TERRORISTS

[californiagirl]

I was wondering, with the SV being soooooooo bad this year, and all the other illnesses and diseases that are emerging, do you guys think terrorists have anything to do with it??!! I mean, this country will let anyone in, even after 9-11, we have once again become complacent to reality. Our borders are still open, the security at airports lacks very badly, anyone can walk into a bank, and worse of all, our credit card companies are having CSR's handle our accounts in DIFFERENT COUNTRIES!!!!!! People in these countries have all of our private info!!!! OMG, when will the US tightn up and get with the damn program here?? I think that terrorists are just gonna mess with us, with illnesses and diseases here and there, THEN hit us with something major because we are all complacent and off-guard!!

[suze]

I can't see the link between illness and terrorism????? Do you mean they're somehow unhygenic because they are fundamentalists? In the UK we have also suffered at the hands of terrorists but it's a bit far-fetched to assume they are responsible for every bit of bad that goes on - I'd certainly look closer to home before assigning blame.


Terrorists and germ-warfare maybe....stomach-virus warfare? I doubt very much!


Oh, and most people in "these countries" are honest and law abiding! I teach students from all over the world and if by "these countries" you mean muslim countries, well the overwhelming majority of muslims are of the highest integrity and wholly peace-loving!Edited by: suze

[californiagirl]

I can't see the link between illness and terrorism????? Do you mean they're somehow unhygenic because they are fundamentalists? In the UK we have also suffered at the hands of terrorists but it's a bit far-fetched to assume they are responsible for every bit of bad that goes on - I'd certainly look closer to home before assigning blame.


Terrorists and germ-warfare maybe....stomach-virus warfare? I doubt very much!


Oh, and most people in "these countries" are honest and law abiding! I teach students from all over the world and if by "these countries" you mean muslim countries, well the overwhelming majority of muslims are of the highest integrity and wholly peace-loving!

Well, AIDS was brought here from another country, the Bird Flu is supposed to be coming (in the news constantly) here from another country, and the terrorists have threatened "germ warfare" with smallpox and anthrax, and they were successful. It's happened, and not a figment (sp)of my imagination. Other countries are not as liberal and "welcoming" as we are, and this is the price we pay for it. I'm not putting any country or race down, I'm just saying that this HAS happened, and we LET it happen, are doing nothing really to prevent it, so we have to wonder if these illnesses are part of their plan for us? It's a legitimate concern.

[princessmel]

I was thinking the same thing Californiagirl. It has crossed my mind so many times. I asked the secretary I work with about that, and she said it's possible. She is orininally from PA, and she said something happened at a hotel over there where someone (I don't know if they were terrorists or not), put some kind of poisoning in the vents and everyone got extremely sick. This is just too weird. Who knows, you know guys? I don't know. Just a thought.

[suze]

Now let's be realistic here,AIDS, Bird Flu, SARS etc., yes! Every developed country in the world is at risk here...but terrorists trying to disable a nation and put fear in to the lives of millions with the threat of Norwalk??? Now we're all emets here, but come on...to most people this would be viewed as hysterical!

[laneyb]

We have had a report in the national press this week about a few potential terrorists/law breakers that were caught, that were planning to poison burgers/food and lager/beer at national football matches.


I dont know the complete story behind it (other thasn what was stated in the press), and it does seem a little far fetched, but you never know!!!


Laney

[princessmel]

Don't you guys think that it's possible though? I mean it can happen.

[suze]

Out of interest Laney, when you say national press, do you mean tabloids? It's just that you know how the press is in the UK!


I think we hear about these things alot, but it's not just terrorists, there have been plenty of cases of animal rights activists threatening to poison foodstuffs etc. I think the potential is there for any extremists but also the press does blow things way out of proportion.

[californiagirl]

MEL~~~~


Yes!!!! Very possible and totally realistic!


LANEY~~


That's true! Which would also make people think SV*, when it may actually be FP in a large croud of people---perfect target!!!!!!!

[suze]

Don't you guys think that it's possible though? I mean it can happen.

