel is also a contractor for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, a fancy little unit that is designed to carry very heavy payloads. Airtechnics, Incorporated of Wichita is a subcontractor on the F/A-22 Blackhawk. Just north of Wichita we got ARC Technology, developer of the Electromagnetic Weapons Systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Payloads. MANY OF THESE COMPANYS HAVE HUGE TAX ABATEMENTS AND OTHER CASH INCENTIVES WHICH THEY IN TURN DONATE TO REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGNS.

We got enough military assets and contractors here to give even old Cheney a hardon. Wichita is a damn sexy war machine.

I think I decrypted your post...


OMG!111!!! TEH FEDS ARE MOVING THE WMDS11!!!!!11!!! WE ARE GOING TO WAR OMG!!11!!!! WERE ATTACKING CANADA OMG!!11!!!! WERE GOING AFTER THER MAPLE SYRUP OMG !111!!!!ITS A VAST RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY OMG CALL THE PEEPS OMG LIKE DUDE ITS HALLIBURTONS FAULT OMG!!11!!!! DUDE THEY MOVED THE KBR EARTHQAUKE 2.0 GENERATOR OMG!!11!!!!!
ETA: Forgot OMG!!11!! IT'S BUSHES FAULT!

I did this for the sake of everyone else.

Um, yeah. For one, Mr. Supersarcastic, they haven't had to move anything. The United States' best kept military secrets have always been "out in the middle of nowhere". Where do you think the stealth bomber was developed? Kansas. During the cold war, where do you think our thousands of missiles were, pointed directly at Russia? Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico. You know, you could probably benefit from a little more education.

My bet is that it's shameless poll whoring, but I'll withhold judgement.

Granted, it is the home of GW's "Base", the term he uses to seperate his poor white trash constituents from his wealthy, robber-baron CEO constituents. But the truth is, compared to the coasts, our population is not high enough to warrant poll mongering. Kansas and Nebraska have never been key states in any election (and that being beyond the fact that we are red as hell and never give the Republicans cause to sweat).

It really is about protecting key military assets.

I have told you on several ocassions that I am a girl. What a bonehead.

He was talking to me Unrestrained. I'm still waiting for a link from ya girl.

Ah so your gripe is about military contracts and the ABMDS. Nothing else to see here folks.

Military Operations in Louisville

Entire Article is here: http://kcma.ky.gov/assets/operations.htm

The conversion of Technology Park to private commercial activity continues. The major private tenants are two defense companies, United Defense L.P. and Raytheon Systems Company. A U.S. Navy engineering group also remains as a permanent tenant. NOSL employment reached a peak of approximately 2,400 in the mid-1980's, with a payroll of $90 million. When privatized in August, 1996, employment had fallen to approximately 1,200. Currently, about 900 employees work at the Park, over 500 of whom work for the private defense companies. We estimate the current payroll at the Park to be around $30 million.

The accompanying data and chart on Navy activity in Kentucky documents the privatization of the Technology Park. Nearly all Navy activity in the state has occurred at the Louisville site. As federal civilian employment by the Navy has declined this decade, the value of private contracts has risen.

The military is protecting it's weapons designers and munitions plants?

...specifically anti-armour missiles

Lincoln Composites to Build TOW Missile Case
http://composite.about.com/library/PR/2001/blatp23.htm

"ROSWELL, Ga., Oct. 8 - Advanced Technical Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATPX), a producer of advanced composite structures and chemical and biological defense systems, announced today that its Lincoln Composites division has been awarded a $1.5 million development contract for the U.S. Army's Tube Launched, Optically "Engaged", WireLESS (TOW) Fire & Forget missile case.

The Raytheon Systems Company's TOW Fire & Forget Missile System meets the U.S. Army's anti-armor requirement for ground platforms. As a follow-on to the current development effort, the Army is expected to procure 4,000 TOW Fire and Forget Missile Systems during fiscal years 2005 through 2009. The new design achieves a reduced missile case weight and strenuous electromagnetic and damage tolerance requirements."

