Free Republic

Published ThursdayJuly 17, 2003Nuclear meeting could be volatileBY ROBYNN TYSVER   WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER The nation's top nuclear scientists and experts will gather next month at Offutt Air Force Base to discuss the future of the nation's nuclear arsenal. The Aug. 7 meeting has galvanized the region's anti-nuke community into action. Leaders say at least 1,000 protesters are expected to descend on Omaha Aug. 1 to 3 to protest proposals to develop a new generation of nuclear weapons. There will be speeches from four survivors of Hiroshima, a concert from independent rocker Michelle Shocked and a "peaceful" protest at Offutt. Buses...

<p>Security is tighter than a new shoe. Concrete barriers force all traffic approaching the base to zigzag to the gates. Here, guards carrying automatic weapons check all identification cards. Escorts go with visitors. Officials open and inspect trucks. On the flight line, the ramps that would usually be occupied by a number of reconnaissance aircraft sit nearly empty, the planes and crews deployed around the world.</p>