Yes, it's technically possible but your real extremists are going to want something way more hard-hitting than stomach viruses. Hell, you saw what they did on 9/11! We had the London tube bombings here in the UK - appalling stuff.


When I say it's possible, I think it's easy to point a finger at the religious fundamentalists but as I said in my previous post, there are many extremists, all fighting for their own causes e.g. animal rights, anti-abortionists etc. They are all capable of small-scale action to press home their beliefs.

[hayleyw]

it's a really farfetched idea, and i don't think that blaming other countries is acceptable. and anyway, we've been letting immigrants into other parts of he world for years now, so why would they be responsible for illnesses just for this year alone? sorry californiagirl, but i dont agree.


-hayley

[kristi425]

Ok, let's think abpout this here. I completely agree with Suze: I don't think a large terrorist organization would have plans to destroy the United States with the threat of an sv-. They might introdue something like anthrax or poisonous, but the stomach flu? Come on now.


I suppose that it's POSSIBLE, just like it's possible for it to snow in California in the middle of july. But the liklihood of that happening is so small that it's not the case. The increase of sv- has to do with increase of population, more people going out when they are sick instead of staying in bed and all, and lack of sanitary habits, such as washing hands and the like, not with terrorists.

[Babydoll]

I have to agree that this idea is a bit far fetched. non emets wouldn't exaclty be that influnced by the outbreak of a SV. you can't compare AIDS to an SV, its like comparing apples and oranges.

[rubysoho120]

When all this terriost stuff started happening I started thinking
this...anthrax, sars, and bird flu all have v* or death side effects. So
maybe it isn't directly the sv* but it will make you sick or die. I don't
think the idea is too far fetched....thats even why we have tons of
packaging with foods, for the same reason. To prevent food poisoing,
it is just something that can easily happen. It is really scary. I even
have chickens and I'm scared of them!

[samara's on tv]

Well think about it this way. The people more likely to die from a sv are the elderly and young kids. I think when terrorists hitthey want to hit more in the general population of like 18-45 year olds. I don't think they would put so much energy in just spreading svs all around. I mean a sv is just a minor inconvience for the average healthy adult, it certainly won't KILL them. I don't think it could be terrorists...it's just that this country is getting unhealthy because of the foods we eat and our hygiene choices.


~Monica

[californiagirl]

PEOPLE~~~~~~~


I'm NOT talking about the spread/threat of SV's!! I'm talking about the contamination of our food supply!!!! And it's NOT far-fetched---I've heard reports on the news that that was one of the terrorist threats--to poison the food supply!!!. People may get poisoned food, get sick, and think they have a SV*, because that's the easiest and most common self-diagnosis. THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING. How can the fear of the threat of germ warfare be so far-fetched when for one--they've actually done it to us, and for two--they threatened it, so I;m not imagining this, and three--they flew planes into buildings!!! They are capable of this stuff. And SUZE, I made no mention at all of any religious groups, just terrorists from other countries. I didn't even name any specific countries.

[shiva]

I think it's totally possible the biological warfarewould involve our food and mostly water supply. I don't think it's far fetched at all.

[crimgoddess]

I am in complete agreement with Suze, Monica, Jill, Kristi, Haley, etc-


Stomach viruses due to the 'evil' terrorist threat? I really don't see this as likely. Especially, as Monica mentioned, to most it is a short-term minor inconvenience. I'm sure if they wanted to go this route, it would at least be fatal to a large percentage of the population.


AS for it being the result of the US letting 'just anyone in'- so.....they should only let in people of a certain colour? Who speak english? Who are or aren't of a certain religion?No matter what your immigration policy was, terrorists would still find their way in- legally or illegally.


I don't think that the policies in place vis-a-vis immigration are what 'let' this happen- but rather how the western world treats other countries that don't share the same capitalistic democratic ideals. It's not like these individuals decided one day "gee, since we can, why not crash some planes into the world trade centre?"- it was a calculated and planned move and they had their own motivation. Even if security was more strict, chances are that they may have just changed some of the 'how' of their plan, not necessarily abandonned it.


