Updated Los Angeles police chief William Bratton called a taped message from al-Qaeda terrorists “just rhetoric,” saying that officials did not see the tape as significant and did not plan any specific response to the video.

“The statement was meant to instill fear, and fear is the most potent weapon the terrorists posses,” Bratton and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said earlier in a statement. “Bombastic pronouncements are expected on the eve of terrorist incidents like September 11, but we cannot let such pronouncements alter our lifestyles.”

“Yesterday, London and Madrid. Tomorrow, Los Angeles and Melbourne, Allah willing,” the masked man says on the tape that ABC said it received Saturday. The man — believed to be an American — speaks in unaccented English.

“And this time, don’t count on us demonstrating restraint and compassion,” he says on the tape, aired Sunday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

The network said the tape had been delivered to ABC in Pakistan. The man on the 11-minute tape, wearing a black turban with most of his face covered, called the attacks of four years ago “blessed events” before making the threats against the U.S. and Australian cities.

ABC said the man is believed to be Adam Yahiye Gadahn, an American from California who is wanted by the FBI. The CIA said Sunday it was aware of the report but had no immediate comment about the tape’s authenticity. — Associated Press

The Australian response seemed more sensible. “The best response to things like this is to redouble our protective efforts, which we are doing, but also to get on with life, which we are also doing,” said Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

Of course, we can’t just jump or cringe in fear whenever terrorists make some kind of statement. But we must also be vigilant and watch carefully. If they aren’t going to attack us, why bother with the tape?

Update: Terrorism expert Bernard Reich opines that the tape is a publicity stunt.