Representative Chris Shays (R-Connecticut) isn’t buying the words of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. According to a story on the web site of WVIT in Hartford:

“I think it’s really irresponsible for our government to tell people that they don’t need to take precautions,” Shays said. “If Secretary Ridge says, ‘Just do what you normally do,’ I would say, what do you normally do? If normally, you go to Times Square, I wouldn’t do what you normally do.

Shays is a member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence,

“I know I wouldn’t want to go to Times Square because I know it’s a tempting target for terrorists,” Shays said Tuesday. “I know I wouldn’t let my daughter go.”

Nothing specific. The New York City police department will be out in force: police snipers, seven police helicopters, sensors, scanners…

Shays then went on NBC’s Today, between segments probably concerning gardening and underwear, and said that one of his guest will be former POW and retired Army Specialist Shoshana Johnson:

“Maybe the congressman should talk to her a little bit about courage. You’re going to see a million people here who have the courage to come.”

Bad answer, Mike. Celebrating New Years Eve should not be equated with ousting one of the world’s most brutal, mutant thugs.