London Heathrow Airport Heighten Terrorist Alert

According to MSNBC television news report from 10:08 a.m.-11:08 a.m., an alleged al-Qaeda Terrorist plot, so labeled because of the sophisticated planning, the number of people involved and simultaneously bombings has the United Kingdom and the United States on heightened security alert. The plot was foiled by a major covert counter-terrorist operation involving transatlantic travel. Travelers targeted were those traveling from London Heathrow Airport on United, American and Continental jet passengers to airports located in New York, Washington and California. Authorities suggest airplanes would have been blown up with a liquid chemical explosives.

It is suggested that is internal operation in London from homegrown British nationalist terrorist of Pakistanis heritage. It is reported that as many as fifty individuals were involved in the plot. The plot involved massive human casualties from blowing up ten airplanes simultaneously plot comes within a month of the 11/9 attack on the World Trades Tower. Many flights will be delayed with implementation of extra security measures at many airports. Delays for travelers may be chaotic but according to Tim Roemer, former Indiana Congressman who served on the 911 Commission, discovering such a plot can be viewed as a success story for security intelligence.

In the United States Michael Chertoff, Home Land Security Secretary, issued a red alert for airports stated the plot was planned much in advance. It is suggested that the targeted mass murder would have been a direct attack on American citizens traveling on these airlines. The United States is sending Air Marshals to Great Britain for extra Security. In Massachusetts, the Governor has called out the National Guards for visual deterrence at gate screening. Governor Romney stated all carry on luggage will be banned, road block and random searches of vehicle at the Boston Airport will take place. The search is to prevent any type of liquid from getting on airplanes.


Update at 12:00 p.m.

President Bush spoke briefly about the foiled plot. The President warns that we are living in a dangerous world. Bush warned the American people that it pays to stay vigilant. But, I'm not buying. Sounds more like Bush wording is to place fear into the those demanding an end to the war in Iraq and between Hezbollah and Israel.

A more subtle message seem layered in this heighten alert warning. This warning comes so closely after the defeat of the 18 year incumbent Senator Joseph Lieberman the newcomer by Edward "Ned" Lamont. Lieberman's defeat was partly blamed on his support of Bush's war on terror. This message appears to be directed at political leaders who are ready to jump Bush's war ship. And I don't think the American voters cancelled their flights in this media driven attempt to plant fear in the hearts of the American' people.

What it will do is changed the way folk pack their luggage. When I arrived into BWI three days ago, I was warned not to leave luggage unattended. If luggage was left unattended there was a possibility that the luggage would be destroyed or found in such disarray upon claiming them. I was told that once, I claimed my luggage I could not returned to restricted areas with my luggage. I found pulling ang pushing luggage was not a lot of fun. Now on my return trip, I will not be allowed my carry on bag, that I just throw things into, like powder, lotion, toothpaste, make-up, and shoes

I believe people will continue to travel by air, especially with the price of gas continuing to climb. And, I am more fearful of the random act of violence from unemployed folks living in our neighborhoods than I am of foreign terrorists blowing up a airplane that I only want to carry on my stuffed dog to use as a pillow. The folks that were picked up were those who had not completely assimilated in the culture of Britain, many folks who are unemployed here in the United States could fit this profile.