It is certainly plausible that the "chatter" is merely intended to rattle our nerves and disrupt our holiday spirit. Who can say for sure? Its best to be prepared, but not obsessed.

All I can tell you is that we are spending thousands of federal dollars on somewhat useless homeland security equipment and supplies (one of my many responsibilities is regional emergency management). About the only real benefit from all this homeland security spending is that we'll be better prepared for more likely natural disaasters such as floods and earthquakes. But, I gotta to tell you that the pink boots they had us buy are rather amusing.