I don't get how the Homeland Security Advisory System is STILL at the "Elevated" level. There could be a significant risk of terrorist attacks in the future?

Answer 1

You don't understand government agencies. If the system was put at the lowest level, funding would be cut. This has nothing to do with threats. When the soviet union collapsed, military spending did not go down (except in Russia).

Secondly, an agency that is empowered to warn the public, has no incentive to reduce the warning...because if they did, and an attack came, heads would roll. But if the warning stays high, and an attack comes, they can say "we told you so".
Now if the warning level stays high, and no attack comes, there is no incentive to reduce it.

Answer 2

I did not know that, Bob. I couldn't get what Homeland Security really does with their warning system.

Answer 3

A depressing, but no doubt accurate explanation. We have a similar system over here in the UK: it's been either "Heightened" or "Extreme" for as long as I've been aware of it - and now that you've spelt it out, I realise I'd actually assume it was an April Fool's joke if it was ever reset to "No chance: we've got them all on the run, so have a nice day".

Answer 4

Thanks, David, for your view from the other side of the pond. :-)