1115.org

We knew this would happen. After seeing the President’s approval numbvers slide toward the 40% mark, it seemed only a matter of time before someone would bring up a new terrorist threat. Paging John Ashcroft:

“Today, Director Mueller and Deputy Attorney General Comey and I want to announce developments in the war on terror. First, credible intelligence from multiple sources indicates that Al Qaida plans to attempt an attack on the United States in the next few months. This disturbing intelligence indicates Al Qaida’s specific intention to hit the United States hard.”

While it’s likely that Al Qaida wants to strike the United States again, and it makes sense that we be vigilant and prepared, it’s hard to ignore the cynical voice in our heads…the voice that says “what a lovely smokescreen”. After all, the best way to help the president regain his balance is to play to his perceived strength�how he deals with terrorism. And after a few conveniently-placed Orange Alerts in our recent past, there can be no denying that fear is an effective distraction.

It wasn’t that long ago that we were collectively scared out of our minds, running around like headless chickens to stock up on duct tape. In fact, that particular Orange Alert was in February 2003…one month before we rolled into Iraq to be greeted with smiles and flowers. Convenient? You bet.

The terror alert hasn’t yet been raised by Ashcroft’s recent warnings, but the message is clear�we’re in the gunsights again. And as much as we would like to think that the announcement was apolitical, there are several signs to the contrary. For one thing, the information isn’t new at all:

Harold Schaitberger, president of the firefighters’ union, said that the administration had known about the threats for a month.

“I do find it awfully convenient and suspicious that it happens to be tied in right behind the president’s recent message to the nation as well as his troubling, plummeting poll numbers,” he said.

Even White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan has acknowledged that the threats were first learned weeks ago. So the question needs to be raised�why the wait? Since the tragedy of September 11, Americans have been programmed to duck and cover whenever the bell of imminent terrorism is rung. Will this time be any different?