We've alluded to the idea that High-cost rail in California, if ever built, would be an immediate target for terrorists and that the CHSRA is carefully avoiding this discussion because it complicates their planning. It appears the head of the TSA is on the same wavelength. Here is an excerpt from a website that is new to me called Infowars.com that captures the thought:
If past comments made by Mr. Pistole are any indicator, however, the government would like to see naked body scanners and intrusive pat downs expand from airports to train stations and subway platforms.
Soon after taking over the TSA earlier this year, the former FBI deputy director Pistole told USA Today that he will work to expand airport Gestapo zones. “Protecting riders on mass-transit systems from terrorist attacks will be as high a priority as ensuring safe air travel, the new head of the Transportation Security Administration promises,” the newspaper reported on July 17.
“Given the list of threats on subways and rails over the last six years going on seven years, we know that some terrorist groups see rail and subways as being more vulnerable because there’s not the type of screening that you find in aviation,” Pistole said. “From my perspective, that is an equally important threat area.”
While I reject their Gestapo analogy as unnecessary and unhelpful, the basic idea that trains, especially new, expensive trains that are supposed to carry 1,000 people each, would be immune from attack is so naive that it hurts. Quentin "Q-ball" Kopp, et al, are you listening? If not, why not? If so, how much land will that add to the eminient domain proceedings at each station? How much more cost?
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