The LA Times remarks on how the United States has spent more than $50 billion on biodefense efforts when there have been absolutely zero bioterrorism attacks. But any potential bioterrorist attack has to be fully investigated... even when it's pretty clear that it's not a anthrax incident.
The FBI is trying to figure out who mailed about 150 letters late last year that contained powder and threatening notes. The envelopes were sent from the Dallas area to U.S. embassies in various countries and to most U.S. governors.
"It's possible that the final two or three letters went to governors who are no longer in office," said Mark White, an FBI spokesman in Dallas. "They may still trickle in."
One letter, for example, was addressed to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who left office two years ago. When it arrived in Boston, someone marked "return to sender" on the envelope and popped it back in the mail. The return address was the FBI office in El Paso.
White powder spilled out when an FBI clerk there opened it Feb. 12. Anxious officials emptied the Federal Justice Center, sending more than 300 FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement personnel home. The powder proved to be baking soda, White said.
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"I think all our screaming about bioterrorism has been counterproductive," said Milton Leitenberg, a University of Maryland scholar who has written extensively about biological weapons. "It's a hard balance to strike."
"It's possible that the final two or three letters went to governors who are no longer in office," said Mark White, an FBI spokesman in Dallas. "They may still trickle in."
One letter, for example, was addressed to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who left office two years ago. When it arrived in Boston, someone marked "return to sender" on the envelope and popped it back in the mail. The return address was the FBI office in El Paso.
White powder spilled out when an FBI clerk there opened it Feb. 12. Anxious officials emptied the Federal Justice Center, sending more than 300 FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement personnel home. The powder proved to be baking soda, White said.
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"I think all our screaming about bioterrorism has been counterproductive," said Milton Leitenberg, a University of Maryland scholar who has written extensively about biological weapons. "It's a hard balance to strike."
Yes, it's a hard balance to strike - worrying incessently that the next "white powder" attack might be a real anthrax attack, and realizing that there is no terrorist threat apparent to us in over seven years. How can we face the daily challenges of living normal lives when we ought to be so petrified about bioterrorism?
Ah, for the sudden slap of common sense... (Hat tip to Cheryl)
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