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| U.S. Sends Out ’Dirty Bomb’ Patrol | |
| 2004-01-08 | |
| The U.S. - concerned that terrorists might attempt to detonate a "dirty bomb" during the holidays - sent nuclear scientists to five major cities to search for the radiological devices, the Washington Post reports. The newspaper said the casually dressed scientists concealed detection equipment in golf bags and briefcases while they looked for evidence of the bombs in New York, Washington, Baltimore, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. I’m sure that worked well in Watts. "Hey man, seen my golf ball ’round here?" "No dude. Stick ’em up." Last November, it was announced that government investigators had documented 1,300 cases of lost, stolen or abandoned radioactive material inside the U.S. over the past five years. The investigators concluded there was a significant risk that terrorists could cobble enough together for a dirty bomb. The Post said the possible use of such a weapon by terrorists has been a major concern of U.S. officials. The Post, always on top of things. On Dec. 19, the day the terror threat level was raised to orange, or "high," the Homeland Security Department sent out hundreds of radiation monitors to police in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Detroit. Department of Energy radiation experts were also dispatched to five cities to covertly look for evidence of a "dirty bomb." Beginning on Dec. 22, the teams of scientists took measurements in the cities 24 hours a day. See anyone on the street in Baltimore carrying a golf bag around, Fred?
"Can I trade this t’ing for a bottle of Ol’ Skullpopper?" | |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #11 A dosimeter will be real useful after exposure to radiation. "Oh, look here! You have received a toxic level of radiation! Where ya been these last 30 days?" |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2004-1-8 6:08:09 PM |
| #10 The government should just issue dosimeter tags GeeBuss... are you serious? LOL. Perhaps we can build in a Carb Counter to make it easier to tolerate. Turn that puppy purple after 30 grams o'fat/day. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2004-1-8 4:53:21 PM |
| #9 ANY action by the government that doesn't cost billions and take years will be viewed by many as a cover-up. Seriously, I don't think the public can be re-educated on the reality of radiation, at least not in a timespan shorter than generations. (Don't believe me? Think about Erin Brokovich and the load of crap she was able to peddle to a jury.) |
| Posted by: Robert Crawford 2004-1-8 3:25:44 PM |
| #8 John, are you sure the American public is ready for dosimeters? I question our collective intelligence every time I watch a stewardesse explain how to lock and unlock a seat belt - or accidently channel surf through MTV. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-1-8 2:50:16 PM |
| #7 The government should just issue dosimeter tags in the high potential areas, and let folks just figure out whether exposure is a concern. |
| Posted by: john 2004-1-8 2:10:48 PM |
| #6 SH -- you're right, but most people don't know that. The general public has been trained to fear anything "radioactive", and it's their reaction that would make a dirty bomb so devastating. |
| Posted by: Robert Crawford 2004-1-8 12:29:52 PM |
| #5 arn't nuclear artillary shells a more dangerous problem then a dirty bomb?they had alot in the Soviet artillary didn't they? |
| Posted by: J Shep 2004-1-8 12:09:53 PM |
| #4 I don't get the dirty bomb gig. If you take a 55 gallon drum of mildly radiactive medical waste and blow it all over a five mile square area, won't it be every bit as dangerous as the glowing hands on your wristwatch? I may just be stupid. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-1-8 12:01:08 PM |
| #3 "Is that a geiger counter in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me, Professor?" |
| Posted by: mojo 2004-1-8 11:36:12 AM |
| #2 NERTS:Nuclear Emergency Response Teams |
| Posted by: raptor 2004-1-8 8:16:24 AM |
| #1 Golf bag Pings? |
| Posted by: Shipman 2004-1-8 7:31:18 AM |