tommy_traceroute's Journal: Our handy-dandy Fear-O-Meter's true functionality

Has anyone besides me noticed the interesting correlation between the colors of the "Homeland Security Advisory System" (a.k.a.: color-coded terror alert level), and the colors that are now widely used to represent the political leanings of the states?
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Political Affiliation:
Red = Republican
Blue = Democrat
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Terror Alert Levels:
Red = Severe
Orange = High
Yellow = Elevated
Blue = Guarded
Green = Low
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And here's the interesting bit: the greater the perceived threat from terrorism, the more public support leans toward Republicans. As the fear of terrorism subsides, support for Democrats increases.

In a nutshell, the terror alert level accidentally describes (actually, dictates) the political climate in the U.S.: as the government moves the "terror alert" barometer towards Red, Republicans gain support. As the terror alert lowers toward Blue, Democrats gain support.

If I were in a position of power in the government, I might have noticed this obvious correlation sooner. Were I a less principled individual in the same position, I might be inclined to abuse that correlation for political gain.

However, I am not in a position of power in the government. And I haven't previously noticed this peculiar phenomenon.

But I'll bet Karl Rove has.

I take it much further than that....

[zogger]

...way, way, WAY beyond just issuing a press conference colored alert with no backup or verification or any corroborating evidence. It happens and it's small potatoes and your observation is exactly correct. Beyond colored alerts time for political gain they also leak or leak a fabrication of events. they also control the major media on what gets reported and emphasized. have you ever noticed some particular embarassing close scandal starts to break and WHAM all the networks might start following some inane