NYC on Terror: We Don't Really Care What Happens, So Long as It's Not Here
In the latest, extra beautiful issue of New York mag, media-whore-cum-foodie Kurt Andersen comes forward to point out that, in light of the subway bag checks, it's remarkably unwise to ignore the obvious racial profile of would-be terrorists. We're not gonna touch that one with a 10-mile pole, but we did enjoy learning about the alternate philosophies behind the NYPD's anti-terror tactics:
Sensible counter-terrorist tactics are therefore all about devoting extra attention to the most attractive targets and (quietly, unofficially) to the most likely attackers. The NYPD focuses, for instance, on the Brooklyn Bridge. [NYPD Deputy Commissioner] Paul Browne reminded me about Iyman Faris, the Al Qaeda recruit who cased the bridge in 2003 and advised his commanders that it had become too well protected. Browne also said that other, unnamed jihadis in custody agreed that New York s hardening as a target has had a deterrent effect.
So, I said, only half in jest, success consists of making bombers go to Chicago instead?
I don t want to say that, Browne replied. The morality of self-preservation is untidy and discomforting. We hope they go . . . elsewhere.
That's a brilliant attitude. Now please excuse us, we've got to go paint a big red target on the Empire State Building.