What is your beef with military? Are you bipolar? Paranoid? What is your obsession with the military and it's contractors?

Ah so your gripe is about military contracts and the ABMDS. Nothing else to see here folks.

American Ballistic missile defense system?

Yes, good point.. UR is...a nutty character, to say the least.

Yep. We got cows. And pigs. Too.

Not to mention lots of unmolested land, perfect for silos. And military bases.

A few questions:
Which place has the busiest port: NY or Midwest?
Which places has the busiest international airport: NY or Midwest?
Which place has more people entering it from overseas: NY or Midwest?
Which place has been attacked by terrorists more: NY or Midwest?
Which place would it be more likely for a terrorist to enter the US through: NY or Midwest?
Which place would an Al Qaeda terrorist be more likely to hide in, and not stand out: NY or Midwest?

Finally, which place should more money be diverted to ensure that terrorists and their ilk not come into the US, that they're stopped at the border: NY or Midwest?

The military is protecting it's weapons designers and munitions plants?



What is your beef with military? Are you bipolar? Paranoid? What is your obsession with the military and it's contractors?

No no no. I am not anti-military. I was a DoD contractor for years. I am simply pointing out that these targets get priority over the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge and LIVES. I think its humourous that New York is having problems comprehending this. I also think its interesting that most coastal urbanites have no idea what is in the midwest at all. I am also trying to show that Homeland Security is about protecting ASSETS, NOT PEOPLE. Just thought I would throw a little light on the subject and fan the flames. I enjoy whacking the hornets nest.

American Ballistic missile defense system?

Yes, good point.. UR is...a nutty character, to say the least.

I will take that as a compliment. I love throwing the curve ball. I also love to see people get all worked up defending what they perceive as their positiion. I have been doing this on the net since AOL was $3.00 an hour. Long time facilitating discussions, playing the devil's advocate and stirring the pot.

Although I have Cornileu blocked and no longer see his posts (had to the day he started waxing all fundemental [emphasis on mental] -ist on us. Fundementalism is one of the few things I find truly had to take), I still appreciate the rabid attention I get from you too. You seem to travel as a pair, feeding off of each other's posts. I think that's pretty entertaining. Have you two ever met in real life? You should. You could have a little mutual appreciation weekend or something. =D

In the Midwest:

1. Nuclear silos and weapons stockpiles
2. The vast majority of US food production, processing, and distribution
3. The major hubs and pipelines of the US oil and gas supply and a number of major oil and gas fields
4. The shipping hubs of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers

If anything, the Midwest needs to have the most attention, because a well planned attack could knock out a big chunk of our food, shipping, and energy sectors and a bioterror attack on the food supply could be devastating.

American Ballistic missile defense system?

Yes, good point.. UR is...a nutty character, to say the least.

A=Anti
B=Ballastic
M=Missile
D=defense
S=system

In the Midwest:

1. Nuclear silos and weapons stockpiles
2. The vast majority of US food production, processing, and distribution
3. The major hubs and pipelines of the US oil and gas supply and a number of major oil and gas fields
4. The shipping hubs of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers

If anything, the Midwest needs to have the most attention, because a well planned attack could knock out a big chunk of our food, shipping, and energy sectors and a bioterror attack on the food supply could be devastating.

Well said Vetalia.

I just think its funny that New Yorkers tend to think they are the only people that matter or have anything to offer. That's what they find particularly upsetting about this re-appropriation of funds.

No no no. I am not anti-military. I was a DoD contractor for years. I am simply pointing out that these targets get priority over the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge and LIVES. I think its humourous that New York is having problems comprehending this. I also think its interesting that most coastal urbanites have no idea what is in the midwest at all. I am also trying to show that Homeland Security is about protecting ASSETS, NOT PEOPLE. Just thought I would throw a little light on the subject and fan the flames. I enjoy whacking the hornets nest.

