Posted on 06/26/2002 2:36:18 AM PDT by kattracks
Sen. Chuck Schumer demanded today an investigation into how ex-cons were able to slip through the federal anti-terrorism net to work as guards at the Statue of Liberty.
Citing a Daily News probe, Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote National Park Service Director Fran Mainella seeking a full explanation of "why security guards with criminal records were hired to work at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island."
The News reported Sunday that at least two former felons were manning metal detectors and X-ray machines at the national landmarks, both potential terrorism targets, after the Sept. 11 attacks. They were not discovered or fired until March.
"Hiring security guards with criminal records not only undermines our safety, it sends exactly the wrong message to terrorists," Schumer told Mainella.
Seeking Details
The senator asked for details on "what is being done to determine whether similar mistakes were made" at other national monuments and sought assurances that guards currently on duty at the statue have undergone strict security checks.
State law and federal regulations require security guards to have clean criminal records and to be licensed.
Neither federal nor state authorities have taken action against the guards or the company that employed them. Both still have valid licenses to be security guards — one expires next March, the other in September 2003.
In the letter, dated today, Schumer asked Mainella why New York officials were not "immediately notified of the security lapse" when the guards' illegal status was uncovered in March. Schumer learned of the snafu from The News last week.
"Poor communication between federal and local officials tends to erode confidence in the federal government's ability to keep cities and states both informed and secure," he said.
Schumer is a member of the Energy and National Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over the National Park Service. He also is on the Judiciary Committee, which monitors anti-terrorism efforts.
Schumer also asked Mainella whether the Park Service would consider national licensing and certification for security guards at national monuments.
Currently, states have widely varying standards for security guards. New Jersey, for example, does not require them to be licensed.
The Park Service confirmed that the guards eluded detection because federal background checks had not been conducted.
New York's Department of State, which licenses guards and guard companies, said it has launched an investigation into the security breach, but declined to comment on its progress.
I was helping a Canadian friend (who has a green card but has applied for citizenship) study for the naturalization exam that you must take to obtain citizenship. They provide a sample test of 100 questions.
One of the questions was, "Why should you become an American citizen?"
We were both flabbergasted by the answer.
1. So you can apply for federal jobs.
2. So you can carry an American passport.
3. So you can apply to bring your relatives to the US
No mention of "so you can vote, or participate in government, etc."
That's what the federal government is telling people who are applying for citizenship.
Nah. That wouldn't be appropriately partisan.
It isn't going to happen!
Well where else they gonna do?
No place to live, etc, you know what I mean!
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