Similar to Suze, I also have many muslim students in the class I TA, and the majority are definitely vocal about speaking out against how people perceive them post 9/11. In fact, they are offended that these terrorist groups actually call themselves muslim, as the values they promote and their actions are actually against the Koran.


*amber*

[crimgoddess]

Okay, missed a few posts while typing my own.


As for contaminating the food supply- my first questions would be with what and for what end result. Charlene, you mentioned they get sick and think they have a stomach virus....well, if the symptoms mimic those of a stomach virus and no other damage is done, it seems like almost a waste of time for them. Also, the thing about terrorists is that they want their acts to be well-known, dramatic, and somewhat flashy- so that it sends a message, like the twin towers falling down, and buildings being evacuated and people in hazmat suits running in. These images are what gains them notariety and makes their issues more well-known.


With something like contaminating the food supply- to do so on such a wide scale that it would affect such a large country would not only be difficult, as the results would not be evident right away and the group could not take credit, because that is really what the game is all about.


And even if you mention no ethnic groups by name- you make references to 9/11 on more than one occasion, so I could only assume that you were referring to one specific terrorist group.


*amber*

[shiva]

i think that ever since 9/11 and because our leader has perpetuated such fear, that most americans are afraid of terrorism in the united states. i don't think it's racist to talk about it, it's just how things are now. i don't know how i feel about potential terrorists spreading a sv like sickness, but i do think that bioterrorism would come in the form contamination to food or water supply. again, i am leaning toward the water supply. i am not sure what kind of super germ i am thinking they would contaminate with, but definitely one that kills with no discrimination.

[laurend]

I just think that if they can make vaccines for the flu and all these other diseases, why can't they come up with one for sv's? I mean come on now! Someone invent the damn thing! If i had any knowledge in medicine or science, i would work on one myself. This seems like the worst year yet for sv's and it makes me terrified to see whats up for next year, or when its even gonna end during this year? Why can't we come up with a cure?!?! Anyone else ever wonder this?

[californiagirl]

And even if you mention no ethnic groups by name- you make references to 9/11 on more than one occasion, so I could only assume that you were referring to one specific terrorist group.


*amber*

NO-- 9-11 is the EXAMPLE I'm using to stress the fact that something drastic DID happen in th US. I am NOT referring to ONE terrorist group, but terrorists in general. Obviously I have to use 9-11, since it really happened, as an example as to how serious threats can be. I don't see how Iblame one terrorist group for threats by using 9-11 as an example?! I think that terrorists in general, whoever they are, are capable of terrible things.

[californiagirl]

i think that ever since 9/11 and because our leader has perpetuated such fear, that most americans are afraid of terrorism in the united states. i don't think it's racist to talk about it, it's just how things are now. i don't know how i feel about potential terrorists spreading a sv like sickness, but i do think that bioterrorism would come in the form contamination to food or water supply. again, i am leaning toward the water supply. i am not sure what kind of super germ i am thinking they would contaminate with, but definitely one that kills with no discrimination.

GOSH!!!!!


Thank you SHIVA, for understanding what I'm saying!![img]smileys/smilies_02.gif[/img]

[crimgoddess]

Don't get me wrong- I understand what you are saying. I just don't necessarily agree with it.


*amber*Edited by: crimgoddess

[hayleyw]

wow this post is really getting out of hand [img]smileys/smilies_05.gif[/img]

[crimgoddess]

wow this post is really getting out of hand [img]smileys/smilies_05.gif[/img]

lol....with topics like this Haley, I think to some extent it's only inevitable. The topic of Terrorism evokes strong emotions, no matter what the context.


As long as we can all stay civil and debate an issue like grownups, I think things should be fine. Dialogue is what makes the world go 'round....if everyone stopped talking everytime there was a disagreement, there would not only be no progress.....but no one would be talking to anyone anymore! [img]smileys/smilies_02.gif[/img]


*amber*

[samara's on tv]

Um does anyone realize HOW HARD it would be to spike the water supply with something? I mean there's a water treatement plant not to far from where I live and it's so heavily guarded it's not even funny. Fences, metal bars on doors, you name it, it's there. It would be really hard for someone to spike the water. And even with saying that, they would have to be able to get ENOUGH of the chemical in there for it to effect X number of people. Then they would have to come out and say, "We spiked your water supply ha ha ha ha ha!" I just don't see it happening.


