Thread: A Nuclear Ruse Uncovers Holes in U.S. Security

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 12, 2007
A Nuclear Ruse Uncovers Holes in U.S. Security
By ERIC LIPTON
WASHINGTON, July 11 — Undercover Congressional investigators set up a bogus company and obtained a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in March that would have allowed them to buy the radioactive materials needed for a so-called dirty bomb.

The investigators, from the Government Accountability Office, demonstrated once again that the security measures put in place since the 2001 terrorist attacks to prevent radioactive materials from getting into the wrong hands are insufficient, according to a G.A.O. report, which is scheduled to be released at a Senate hearing Thursday.

“Given that terrorists have expressed an interest in obtaining nuclear material, the Congress and the American people expect licensing programs for these materials to be secure,â€

So Chertoff what do we do if we are hit by a dirty bomb, Mr Homeland Security. What steps do we take and what do we need to protect ourselves if one happens to go off around us? Or is this something that FEMA would handle God Forbid?

Paige

So the President is cutting the National Guard on the border, the border is effectively wide open now. The terrorists are rebuilding their strength to pre 9/11 strength. Anyone can build a dirty bomb. Add all of this up and it tells us what a good job our elected officials have done to protect us.

All I can say is, if a dirty bomb(s) is detonated in this country may God help the elected officials in Washington for they will surely be skinned alive by the electorate.

Originally Posted by jimpasz

As with any dirty bomb, the resulting low-level contamination would not have presented an immediate health hazard. Still, the area would have to have been evacuated and decontaminated.

So a dirty bomb is generally not deadly nor causes serious health problems, but the cleanup would be expensive. If we could make the US Chamber of Commerce pay for it, I don't see much downside.