why was there LESS security during this "Alert" (NYC edition)

[nostamj]

in previous heightened states of "alert" the security around Grand Central Station (I work very nearby) was increased.

street entrance/cab stand on the west side of the station was closed off.

armed guards checking incoming trucks.

armed guards posted inside the station.

on Thanksgiving, I had to present a ticket before entering the track.

on Christmas I just walked onto the train and sat down.

I could have been carrying ANYTHING.

taking out a single car would have caused transportation chaos (and would have affected train travel in general for god knows how long).

why was there LESS security?

(has no one told the terrorists about the trains?)

[aquart]

1. I dunno. Has NYS national guard been supplying Iraq?

I mean, are we making do with less manpower?

[evil_orange_cat]

2. maybe they realized armed guards can't stop a 600mph jet from crashing :D

or a truck with a nuke from going off.

Personally, I'm glad to see less guys with assault rifles walking around. It's not like a terrorist is going to be openly walking around with a sign that says "hey i'm a terrorist shoot me!"

Plus, I saw some of the security at O'Hare airport in Chicago post 9-11... I could have walked up behind the 18 year old national guard kid and taken his gun away from him. He didn't make me "feel" any safer. Nor were such deployments practical.

[nostamj]

4. i'm not suggesting that SEEING increased security

would make me feel better.

BUT, if they're going to SCARE people, you'd think they'd take it MORE seriously than before, not less...

[NYC]

3. Before midnight, there were police outside the Waldorf.

Shortly after midnight, they were gone. I think they were for show for the tourists.

When I passed through Grand Central around 1 or 2 p.m., I saw one army person. Only one. I didn't see any additional police, even though Grand Central was crowded.