~Monica

[japa]

O.K., yes, after 9/11, there has been talk of terrorists using biological warfare on the U.S., which would mean that they drop airborne diseases down on us or contaminate food and water supplies.


Just after 9/11, there were some instances of people opening the mail and finding the dreaded white powdery substance, which was anthrax. That faded out pretty quickly, and I don't know that they ever discovered who did that lovely mailing. It was probably some whack job likea Unabomber type manufacturing the stuff in his whacked out cabin the woods and sending it out.


But other than that, I don't know of any other instances post 9/11 where biological warfare has occurred in the U.S.


Is Al Quaeda currently spreading diseases in the U.S.? I seriously doubt it. Is the Bird Flu being discussed because Al Quaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, or whoever is spreading it around? NO, NO, NO. Sorry, it's not true.


There is a big difference between saying that there is a potential for biological warfare from terrorists and saying that the Bird Flu, currently, right now, is being spread by terrorists, when there is absolutely no evidence for such a conjecture. I think that this crosses the line into hysteria and paranoia, and I'm not going to try to say it in a polite way.


As for AIDS, and whatever other diseases were supposedly brought to the U.S. from other countries, they weren't brought here intentionally. Did the settlers to the New World intentionally bring in all the diseases that killed off so many native Americans? People travel. Diseases spread. AIDS is not the result of a terrorist attack, sorry, I don't buy that one either.

[kristi425]

PEOPLE~~~~~~~


I'm NOT talking about the spread/threat of SV's!! I'm talking about the contamination of our food supply!!!! And it's NOT far-fetched---I've heard reports on the news that that was one of the terrorist threats--to poison the food supply!!!. People may get poisoned food, get sick, and think they have a SV*, because that's the easiest and most common self-diagnosis. THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING. How can the fear of the threat of germ warfare be so far-fetched when for one--they've actually done it to us, and for two--they threatened it, so I;m not imagining this, and three--they flew planes into buildings!!! They are capable of this stuff. And SUZE, I made no mention at all of any religious groups, just terrorists from other countries. I didn't even name any specific countries.

I'm not saying that you're wrong, but it just seems to me that if a terrorist group was trying to seriously hurt the US by attacking our food supply, wouldn't you think you'd see more people dying from their apparant sv-? I don't think a terrorist group would come in and attack our food supply with something that will make people sick for a couple of days and then be fine. If they wanted to do that right now, why don't they put something lethal like anthrax or some dangerous strain of e-coli or something in our food instead of something that will make us v- for two days and then we're all better? That's why it seems far-fetched to me.


I know that people are getting sick more and more commonly lately. However I doubt very much that this is due to terrorists, unless of course a bunch of them have children and are sending them to their elementary schools and jr. high's sick with the stomach flu.

[kristi425]

Um does anyone realize HOW HARD it would be to spike the water supply with something? I mean there's a water treatement plant not to far from where I live and it's so heavily guarded it's not even funny. Fences, metal bars on doors, you name it, it's there. It would be really hard for someone to spike the water. And even with saying that, they would have to be able to get ENOUGH of the chemical in there for it to effect X number of people. Then they would have to come out and say, "We spiked your water supply ha ha ha ha ha!" I just don't see it happening.


~Monica

I agree. Plus the fact that if they did indeed somehow spike the water supply of the whole world, wouldn't you think that more people woulde have it? I mean if you think a lot of people have it now, everyone drinks water most everyday. Plus it's used in showers and such as well. So don't you think that there would be more people effected by it? It seems to me that there are many people exposed to the virus who are showing sv- symptoms. I think that if a terrorist group decided to add some chemical into our water to create food poisoning, first of all it would have more serious effects on people than just acting like a sv-. Second of all, we would most definately know by now that they've done such a thing. Third of all, there is an outbreak of sv- everywhere right now...from the UK to the US, to Canada, and everywhere else too. Surely a terrorist group didn't get into EVERYONE'S water worldwide!