
The recent threats and attempted bombings against prominent Democrats have prompted quick action in New York City. While the identity of those responsible is still unknown, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo doesn’t want to take any chances.
“…we will not allow terrorist thugs to change the way we lead our lives.”
Governor Cuomo sent 100 members of the National Guard to state transit centers, citing an “abundance of caution” after news reports revealed that several members of the Democratic Party had been targeted by an individual or group who sent packages filled with explosive devices, which have, so far, all been intercepted by government officials.
The fact that three of the bombs were sent to individuals living in New York City could have prompted the governor’s action. “New Yorkers have never succumbed to fear or intimidation, and today will be no different,” Cuomo said in a recently-released statement. “We are tough; we are resilient, and we will not allow terrorist thugs to change the way we lead our lives.”
In his statement, Cuomo indicated that he is strengthening security at major roads, airports, transit centers, and tunnel bridges.
Is Cuomo Overreacting?
At first glance, it might appear that Governor Cuomo is going overboard in his response to the bombs. Indeed, this current political climate spawns conspiracy theories whenever an incident such as this occurs. On the left, many have used this story to attack President Donald Trump and conservatives, claiming that their rhetoric forced a crazed supporter to threaten prominent anti-Trump voices. In response, many on the right responded to news of the incident by immediately calling it a false flag. Oddly enough, few people seem to consider the possibility that the bombs could have been sent by a lunatic who craves attention.
While neither side has any evidence determining the motivation and objective of the person who sent the packages, Cuomo isn’t taking any chances. His decision to deploy 100 National Guard soldiers is understandable, given the fact that New York City has experienced multiple terror attacks, including the worst one in American history on September 11, 2001.
Governor Cuomo is taking what he considers the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the citizens under his leadership. While some might believe he is overreacting, the question remains: What if someone perished in a terrorist attack that was related to the packages? There is no doubt that conservatives would excoriate him for his negligence — and rightly so.
When an individual makes terrorist threats against U.S. citizens, it is no longer about left vs. right. Party lines no longer matter – or, at least they shouldn’t. When Americans are targeted by a terrorist, it is important that we support leaders who genuinely try to protect those under their care. As we learned after 9/11, these are not times when we should devolve into partisan politics, these are times when we must unite as Americans.