[7thson]

I am sitting in my cubicle on the 12th floor in a builiding located on Ft. Myer Drive in Rosslyn, Va. I can see the planes arriving to Reagan National every five minutes. I notice something unusual and putting my glasses back on, I see what appears to be a balloon approximately 200-300 yards outside the window. It is not a blimp, there is no steering mechanism and it is carrying a payload. I call the Washington Metro Police Department - excuse me, the Metropolitian Police Department - and I speak with a woman who sounds bored with the incident. She wants me to call Arlington Police. I call the U.S. Secret Service and speak to someone within their intelligence division. I inform the gentleman I see a ballon, lowering to the ground with a payload. No further questions. A thank you and goodbye.

My question - who is serious about the War on Terror? Why should I report something suspicious if those in authority yawn in response?

[mnehring]

Maybe because they know what it is, a balloon.

[icwhatudo]

Homeland Security Terrorism Tip Line - 1-888-292-1919

[highlander_UW]

My question - who is serious about the War on Terror? Why should I report something suspicious if those in authority yawn in response?

You should report it because it's the right thing to do. What the authorities do with it then becomes their step of responsible action. How would you feel if you saw it, said nothing, and then several blocks are slaughtered from a release of poison gas killing hundreds?

[Wvoter]

My question is, how do you know that they are just yawning, simply because YOU don't see anything going on?

[Rummyfan]

I certainly wouldn't bother with the Metro Police Department. The chief should have left town with The Moose after the sniper case.

[adam_az]

Ask them if they're logged in, and suggest they check that their beeber is stuned.

[WashingtonStateRepublican]

"why should I report anything when no one seems to take it serious?"

Maybe someday you'll get lucky and someone will actually show some interest. At least if you see something suspicious and report it. You won't have the same feeling of guilt had you not called, should something horrible happen.

[theDentist]

What I'd do:
"Who am I speaking to? What is your title? Who is YOUR supervisor? What is YOUR supervisor's phone number? Who is his Boss? Did you know the phone number of the Washington Post Investigative Reporting group is 202.334.6000? IF something related to that ballon happens, do you want to guess who I will call first, Mr. XXXXXX, who reports to Mrs. YYYYYYY, aide to Mr. ZZZZZZZZ?"

That'll get a response.

[avg_freeper]

I'm looking at the google map of the area in question.

Are you in the Rectangular building towards the South end of Ft. Myer Drive or the one with three spokes towards the North end?

By 200-300 yards do you mean the balloon was rising up over Arlington National Cemetery?

You would be looking over the Pentagon to see the airport right? just getting my bearings

[icwhatudo]

Can you still see the ballon?

Is it a hot air balloon with basket?

Color, size, shape?

How far from airport?

I'd report it as a runaway hot air balloon on collision course with airport-THAT they would take serious.

[wolfcreek]

Bin Ladin said We would see it in our homes, not at work?

[1curiousmind]

Well I am serious about it. That doesn't mean I'm hold up in my bedroom with a year's supply of water and snickers bars. Instead, I am just doing my part to apply what we are told all the time to be true..."That it's not a matter of if, but when we'll be attacked." ...to apply that to my little corner of the world.

I happen to live near Detroit. We have this little thing going on this weekend called the Superbowl. It just so happens to have the largest security operation in US history. Hmm? Why is that I ask? You mean, more than the last Preidential inauguration? More than New Year's Eve at Times Square with several hundred thousands participating? Hmmm...

So I posted this a few weeks ago: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1565487/posts

Some were amused by it, but others see the reasoning behind it and understand that if we all take the time to be more aware and alert we will go a long way to protecting ourselves.

Here's a wild idea...how about CNN, FOXNews, and MSNBC take time out from the Natalie Holloway and George Smith cases and show some mug shots of the terrorists that the FBI has told us are in the US and Canada, have obtained nuclear waste materials, and are hell-bent (well, heaven-bent from their perspective) on killing as many of us as they can with it.

Oh, I forgot, its about ratings, right? GMAB.