What ever happened to "We are all New Yorkers today"? Funny how quickly we forget that NYC is terrorist target number 1, and has already had 2 terrorist attacks. I guess what they say is true, that the middle of this nation could care if New York and California fell off into the ocean.

It doesn't say who authored this report, but clearly he/she needs to be promoted. Outstanding analysis.

The sad thing? I can't tell whether surly's joking or not.

Ah, well. Heck of a job, Mr. Chertoff.

Yeah, well... too many goddamn Democrats in NYC, hmmm?

JF

Statue of Liberty is in New Jersey

This is as shameful as it is unsurprising. What would have been very obvious to your readers five minutes after the attacks of 9/11 is beyond the grasp of this Administration, five years after that tragedy. I wonder how much money is being spent to protect the Alamo, the Grand Old Opry, Falwell's Thomas Road Baptist Church, and the Dallas Cowboys. Not to mention major Republican campaign contributors.

One could make the case that a sizeable majority of at-risk sites are in blue states or blue areas. But those aren't places Republicans would seem to be eager to protect.

See all the money we're saving for security by wire-tapping?! Now we can return that money to the rightful owners of this country, the rich. There is a price for civil liberties after all. Thanks George "I'm above the Law" Bush!

I don't know who put this report together, but don't blame "the middle of the nation". Some of us care very much about the East and West coasts sinking into the ocean (we're generally opposed to the idea).

Yeah,,,again, Bush's pathetic administration shows its ignorance "Mission Accomplished"! How 'bout some medals boys, I gots a sack full if ya ain't against me.

Is there anyone, anywhere in the DHS who has a clue about what they are supposed to do and how to do it? Such absolute incompetence is beyond belief.

This is so insane that it seems as if this government *wants* another attack to occur in NY.

Let's see... UBL is still loose, but Pakistan gets a pass, with our forces in Iraq instead. The madrasses in Saudi still churn out hatred, but the Saudis get a pass, too. On to Iran, even though Pakistan already has nukes, and is a bullet away from UBL having those. And now this.

Almost makes one believe in some of those 911 conspiracy theories, huh?

For Eric:

1. Where does 'The Buck Stop'?

2. Where is Texas located?

The most famous icon in the world with the most icons in the world, New York City, is not an icon or has no icons?

There is a scientific explanation for this.

In Washington, D.C. there is no gravity, instead the place sucks!

It also failed to report that NYC did not support the reelection of Bush, and when the RNC held its convention coincidentally in the same city as the 9/11 WTC attacks, the cityfolk did not welcome the conventioneers with open arms. Nor was the port of NY available for private RNC parties.

With all due respect, Eric, I think some bureaucrat is to blame rather than the middle of the nation. I find this article very disturbing and almost unbelievable. Clearly, these funds are going to pork barrel projects rather than where they belong.

Gee, just guessing here, but could the fact that this city is just chock full of Democrats have anything to do with this?

If the Statue of Liberty isn't a national monument, what is?

Are there any in Los Angeles (outside of Graumann's Chinese theater)? Does Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco qualify?

And how about Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia--wait, the Liberty Bell is there, Dallas, Houston, Miami (the Fountainbleau?) and Las Vegas (Caesar's Palace?)

What I want to know is was this reported drafted by someone who lives or has lived in the United States?

I don't think "heckuva job" even covers it. This is a truly inspired job. I feel so safe today in my 40 story office building in the middle of the NYC financial district. Thanks guys!

So, do I at least get a 40% tax refund now?

Is the statue of Paul Bunyon out west on the list? I just want to know how to measure this administration's priorities. How about the world's biggest Walmart?

Frankly, I'm surprised that they are giving NY any funding at all, given that NY's two senators are Democrats and there is no chance of a Republican presidential or senatorial candidate winning the state. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by the Republicans in providing any funds to NY so why should they ?

What happened to "We are all New Yorkers?"

New Yorkers vote Democratic, so the DHS money has to go toe Florida!

