[Denny]

I have heard of the risk levels on the radio, but when I checked the Homeland Security website I see they have a cute gimmick to tell the citizenry of their chance of making through the day unscathed.



I just can't fathom how they set this rating, or just what its real purpose is. Do they use a roulette wheel, or is this a consensus by regional experts across the U.S. within the DHS?

I am pretty sure the next generation will look at this kind of thing as we look at the "Duck and cover" filmstrips used in the schools in the 50's.

[rwwff]

Its primary purpose is to provide a benchmark for various law enforcement agencies; they really do spend more money when its orange or red or whatever.

Since everyone is so paranoid of the government, if they hid the rating from the public, people would scream conspiracy; and since it costs very little EXTRA to make it publicly known, there's no good reason not to make five colorful icons to switch between on the website.

To the question in the title, the make a guess based upon environment, chatter, known but frustrated attempts, etc..

So, you can relax... big brother has your back.

[PenultimateManStanding]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('rwwff', '
')So, you can relax... big brother has your back.

[rwwff]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('rwwff', 'S')o, you can relax... big brother has your back.

[Dreamtwister]

I think it's pretty obvious: It's a simple formula, based on the alignment of the stars and the Presiden't approval rating.