Assets many times are more important to the survival of a country than people. Tough, yes, but it's the truth. There are some plants and factories that without we'd have a tough time keeping the military and economy running. For one, Lake city. The produce 2.5 billion rounds of small arms a year for the military. Noone else in the US can produce the amount needed for the military....Israel is too far away to get ammo here quickly, although they do sell Military ammo over here commercially.

I will take that as a compliment. I love throwing the curve ball. I also love to see people get all worked up defending what they perceive as their positiion. I have been doing this on the net since AOL was $3.00 an hour. Long time facilitating discussions, playing the devil's advocate and stirring the pot.

Although I have Cornileu blocked and no longer see his posts (had to the day he started waxing all fundemental [emphasis on mental] -ist on us. Fundementalism is one of the few things I find truly had to take), I still appreciate the rabid attention I get from you too. You seem to travel as a pair, feeding off of each other's posts. I think that's pretty entertaining. Have you two ever met in real life? You should. You could have a little mutual appreciation weekend or something. =D

Bah, Cornileu and I are tight. Never met the guy, seeing as how we both live on opposite ends of the country. I always seem to post the most "offensive" threads that draw out the hand-wringers, which in turn draws Cornileu to get his daily fill of liberal.

Granted, it is the home of GW's "Base", the term he uses to seperate his poor white trash constituents from his wealthy, robber-baron CEO constituents. But the truth is, compared to the coasts, our population is not high enough to warrant poll mongering. Kansas and Nebraska have never been key states in any election (and that being beyond the fact that we are red as hell and never give the Republicans cause to sweat).

It really is about protecting key military assets.

It's also about protecting food and energy. If our food supply is contaminated by terrorist attack then a lot of people could die or be incapacitated, and our economy could be seriously disrupted to say nothing of the effects on international trade and the price of food worldwide.

Also, if our energy infrastructure is disrupted, rolling blackouts and soaring prices for gasoline, diesel, and electricity could inflict a serious economic slowdown or even a recession; especially since the East Coast (of which NYC is a part) is extremely dependent on the Midwest for its natural gas and imported electricity. Furthermore the Midwest is home to the major pipelines between the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Gulf, so a major, concerted strike on them could literally cripple almost 40% of our oil and gas supply immediately.

This doesn't even take in to account the military implications, just the economic and civilian ones. The Midwest, regardless of its population or political affiliation is a major part of our economic infrastructure and a vital hub for energy and food distribution throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. It really is one of the most vital parts of our country.

No, it's true. NYC got cut by 40% while other towns in the Midwest got raise they don't need. (of Homeland Security money) NYC and Washignton are really the only places terrorists even consider attacking large scale enough to need federal money. And why would someone attack a corn farm...in Iowa?

And why would someone attack a corn farm...in Iowa?

Corn is one of the biggest agricultural exports in the US and is an integral part of our food supply. A disruption in production or even worse a bioterror attack that contaminates it could wreak havoc on the price of corn, the willingness of other nations to purchase our surplus, and could even kill people due to contamination.

A spike in corn prices could cause serious inflation in food, which would harm the economy and force us to take on more debt to finance a wider deficit, weakening the dollar and worsening inflation with the possibility of recession. Corn and food security really is a vital part of our economic growth in a number of ways. It could also disrupt ethanol production, leading to soaring prices for gas in RFG regions; RFG regions include the entire East and West Coast and a big chunk of our population and economy. That crimps consumer spending and could slow growth and employment in the US and worldwide.

Corn is one of the biggest agricultural exports in the US and is an integral part of our food supply. A disruption in production or even worse a bioterror attack that contaminates it could wreak havoc on the price of corn, the willingness of other nations to purchase our surplus, and could even kill people due to contamination.

