The "Color-coded Threat Level System"

Homeland Security Advisory System

The color-coded threat level system is a series of colors with different levels of risk of our country being attacked by terrorists on each color. (Chart shown on right). As of August 29 of this year, the country was placed at the elevated level (significant risk of terrorist attacks). For flights, the threat level is high (high risk of terrorist attacks). The government is taking extra precautions during the current elections for extra safety purposes. There is claimed to be no specific reason that the threat level has been raised, but homeland security must have some reason. If there is a reason that our country is in danger, then we as American citizens have the right to know. Take a moment to think back to your youth. If something was wrong with your parents, something bad might soon happen to them, or you or they were hurt, they would tell you that everything was going to be alright, even if it wouldn't, but they said it just to comfort you. This could possibly be what the government is doing for us now. Well personally I prefer truth to comfort and if there is any particular reason to be worried, we deserve to know.

Why was the threat level raised?
How do they judge what to set the level at?

Image from: http://www.dhs.gov/xinfoshare/programs/Copy_of_press_release_0046.shtm