Bio-Terrorism: Are We Ready?

CNN ^ | June 18, 2002 | Joe Katzman

[katman]

Biological warfare is the subject of today's "Winds of Change" features. Lady Margaret Thatcher leads off in typically clear and inspirational style. The recently-passed Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001 follows - it's a start, but large gaps remain. We look at the act and the gaps, and set out the 10-point plan for change. In-depth briefings on anthrax and smallpox round out today's features.

[Orangedog]

Bio-Terrorism: Are We Ready?

No.

[freeperfromnj]

We are definitey not ready and I learned just the other night that we have more than biolical weapons such as smallpox to worry about. Consider this alarming scenario of a biologicial attack without using man made weapons. It never crossed my mind until I heard it on the radio the other night: a suicide terrorist visits an African village afflicted with Ebola, infects himself and brings it back here. In today's New York Post there is a story about a suicide bombing that was thwarted in Israel. It involved a 16 year old suicide bomber who got the aids virus through a blood transfusion last month and had 20 pounds of explosives and nails attached to his body. Imagine his blood all over the place, possibly getting into the open wounds of those injured by the flying nails and shrapnel.

[The Great Satan]

Let not your heart be troubled. BJ Clinton says Saddam has no missiles capable of reaching the United States, so we really have nothing to worry about.