A spike in corn prices could cause serious inflation in food, which would harm the economy and force us to take on more debt to finance a wider deficit, weakening the dollar and worsening inflation with the possibility of recession. Corn and food security really is a vital part of our economic growth in a number of ways. It could also disrupt ethanol production, leading to soaring prices for gas in RFG regions; RFG regions include the entire East and West Coast and a big chunk of our population and economy. That crimps consumer spending and could slow growth and employment in the US and worldwide.
Oh, of course...That's why the only two terrorist attacks on US soil have been at the heart of the Mid-west, right? None have happened in NY, have they?
Look at the attacks al Qaeda have done worldwide:
The Bali bombings
The London Tube bombings
The Madrid train bombings
9/11

Notice something there?
How many were in farmlands?
How many were directed at disrupting food supplies?
How many were aimed at attacking the nation's economic base?
And of course:
How many were aimed at attacking a densely populated area, for the sole purpose of striking terror (hence the name terrorist) into the the nation's populace, so they wouldn't feel safe in their own city?

But of course, it's much more important to protect a corn field and not NY or Washington, because it's obvious the terrorists would never dream of attacking a major city. I mean, c'mon! Based on their previous mo, why the hell would you think they'd attack NY?!

No, it's true. NYC got cut by 40% while other towns in the Midwest got raise they don't need. (of Homeland Security money) NYC and Washignton are really the only places terrorists even consider attacking large scale enough to need federal money. And why would someone attack a corn farm...in Iowa?

Texas got cut too...big deal. You shouldn't have to pay someone so they do a good job of protecting themselves.

Oh, of course...That's why the only two terrorist attacks on US soil have been at the heart of the Mid-west, right? None have happened in NY, have they?
Look at the attacks al Qaeda have done worldwide:
The Bali bombings
The London Tube bombings
The Madrid train bombings
9/11

Notice something there?
How many were in farmlands?
How many were directed at disrupting food supplies?
How many were aimed at attacking the nation's economic base?
And of course:
How many were aimed at attacking a densely populated area, for the sole purpose of striking terror (hence the name terrorist) into the the nation's populace, so they wouldn't feel safe in their own city?

But of course, it's much more important to protect a corn field and not NY or Washington, because it's obvious the terrorists would never dream of attacking a major city. I mean, c'mon! Based on their previous mo, why the hell would you think they'd attack NY?!

You can't cause widespread destruction by hitting a city. You could by hitting a farm with some sort of Bio-weapon perhaps....

Infect it with corn flu, perhaps?

No, it's true. NYC got cut by 40% while other towns in the Midwest got raise they don't need. (of Homeland Security money) NYC and Washignton are really the only places terrorists even consider attacking large scale enough to need federal money. And why would someone attack a corn farm...in Iowa?

You do know that there are cities in the Midwest, right? Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, etc. Chicago is a main transportation hub between the east and west coasts, in addition to being a large urban center. Also, imagine if the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit were destroyed. 25% of the commercial trade between the US and Canada goes over that bridge.

Also, just NYC and DC? What about LA? Or, as I said, Chicago?

NYC and DC may be important targets, but there are other targets in this country.

People in Columbus, OH are scared out of their minds of a terrorist attack. They think people want to blow up The Ohio State University for some strange reason. It's been on the news more than once and it just blows my mind. I'm more scared of getting robbed in the middle of the day on the quad or disappearing off of the face of the Earth (both seem to be big trends now on campus).

I hope people in St. Louis are a little more calm about this whole issue (I'm moving there in one week).

They think people want to blow up The Ohio State University for some strange reason.

Of course people do. Those people are called "Michiganders" :D

Oh, of course...That's why the only two terrorist attacks on US soil have been at the heart of the Mid-west, right? None have happened in NY, have they?
Look at the attacks al Qaeda have done worldwide:
The Bali bombings
The London Tube bombings
The Madrid train bombings
9/11

Notice something there?
How many were in farmlands?
How many were directed at disrupting food supplies?
How many were aimed at attacking the nation's economic base?
And of course:
How many were aimed at attacking a densely populated area, for the sole purpose of striking terror (hence the name terrorist) into the the nation's populace, so they wouldn't feel safe in their own city?

