Danger Will Robinson, Danger
Reported by Donna - April 26, 2005
With a hearing coming tomorrow on the dangers of terrorists attacking chemical plants, Fox found that it was a good time to do some damage control, before the fact.
In fact, Studio B with Shepard Smith, turned to some good old fashioned CYA when it comes to a 'former' White House advisor testifying before a committee on Capitol Hill tomorrow.
Catherine Herridge reported on the story that a former Bush advisor, Richard Falkenroth, is going to question the safety of chemical plants and that Homeland Security has not done enough to protect the public.
Herridge went quickly to a quote from Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine):
"The problem is that there is no comprehensive federal approach to securing chemical facilities across the United States. There is very little federal oversight. Homeland security experts believe chemical plants are tempting targets for terrorists."
There are around 15,000 chemical facilities across the U.S., including around 100 near major urban centers.
The bottom line? Herridge reported that since there is little oversight, Homeland Security has no legal authority to shore up security, although they have given a few of the facilities some advice.
Comment: Seems another 'former Bush' advisor is going to come down with some 'bad news' tomorrow. Fox was putting forth a carefully planned CYA technique, one that has been used in the past against various 'former Bush advisors'. While they haven't discredited him yet, they have managed to put out a 'reason' that Homeland security can't protect our chemical plants. Their reason may be legalities, but don't expect any protection from the Federal Government against terrorists attacking our chemical facilities - they can't/won't?
