Secretaries react when someone tries to blow our shit up.

And we react to their remarks.

British Home Secretary John Reid said the operation was aimed at bringing down "a number of aircraft" -- reportedly at least ten -- "through mid-flight explosions, causing a considerable loss of life." The plot, he said, "was a very significant one indeed."

Actually, he said, “Police believe the alleged plot was a very significant one indeed,” but I don't see how you, writer for the Washington Post, would have access to that information.

UPDATE: words from London's Deputy Police Commissioner, Paul Stephenson. Apparently the WaPo is listening.

Back to Mr. Reid: I always thought “indeed” connoted reflection; you don't conclude a remark with “indeed” unless you've thought things through at least once. Mr. Reid's comment therefore worries me. There isn't time for careful judgment and reflection in the post 9-?? (drawing a blank on the date) world, certainly not enough to warrant an “indeed.” These are times for hasty decisions/invasions and losing one's cool. (I stand by this paragraph whether “indeed” belongs to Mr. Reid or the police.)

Also, “significant”? Nice work, Blandosaurus Rex. Why not excite the population with more vivid and suggestive language? That might make it easier to convince them of the wisdom of various hasty decisions/invasions.

Next up, Michael Chertoff. Chertoff enters the game with an on-base percentage of .371.

"To defend further against any remaining threat from this plot, we will also raise the threat level [for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States] to High, ..."

It seems you are keen on protecting us from terrorism, dear Secretary, but it's a little bit vague to say the threat level is “High.” Could you maybe describe the situation in terms more readily understood? More primitive terms. Speak to the People, Michael. We are all very nervous about being blown up.

", or Orange ..."

THANKS MAN, that really helps. True or false: our coded system is a clever way of getting George W. Bush to finally learn his colors.



One last thing:

The TSA said passengers who need to bring medicine and baby formula on board planes would need to present those items for inspection at checkpoints. In Britain, passengers were being asked to taste these liquids in the presence of security guards.

Cough syrup, chloraseptic spray - fine. But even insulin?


One last last thing:

Invest.