The WTC hit our economic base very hard. The ripple effect from that lasted well in to 2002, and the losses to the airlines and other tourism-related industries are measured in the millions of jobs, billions of dollars, and the bankruptcies of several major airlines that annihilated billions in stock wealth and pension funds. It was not a minor loss by any stretch.

Perhaps the DHS is sending the money to the Midwest because they are expecting something to happen there...the only reason why we haven't been attacked again is because no one has been successful at organizing or pulling off an attack. We don't have the knowledge or insider information to know why they move money the way they do, but I'm pretty sure they aren't doing this for no reason. Plus, just because something hasn't been attacked before doesn't mean it won't be in the future; these sites are attractive targets, so it would be foolish to assume they will never be attacked just because they haven't been targeted before.

Also, the antiterror defenses in NYC and other major cities is already very strong at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. They might be shifting money to the Midwest to shore up weak points in a critical component of our infrastructure; it makes sense to close all of your weak points rather than focus it all on a previous target and then be attacked somewhere else. DHS is trying to maximize security overall rather than have it perfected in one place and totally defenseless in another.

But of course, it's much more important to protect a corn field and not NY or Washington, because it's obvious the terrorists would never dream of attacking a major city. I mean, c'mon! Based on their previous mo, why the hell would you think they'd attack NY?!

The target they chose in NYC was one that had the most economic and symbolic damage; they hit both a symbol of American economic dominance and interrupted the nerve center of a good chunk of the financial world. They could have just as easily hit the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State building, but they didn't...they hit the WTC because it had economic signficance as well as symbolic purpose. Terrorists don't want to just strike fear in the enemy, they want to weaken their ability to fight back and the WTC attack was designed to do it.

Of course people do. Those people are called "Michiganders" :D

That's very true! If you're from Michigan, you're WORSE than a terrorist here. :p

Although, let me just say I went to Detroit last weekend (my first visit) and I had a blast. I don't know why people give that city a bad name. I enjoyed myself and things weren't any worse than Columbus (as far as the "bad" areas).

OK, so I am a shit starter...LOL But its fun! See how you redneck mutherfuggers totally over-react cracks me up. WOMD's...WEAPONS OMINOUSLYBAD MASS DESTRUCTION.

C'mon, don't act like you haven't heard of those....LOL

Warned for trolling.

That's very true! If you're from Michigan, you're WORSE than a terrorist here. :p.

Yeah, it's even stronger up in this area. I can't wait to go to OSU in the fall...going to major in finance.

I have to admit, it seems like people in Mason (20 miles north of Cincinnati) were always more passionate about the Crosstown Shootout than they were OSU-Michigan...it was weird, with basketball replacing football and Xavier/UC replacing OSU and Michigan.

I was always a Xavier fan.

That's very true! If you're from Michigan, you're WORSE than a terrorist here. :p

Although, let me just say I went to Detroit last weekend (my first visit) and I had a blast. I don't know why people give that city a bad name. I enjoyed myself and things weren't any worse than Columbus (as far as the "bad" areas).

And I do have to say that Cedar Point absolutely, completely pwns.

Vetalia: Best of luck at OSU. It's an awesome school; but please, be careful. We do have a crime problem on and around campus. Just stay with a group and you'll be fine. Remember too that the Short North has an art walk every first Saturday of the month. If you have any questions, feel free to message me on here so we don't go off topic for the thread. I haven't really been down the Cincy area, but I know there is a Xavier/UC thing going on down there.

Wallonochia: Cedar Point is awesome, as is Kings Island. :)

Keeping it on topic, if terrorists planned to attack Toronto (even though they weren't a part of Osama's gang), I guess it could happen anywhere... even the midwest. I just keep thinking that if some guy walked into a crowded area in... say.. Cleveland, Youngstown, Columbus, Pittsburgh... and said he had a bomb, that everyone would pull out their gun and start shooting. I'm not trying to stereotype my fellow Ohio citizens, but living in all those places (minus Pittsburgh), I know how people think and I find it hard to believe a terrorist would get very far. If you don't believe me, OSU asked the state of Ohio to allow students on campus to carry guns (since it's legal now in Ohio). I don't think the state will agree, but it just shows that people in the midwest (at least where I'm at) take care of things on their own terms.

