[gitmo]

Was there enough specific data that the attacks could have been thwarted? Or would we have just had a general alert around Washington and other places? Had the National Guard been patrolling Washington & Manhattan, the WTC would still have been vulnerable.

The real root of the problem is that we dismantled our intelligence organizations in the field. Without specific foreknowledge about these attacks, there isn't much that could have been done.

[varon]

The real root of the problem is that we dismantled our intelligence organizations in the field.

Agreed. My point exactly. The traitors to our nation "opened the gates and brought in the Trojan horse". These enemies of our nation are working within our system. They hold government offices at the highest level. Where are people like Joe McCarthy when you need them?

[gcruse]

The real root of the problem is that we dismantled our intelligence
organizations in the field. Without specific foreknowledge
about these attacks, there isn't much that could have been done.

The same gang that couldn't see a collapse coming in the USSR, you mean?
I haven't seen any decent American intel since the breaking of the Japanese code.
Terrorism, of all the isms, is probably least susceptible to intel ops, because
random suicide attacks are all but unstoppable on the ground.  The secret
is to make the response to  it so swift, widespread, and brutal that
no would-be martyr would dare subject his family and friends to
the repercussions.

[philetus]

"Was there enough specific data that the attacks could have been thwarted?"

If someone you don`t know, calls you up and says some day their going to catch you somewhere and punch you, can you stop it from happening?