WASHINGTON (Reuters) -
The Space Needle, a high profile landmark in Seattle, apparently was targeted for attack by Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network according to evidence U.S. troops recovered in Afghanistan, NBC News reported on Wednesday.
The report cited U.S. officials as saying the evidence included plans to attack other targets in Washington state, including the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, one of the world's largest hydroelectric dams and a major power source in the Pacific Northwest.
The officials also said American troops in Afghanistan recovered designs, diagrams and surveillance photos of potential al Qaeda targets across the United States, NBC said.
Saudi-born extremist bin Laden and his Afghan-based al Qaeda fighters are blamed by Washington for the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States that killed more than 3,000 people.
President Bush outlined the newly discovered U.S. evidence against al Qaeda in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, as he warned that the war against terror was just beginning.
"Our discoveries in Afghanistan confirmed our worst fears and show us the true scope of the task ahead," Bush said. "We have found diagrams of American nuclear power plants and public water facilities, detailed instructions for making chemical weapons, surveillance maps of American cities, and thorough descriptions of landmarks in America and throughout the world."
NBC said the documents found in Afghanistan also included an apparent plot to attack the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia and plans to try to blow up the Los Angeles International Airport. A previous plot to bomb the airport was foiled two years ago when the would-be bomber was arrested after crossing the border from Canada.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020131/ts_nm/attack_targets_dc_2
Thats really going to take care of the immediate need for people in Airports.. to help police etc. now isn't it? Do you honestly think any State, or our Nation for that matter is so small that a tiny little militia could really protect ALL of us? One that is run by radicals who don't represent all of us?? Now that is a dangerous thought. I believe you have a right to protect yourself.. but there already ARE militias in each State.
Our Country has gone down hill for 8 years. Every single person in Gov. has told us it will take some time to FIX the problem. If you think President Bush is spending money now on this country.. you should sit back and just imagine how much it would cost to fix things IMMEDIATELY!!! We happen to think this call for volunteerism is right on for the times we are facing. So now we have people saying in the same breath.. he is spending to much.. he is spending to little. Which is it?
Fixing the things that were neglected just doesn't happen as quick as some think it can. Plain and simple, that is impossible. You need to stop thinking "city" and think "Nation".
As far as a Militia.. yeah.. I believe in that too. But the State Militia's (*see National Guards) are stretched to their limits. They aren't getting the training they need.. nor the equipment they need. And if you think you can organize a militia that is capable of handling a MAJOR threat and do it well, and timely, and in an organized manner which is what it would take, not to mention equipment.. then please tell me how you would think to accomplish that feat? Our Gaurdsmen and women ARE citizen soldiers.
I will fight with all my heart and soul for the right to bear Arms. We are members of the NRA,..and believe in the 2nd Ammendment. But people spout all this bravado..without realizing this is a HUGE country..and it takes some form of Government to accomplish this AFFORDED US BY THE CONSTITUTION. Some ideas posted here would create anarchy and chaos!! Meaning the small radical Militia elements. IMHO
FR is starting to sound like a bunch of whiners. What is it people.. who could serve better? If you don't like things... then start to "intelligently" without bashing the better of two choices for President, President Bush, and create your own party with likeminded Candidates.
Just keep it up.. sit around on your duffs complaining.. and sooner or later the Dems will not only have the Senate.. but the HOUSE AND THE WHITEHOUSE. Then ya gonna be happy??
I mean.. whose the enemy here?