With that being said, do we really need the money? Maybe, because you never know. I just don't think that the threat is as real as it once was. And, I agree, Chicago is at risk. I also know a couple of months ago there was someone who planned to blow up downtown Columbus. However, the guy didn't get very far. I just think that we can't live our lives in fear. Is there a threat? Sure, maybe, I don't know anymore. I want to say, "yes," but it's not going to stop my life. I also think that Osama's gang don't have the ability to pull off another 9-11. It would be a subway bombing; and honestly, if anyone suspects anything in the mid-west, like I said, people would start shooting. I am not against us citizens protecting ourselves if someone says loud and clear, "I have a bomb." If they know we're willing to fight and die on our own turf and they can't shake us, then we win, period.

The WTC hit our economic base very hard. The ripple effect from that lasted well in to 2002, and the losses to the airlines and other tourism-related industries are measured in the millions of jobs, billions of dollars, and the bankruptcies of several major airlines that annihilated billions in stock wealth and pension funds. It was not a minor loss by any stretch.

The target they chose in NYC was one that had the most economic and symbolic damage; they hit both a symbol of American economic dominance and interrupted the nerve center of a good chunk of the financial world. They could have just as easily hit the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State building, but they didn't...they hit the WTC because it had economic signficance as well as symbolic purpose. Terrorists don't want to just strike fear in the enemy, they want to weaken their ability to fight back and the WTC attack was designed to do it.
Way to go to ignore my point entirely.
Time and time again, al Qaeda have attacked major, populace places. Why would they change tact now?
Indeed, it looks highly likely they were going to attack Torronto, yet another populace place.
All their attacks are symbolic, designed to attract as much attention and cause as much destruction and terror as they can.
They didn't attack the WTC over the statue of Liberty because it would cause more economic reprecussions. They attacked it because it would kill more people (and it would be easier to hit too, no doubt). They weren't expecting the WTC to collapse - no-one was - so it's specious to use the economic downturn due to it's collapse as proof that al Qaeda's aims are terror and economic attacks.
If hurting the economy was one of their reasons, why did they fly into the Pntagon?
Why did they bomb the night club in Bali? Sure it slowed tourists to Bali for a while, but do you really think that was their main reason?
How much long-term economic did the Madrid train bombings have on Spain?
How much long-term economic did the London bombings have on England?

Why am I having to constantly point this out to you, that al Qaeda won't to create as much terror and fear as possible, and have time and time again shown very little interest in causing economic suffering. Their mo over the last few years has always been, and still is, to make symbolic attacks on heavily populated targets. So why would it suddenly change now?
Cuttng security to Ny and Washington to protect a cornfield in yokelland is ludicrous and pretty damn obvious is due to pork barrel politics than any real national security risk.

Ask yourself - where is it more likely for an al Qaeda operative to enter the US and be able hide themselves without getting noticed: NY or Iowa?

No, it's true. NYC got cut by 40% while other towns in the Midwest got raise they don't need. (of Homeland Security money) NYC and Washignton are really the only places terrorists even consider attacking large scale enough to need federal money. And why would someone attack a corn farm...in Iowa?

You really don't think illogically do you? Terrorists do. They'll hit where we least expect it. Also, we have a lot of military installations in the Midwest that need to be protected as well. Should we not defend them? They are more important.

Also, many people in the Midwest believe themselves to be safe from terrorist attacks because they've only attacked NY and DC. Imagine if they were to bomb an amusement park (or something) in Omaha or Kansas City. No one would feel safe.

Cuttng security to Ny and Washington to protect a cornfield in yokelland is ludicrous and pretty damn obvious is due to pork barrel politics than any real national security risk.

You don't honestly think that it's just one big cornfield from NY to LA, do you? There are actually a number of sizeable cities in the Midwest.