Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Terrorists

NoSoup · 06-23-2004, 11:27 AM

I realize that is is likely going to be a controversial thread, but I would like to hear other peoples thoughts and opinions on this subject.

First of all, the Terrorists certainly are terrible, killing thousands of American civilians in the 9/11 attack, as well as other attacks throughout the world.

However, thinking about it, they could have done much, much more damage with any/all of their other attacks. Specifically with 9/11 - They attacked the World Trade centers at a time that there weren't nearly as many people there as there typically are during peak times of the day. The civilian loss of life was tragic, but certainly could have been much worse. Certainly, they could have crashed the planes into nuclear plants causing a catostrophic explosion/fallout, or a chemical plant, ect.

I understand the reason they attacked the WTC was because it is a symbol that represents America, but if they were simply trying to kill as many Americans as possible there are likely many targets that would have had a higher death toll.

Another situation that I would like to bring up are chemical plants. According to the U.S. EPA, 123 chemical facilities in the United States each threaten a million or more nearby residents. More than 700 plants could put at least 100,000 people at risk, and more than 3,000 facilities have at least 10,000 people nearby
(link) If a single terrorist were hell bent on causing the maximum loss of life possible, they could easily enter one of these facilities and set off a relatively small explosive device, (potentially even just shooting a tank with a high powered hunting rifle) and cause a terrible chain of events that could affect million(s) of people.

The security at these plants is a joke - 60 minutes walked into one with a camera crew through one of the dozens of unlocked gates and walked around for near 15 minutes before deciding to leave. They weren't stopped until they had left the property. If an entire camera crew, reporter, and correspondant can go that long undetected, I would imagine that one stealthy terrorist would have plenty of time to do whatever it is he needs to do.
Link to CBS Story

I guess the point I am trying to make is this: Although the terrorists are obviously evil, vile people - they seem to still have some regard to civilian life.

I'll leave you with this quote -

"in California, the chemicals at one site have the potential to kill, injure or displace more than eight million people."

06-23-2004, 11:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
NoSoup Non-Rookie Location: Green Bay, WI	Terrorists - Not so Evil? I realize that is is likely going to be a controversial thread, but I would like to hear other peoples thoughts and opinions on this subject. First of all, the Terrorists certainly are terrible, killing thousands of American civilians in the 9/11 attack, as well as other attacks throughout the world. However, thinking about it, they could have done much, much more damage with any/all of their other attacks. Specifically with 9/11 - They attacked the World Trade centers at a time that there weren't nearly as many people there as there typically are during peak times of the day. The civilian loss of life was tragic, but certainly could have been much worse. Certainly, they could have crashed the planes into nuclear plants causing a catostrophic explosion/fallout, or a chemical plant, ect. I understand the reason they attacked the WTC was because it is a symbol that represents America, but if they were simply trying to kill as many Americans as possible there are likely many targets that would have had a higher death toll. Another situation that I would like to bring up are chemical plants. According to the U.S. EPA, 123 chemical facilities in the United States each threaten a million or more nearby residents. More than 700 plants could put at least 100,000 people at risk, and more than 3,000 facilities have at least 10,000 people nearby (link) If a single terrorist were hell bent on causing the maximum loss of life possible, they could easily enter one of these facilities and set off a relatively small explosive device, (potentially even just shooting a tank with a high powered hunting rifle) and cause a terrible chain of events that could affect million(s) of people. The security at these plants is a joke - 60 minutes walked into one with a camera crew through one of the dozens of unlocked gates and walked around for near 15 minutes before deciding to leave. They weren't stopped until they had left the property. If an entire camera crew, reporter, and correspondant can go that long undetected, I would imagine that one stealthy terrorist would have plenty of time to do whatever it is he needs to do. Link to CBS Story I guess the point I am trying to make is this: Although the terrorists are obviously evil, vile people - they seem to still have some regard to civilian life. I'll leave you with this quote - "in California, the chemicals at one site have the potential to kill, injure or displace more than eight million people." __________________ I have an aura of reliability and good judgement. Just in case you were wondering...