I think it was done to cover their butts. If they didn't tell us and something happened, we'd be screaming. How can they tell us what to do if they don't know exactly where it will happen or what will happen? They've already given the warning about having extra food etc. and people haven't listened. What more can they do other than scaring the tar out of people? Most people aren't willing to believe anything will happen. I talked to some of my co-workers way back when they first came up with the alert level and told how to be prepared. One woman said that Ridge is just a "Political Puppet", and they were giving these warnings so people would go out and spend money and boost the economy!! How do you get through to people like this? She used y2k as an example of the government's way to drain your pockets, and this was just another one of their "stunts". A lot of these people don't watch the news. Some said they don't want to know if something is going to happen!! They don't want to give up their beer money to prepare for their family and don't want their beer drinking, Nascar watching way of life disturbed, so they stay in denial that it could happen. I get so frustrated with these people that I could just scream.
My daughter is in the Air Force and worked in the intelligence room on her base after 9/11. I made a remark to her one time about getting tired of hearing all the threats when nothing ever happens. She said I have no way of knowing what all has been prevented! She saw what was happening, but wasn't allowed to say anything. She said the government can't tell us everything, because their sources could be compromised, possibly killed. Or leads that they are currently investigating could be messed up. There is a lot going on behind the scenes that we will never know about.
I for one would rather keep hearing these warnings, even if nothing happens, than to be taken by surprise. It keeps me on my toes, keeps me preparing for "something". We have used our supplies more than once for family emergencies, so nothing ever goes to waste. Stocking up has actually turned into a hobby for me, so it's not a strain.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few months. Hopefully we will all still be here complaining about the govenment crying wolf!!!