Debbie Schlussel: Homeland Non-Security: American Rail, Buses Still Completely Vulnerable to Terrorist Attack
Yes, it's more expensive. But, according to a new TSA/Department of Homeland Security report, you might want to choose flying over riding the bus or train when you travel.
Over 75% of major railways and bus systems in America are unsafe and vulnerable to attacks. They don't meet minimum Homeland Security guidelines for preparedness in case of an attack. For example, they don't include training transit workers in security, running regular security drills, and sharing intelligence with government agencies.
The first federal evaluation of mass-transit security shows that more than 75% of the nation's major rail and bus systems aren't meeting Homeland Security guidelines.By contrast, 96% of airlines are complying with security requirements, according to a new report by the department. The report doesn't identify which rail and bus systems fell short.
Among the things the bus and rail systems didn't do:
* Conduct regular security inspections
* Check employee and contractor backgrounds (Ahmed and Mohammed can apply, no prob)
* Limit access to security-related documents
* Write plans to deal with various threats
* Train all employees in security awareness
I'm not sure why TSA and DHS made this report public. But I know I'm not the only one reading it. I'm sure our Islamic terrorist buddies are brushing up on it, also. If I were a terrorist, a train or bus would be the best place to attack. There is none or almost no screening, I could easily get my weapons and/or explosives on board, and based on this report, the rails and buses are completely unprepared for attacks and disasters.
Who is responsible for this? Well, for one thing, the bus and railway companies and public agencies that run and oversee them and public rails. But, then there are the people who oversaw the Department of Homeland Security for the last 5-6 years and did nothing. The fish rots from the head down. And in this case (and many others), the rotten head is Michael Chertoff. He did nothing about this, and instead hung out with extremist Muslim leaders.
Don't expect Janet Napolitano a/k/a "The Lesbionic Woman" to be much of an improvement.
Posted by Debbie on January 29, 2009 03:37 PM to Debbie Schlussel