Had to pay for those big tax cuts for the top 1% didn't they. After all, with tax cuts like that the top 1% can afford to protect themselves, to hell with the masses. When is this nonsense going to stop? What does it take to outrage people these days? Bush and company keep having daily FUBARs and nothing seems to change. I hope all the right wing religious wackos that voted (even though it was a stolen election twice)for this brain dead excuse for a leader are happy. Please stay home in November, for me!!!

Clearly, whoever authored this report is doing a heckuvajob.

So this is how it happens: make Chertoff look like an idiot (which he is) by not involving him when a subway attack is suspected in NYC, and he gets even (as would any good Bush crony) by slashing the funds to the wacko liberals in NY. Heckuva job, Mikey.

Sitting here in NYC, with the Brooklyn Bridge in view, I simply don't know what planet this administration is on if they don't think this city has landmarks.

I've long thought the reason the 9/11 attackers didn't hit the Statue of Liberty is that they didn't dare hit the most internationally beloved national monument in the whole country.

That's because we are paying for this ridiculously unessesary WAR!

There is a key hidden factor in the Bush administration's formula used to distribute these funds: the party affiliation of the city or state's population. You see - a Democrat is worth only 3/5 of a Republican.

Assuming that the population of NYC is almost entirely made of up Democrats, you'd assume that NYC would receive 3/5 of the funding that they received last year. Some simple math (124.4M/207.5M) confirms that the city will receive is almost exactly 3/5 of the previous year's budget.

Where did this number come from? There was much political wrangling at the White House. After heated debate on both sides of the issue, they reached a compromise, which they call – the 3/5 compromise.

----
OK this is obviously not true, but NYC’s budget really is about 3/5 of what it was last year. The part of me that loved the DaVinci Code wants to believe that this is true. The other part of me that reads the news every day knows that the administration isn’t smart enough to pull off something this coordinated.

New York has no national monuments or icons?! The Statue of Liberty was viewed as THE most iconic symbol of American freedom and liberty in the days following 9/11. Now it is not worth protecting a mere five years later? What are these people thinking?!

The fact that NY has been a target of terrorists twice already (compared to Omaha, Cleveland, Chicago et al.) is not sufficient proof of a higher risk? Short term memory and inability to read history (not to mention to understand its implications).
Now that would not have anyhthing to do with the fact that the two senators from NY are Dems and that there is good chance that the Governorship may become Dem.?

Yes. The terrorists will certainly go after the Red States first.

New York City should secede, then build a fence to keep out illegal immigrants from rural America.

I'm still baffled and astounded by the fact that NY no longer has 'national monuments' to protect from terrorists while places like Omaha, Memphis & Charlotte do. Whoever put this report together needs to seriously revisit 6th grade social studies and revise their 'monument' list. I'm with Se. Schumer on this one, the "president" has NO right to claim 'solidarity' with New York and New Yorkers in general. Yet one more weapon the Republican Party uses to 'punish' those who don't fall in line with their views. Shame on you Homeland Security! Shame on you President Bush!

What a bunch of incompetent boobs. The Bush Administration will go down as the most incompetent in history. Next, they'll tell us there are no governmental offices in Washington, DC; no lakes in Minnesota, no mountains in Colorado, and I could go on and on and on but you get my drift.

Next time, let's not elect the class clown President, OK?

And what was hit on 9/11/2001?

Hey, perhaps they can get the "Presidential Medal of Honor"

Heck of a job guys!

Does anyone find it odd that the DHS form seems to give all types of assets the same weight? Does that not seem asanine? How is a 'commercial asset' of the same weight as a 'nuclear facility'? Who came up with this formula? A two year old?

chertoff is doing one heck of a job...NEW YORK, THE NUMBER ONE TARGET OF 'TERISTS'...whatever lies and propaganda fit the bill of the day for robbing the country blind.

Columbia has william's brice stadium, sesquicentennial park, the state house, and the sun trust building. where is our $100 million? I do not feel safe.

This certainly proves the "dumbing of America" theory.

What cities did have monuments and how many? It's hard to judge how blid, stupid or dishonest this is without context.

Still, this is ridiculous.

Instead of cutting the Homeland Security Funds from any city, maybe the people that came up with the formula should take a pay cut and that money go towards Homeland Security. Every city, town, and landmark in this nation are a threat and should be protected.

