Fed Plan on Protecting Ports Is Delayed

[NVMojo]

They renew the Patriot Act but don't deal with this? How serious are they about terrorism?

WASHINGTON (AP) -

The Bush administration has missed dozens of deadlines set by Congress after the Sept. 11 attacks for developing ways to protect airplanes, ships and railways from terrorists.

A plan to defend ships and ports from attack is six months overdue. Rules to protect air cargo from infiltration by terrorists are two months late. A study on the cost of giving anti-terrorism training to federal law enforcement officers who fly commercially was supposed to be done more than three years ago.

"The incompetence that we recently saw with FEMA's leadership appears to exist throughout the Homeland Security Department," said Mississippi Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee. "Our nation is still vulnerable."

Congress must share the blame for the department's sluggishness in protecting commerce and travel from terrorists, according to other observers.

more...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-wh/2005/oct/31/103107383.html

[kestrel91316]

1. I think they want to make sure that the "terrorists" can get into a port

such as Long Beach of San Francisco to wreak havoc with a dirty bomb or suitcase nuke. Adequate security would only get in the way of their plans for TERRA TERRA TERRA.

[Daphne08]

2. What have they really done in their efforts

to make this country safe?

Well, they've shred our Bill of Rights into confetti, they've made flying a nightmare for passengers, and they've created a terrorist training ground in Iraq.

Other than that?

I'm sorry, but I just don't see much. (Perhaps I'm just not aware.)

[Roland99]

3. Sen. Kerry was harping about protecting our ports over a YEAR AGO!