It's yellow on America's streets, orange in New York City and red in the skies, but only for travelers on planes from Britain. When it comes to terrorism threats, the nation is painted in a confusing rainbow of colors.
Despite criticism that the color-coded threat alert system adopted in 2002 lacks meaningful information, it remains the measure by which Americans are supposed to judge how much danger they face.
Red is the worst-case scenario, warning of a severe risk of terrorist attacks. So why are U.S.-bound planes allowed to fly from London under a red advisory?
That can be confusing for travelers, according to John Rollins, former chief of staff in the Homeland Security Department's intelligence analysis unit.
Once anything gets to red, he said, U.S. officials should "pretty much shut down that activity."
In general, Rollins said, the color-coded system is "confusing and disconcerting for Americans that want to travel."
Red means there is indisputable, credible evidence that an attack is planned or has already occurred, Rollins said. "Why take any chances?" he said. If the threat didn't warrant red, he said, put it at orange.
The Homeland Security Department defended the red designation, saying the proper security precautions are in place and the public should feel confident about traveling.
"To stop flying or to shut down an industry would in many ways be handing the bad guys a victory," said Russ Knocke, Homeland Security spokesman.
No, it wouldn't be. Instead, it's playing bullshit games with people's lives over a bullshit war. It also takes away hard-earned money from the people who work from the airlines. I'd say it takes away money for the airlines, but we all know that CEOs still get their huge cuts, no matter what.
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