Where does "Blue State" figure into the formula?

Wal-Mart in Cheney's Casper, Wyoming, probably needs the money more, considering all the al Qaeda attacks there.

—Leslie, Democrat in NYC

And by outstanding analysis, Surly, I think you mean "heckuva job!"

from a picture of boy pointing at the statue of liberty and shouting "it's HER!" from the deck of the ship he'd been traveling with the hundreds and hundreds of people to come and live in their dreams in this new land to a picture of thousands people lining up around the downtown NY to donate their blood for the victims of 9/11, NY is one of the iconic cities in America in my eyes and my heart. I do not have any more anger left to express amd do feel doomed. God help us all.

Huh? New York? What is this city of which you speak? I have never heard of this "New York."

World's financial capital? The East Coast's pre-eminent hub of finance, theater, media, entertainment, medicine, culture, arts, an international tourist destination, home of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, the Met, the Guggenheim, Carnegie Hall, Broadway, Grant's Tomb, Ellis Island, Coney Island, the Flatiron Building, the Thanksgiving Day Parade, St. John's Cathedral, Macy's Santa Claus, Yankee Stadium, Wall Street, Brooklyn Bridge, and 1/4 of the world's gold buillion in the Federal Reserve's banks...are you sure they didn't mean "Newark?"

It's becoming clearer and clearer that the President and the people in his administration just don't care! They don't care about New Yorkers, they don't care about young men who are dying or are maimed in Iraq, they don't care about poor people who used to live in New Orleans, they don't care about older Americans who have to struggle with the Medicare drug plans, they don't care about the younger Americans who have to drive to work everyday and pay outrageous gas prices and, finally, they don't care about the world population who will have to endure the dire consequences of Global Warming.
If there is one thing that characterizes this administration, it's the total lack of empathy. It's very sad!

As a crime prevention specialist of over 35 years, I continually am amazed at the ignorance and contempt of Homeland Security (sic), when it comes to protecting the United States and its citizens.

They appear to be an organization that is a prime example of the "Good Old Boy Network", and are very lacking in experienced crime prevention practitioners.

Every American has a stake in the defense of New York and Washington. Guiliani was the real leader in a time of crisis. Bush was an opportunist who used the crisis to manipulate us into a catastrophic war. And now he's using homeland defense funds for election time politicking. Makes me truly sick.

When was the last time a national monument was the target of an attack. The Muro Building (in Oklahoma) and the World Trade Centers were both attacked and I don't think any of those buildings were official monuments. Nothing surprises anymore does it?

In addition to the omissions already mentioned: Brooklyn Bridge, the George Washington Bridge, Central Park, the HQ for all of the TV networks and other media companies, Grand Central Station, Pennsyvania Station (AMTRAK), Madison Square Garden, Yankee and Shea Stadiums, the airports, Ellis Island, etc.

Also, its just Gabelli Funds.

Would like to see comparison of other areas of the country that do have "national monuments or icons." What about Jackson Hole or The Alamo, I bet they count.

NYers already know that they're on their own with this rotten bunch, but it's still shocking to see it as official policy.

The Department of Homeland Security also neglects to mention one other fact: the large Jewish population in the NY metro area. One of the biggest in the word, right? I'm guessing THAT might influence terrorists as well.

I couldn't open the document link, but I would like to see where the money went that was cut from the budget of NYC's.

Otherwise, this article comes off as a bitter NYC-centric whining & moaning. NYC isn't the center of the universe folks.

This is so TYPICAL. This is what happens when the Republican Congress keeps approving every UNQUALIFIED FRIEND AND POLITICAL PICK OF CARL ROWE to these positions. Just like he had a HORSE SHOW GUY RUNNING FEMA, THE SPY ON AMERICA GUY IS RUNNING THE CIA, THE FORMER LOBBYISTS FOR TIMBER & MINING INDUSTRY RUNNING THE EPA, AND NOW ANOTHER UNQUALIFIED OR HOLY UNSUITABLE PERSON RUNNING ANOTHER AGENCY. THE BUSH PRESIDENCY IS THE WORST RAN US GOVERNMENT SINCE the landing of the MAYFLOWER...

Guess OBL didn't get the memo.

Clearly the Homeland Security report is another example of gross mismanagement and stupidity.
Does anyone from that department or any other actually read what they write? If someone - anyone - had reviewed the materials, they would have (should have) noted the irregularities and misinformation.

By reporting this you are helping the terrorists. Find the leaker!!

I guess what they say is true, that the middle of this nation could care if New York and California fell off into the ocean.

I care. It's the government that doesn't. Perhaps Boise needed more smoke detectors or something more important. We'll likley spend the money on more important things like protecting Mount Rushmore from terrar. Because if George Washinton's nose gets knocked off, they win or something.

maybe montana and wyoming really are greater terrorist targets.they haven't had their funding cut.we should all be thankful that our glorious leaders are so much smarter than we are.

"I hear you and the world hears you too " It's good to know we have The Decider at the helm.

This is hardly surprising. It's an election year, and it's hardly news by now that the Bush Administration values style over substance - they're pandering to the fear-addled people in rural America (their "base") while leaving the people who actually need protection to twist in the wind. This is the same song they've been singing for five years; it's just in a different key.

Pardon my cliche, but you can't make this stuff up. Wow, these guys really are tough on terror. Cracker-jack smart, too. Hell, the Statue of Liberty doesn't stand for anything these days anyway...

This dramatically shows the caliber of the people we have working for us in the federal government. I sure feel safer.

Surely a medal of freedom in his/her future.

New York Harbor is one of the most recognizable scenes in the world.

Since I was a kid, I have known what New York looks like, recognizing the landmarks mentioned above as well as the City Court Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. I can remember climbing the Statue of Liberty when I was a boy as well as visiting the top of the Empire State Building. I remember vividly the views of the city from the Circle Line Tour I took two years prior to 9/11. I also remember the awful day 9/11, seeing on television the destruction and chaos caused by evil rotten fanatics. Living in Hampton Roads, VA, I can remember seeing the crippled USS Cole being repaired in Newport News Shipyard after damage inflicted by al-Qaeda drones. I am sad to hear of this report. The cynic in me wonders if another PDB hit the President's desk detailing another New York City attack. I can't forget the lessons of history such as the Reichstag fire. Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. The day the Statue of Liberty is ignored is itself an attack on America.

If that's how they feel, then they won't need my tax dollars as a New Yorker. I'd like to see the numbers as far as what Omaha vs. New York City contributes in tax revenue to the fed. govt.

It's nice to see that the "Heck of a job, Brownie" moments continue in this administration.

It's a good thing that they're in charge of protecting us.

This entire administration is beyond scary!!!
They appiont morons, have no solutions, have no handle on anything except the toilet lever as they flush common sense, reason & facts down the drain... and they don't seem to care at all. Take care of yourselves! This government won't!!!

I'd be curious to see the "national landmarks" noted in other cities deemed more worthy of protection-- and how many of these landmarks happen to be in red states.

I think it was someone named "surly". Seriously, though -- good article. If there are cuts to be made, there is plenty of pork out there! NYC has been through enough; they need our support.

This is hardly an issue of the middle of the country vs. New York/California, Eric. The real question about this shockingly bad decision by the DHS is motivation. It would be interesting to track political contributions from the cities that received the largest bumps in anti-terror funds.

It reminds of an old NY Daily News headlnies from the 1970s:

Washington to NYC: Drop Dead!

My question is why should ANY prosperous city get funds?

Why should not the cost of defending a city be born by its citizens? Cops, Firemen, sanitation, corrections are all things that should be paid for by the City. If a nuclear reactor is situated outside of a City then perhaps the State or Federal Government should get involved, but day to day expense money should not be funneled to Washington only to be parceled out with the usual vig taken by the Feds!

It seems funny that the same politicians that complain when taxes are reduced for the "rich" are now complaining that funds are being reduced to one of the richest Cities! NYC has just had its bond rating raised to an all-time high.....I think that they can afford to protect themselves :-)

edge.

You're doing a heckuva job, Brownie

Well, you gotta admit: it ain't the home of hte Grand 'Ol Opry... and it if ain't the home of the Grand 'Ol Opry, it ain't got anything.

What is most reprehensible is the manner by which the authors justify their findings -- namely, reductivism, as if mere "monuments" a terrorist target make.

Having grown up in St. Louis, with its significant landmark, and having lived 12 years in NYC, I can strike the difference quite readily. The fact is that on both a literal and figurative basis, the whole of NYC, especially Manhattan, is a bulls-eye. One cannot travel the length of the City without encountering something symbolic, cherished or otherwise identifiable.

Perhaps the greatest "monument", thereby potential target, of all is the very population of NYC considering that White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, Christian, Jew, Muslim, and everyone of every possible stripe live, work, commute and so on every single day. It doesn't take so wild an imagination to wonder how that idea on its own might rankle an extremist, somewhere.

While I can begrudgingly understand that the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial might not qualify as a "Top 10" national target, I cannot for the life of me begin to understand any rationale that would seek to lessen New York City by comparison.

The only surprise is that they didn't list the FOX NEWS HQ in NYC as an important monument or icon.

I'd be interested to see what cities are receiving an increase in funding?
Perhaps the Carolina - historical monuments to Strom Thurmond, Jesse Helms?
Texas - becuase that's where Enron was? and the Bushes?
Florida - Terry Schaivo's hospice site?
Montana or Whyoming?

Four significant bank assets: (1) the Federal Reserve (bunch of gold underneath; see Die Hard with a Vengeance (or, for your sake, just take my word for it).

(2) Citicorp Center?

(3) World Financial Center (Merrill Lynch, etc.) Fairly clear target right now, given that the buildings around it were demolished starting in 2001.

(4) I'm not about to figure out who to offend by leaving off, say, One Chase Plaza or Metrotech in Brooklyn (where much of the S&C processing for Chase, etc., is done) or the Citi facilites in Long Island City or the buildings that house major investment and foreign banks or the NYSE or the Merc or...

If the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, The United Nations, and Times Square don't represent national icons, what does? The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota? The never-ending genius of Michael Chertoff and the inept administration he allegedly serves is truly astounding.

Skeletor should be laughed out of his job. I feel real sorry for any area in the U.S that gets hit by a hurricane this year.

Some experts tell me the terror threat was well known about the Trade Towers in the intel community and that he could have easily prevented the first attack. Even Castro from Cuba warned him when, where, ect. As did many of our allies. He just was too drunk to care-no different now.

People better get some guts and start demanding some action from representatives.

Read this: Al-Qaida nukes already in U.S.
Terrorists, bombs smuggled across Mexico border by MS-13 gangsters

Too late, as usual.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?
ARTICLE_ID=45203

It all boils down to politics. NYC did not vote for these knuckleheads so screw 'em. Just like letting California wallow in the 'energy crisis' driven by Enron and Kenny Boy.

So the death of more than 3000 people meant nothing...so the attacks that brought down two of the most important financial monuments signified nada...so the most popular city in the world isn't worth protecting...this administration is really "patriot"...allows thousands die after Katrina, thousands die in Iraq, allowed thousands die on 9-11 and now shows an odd disrespect with all New yorkers and the nation as a whole; if you don't learn from your mistakes in the past and you insist on ignoring the obvious you're called...

You whinning libs need to wake up to what is going on.

You want to rag on Homeland Security for saying New York has no national momuments, and you are quick to point to the Statue of Liberty.

Are you idiots not aware that that statue was removed by the Bush Administrition from the list of National Momuments because its name has the word "LIBERTY"?

following that train of thought, if you're going to cut the funds based on a lack of monuments, etc., and find there are none, why give them ANY money? Why does NY need $124 million bucks to protect nothing?

For more than 100 years, New York City and the Statue of Liberty have stood as a beacon to freedom. Millions of oppressed people all over the world sacrificed everything to come to the United States through New York and live out the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. New York and those of us who live here represent America in a way no other city in this country does, second only to Washington, DC.

But hey, I’m sure Omaha, NE would make a fitting replacement.