Ooookayyyyyy…This is, uh….Well..I’m at a loss for words.
tfg at Assclownopolis brings us some interesting observations.
tfg is a pretty astute blogger with a snarky edge on politics/world events. I enjoy his humor and commentary quite often. The post highlighted above discusses some very interesting points, all snark aside. For instance:
Regardless, part of the “justification” that was provided to the American people was that Iraq was trying to obtain WMD. Of course, none we’re actually found, but one of the myths that were perpetuated was that Iraq was attempting to obtain uranium ore from Niger. Consequently, the Neo-con logic goes, Iraq would have been able to produce fissile uranium hexafluoride (UF6) to use in weapons.
Okay, we know that. And we know that this claim also gave birth to the whole Plame gate, too. We know that BushCo was lying to get the American people scared into gunning for war. We know that UF6 is pretty dangerous–why? Cuz they SAID SO! So, why…WHY the fuck can tfg SNAP A FUCKING PHOTO of drums carrying the STUFF THEY SAID WAS REALLY REALLY DANGEROUS on the Baltimore beltway? Huh? HUH?
And why do we even produce the stuff? Why are two trucks with the stuff being transported without military escorts? Why is this shit being transported in bumper to bumper traffic near many residential neighborhoods? Why is it that easy for anyone to photograph this? Uhm..Department of Homeland Security–are you catching this? Do you see what we’re saying here? If you want to keep terrorists from getting their hands on the stuff, then I suggest you—uh…make it secure. Right? Oh, that would be common sense and the current administration is pretty much devoid of all common sense.
Hmmm…I’ve probably just got myself labeled as Public Enemy # 2,735, as tfg is # 2,734-duly noted in the comments on his post. Crap.
*puts on tinfoil hat*
August 2nd, 2007 at 2:26 pm
This isn’t as big a deal as you’re making it out to be.
Hex is used in the uranium enrichment process used for nuclear fuel rods and nuclear weapons. Its no secret. That is why it is produced. The odds of weapons grade stuff in our neck of the woods would be quite slim. So weapons aside, nuclear plants provide the majority of power to Maryland. That’s no secret either. Hex is toxic and a pain to work with but the country is in the process of converting into solid uranium for disposal.
It needs to be transported somehow. The image clearly depicts heavy gas cylinders fit for transport. Active guard isn’t the only way to protect a resource. Most of the time vehicle escorts are more hassle then they are worth, drawing more attention to a shipment than is necessary. All major truck shipments are tracked via GPS. Practical matters aside, there are lots of other compounds that are capable of killing people that are far easier to come by, manage, exploit, or manipulate.
I could be wrong, but then there’s another reason why there were no escorts… the containers were empty.
You can remove your tin foil hat.
August 2nd, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Also, have a look at the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) for hex, as published by the USDOT.
http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/hazmat/erg/gn/166.html
It clearly states that the approved shipping containers should withstand temperatures of 1475°F, that the substance is presents little radioactive hazard to people, doesn’t burn or react with fuels and that chemical burns and other injuries ought to be tended to behind any thought is given to radioactive hazard.
We drive next to fuel tankers and propane trucks without a thought.
August 3rd, 2007 at 5:46 am
Well, the real point is: The administration used this as a fear tactic to win support for a war. If this stuff is supposedly used to create “Weapons of Mass destruction” then, shouldn’t it be secure?
No, it’s just another way to call bullshit on president Kookoo Bananas.
August 3rd, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Most people are lemmings in that they are sadly uninformed and don’t make any attempt to learn before they go mongering on, crying to the heavens or to anyone else who will listen. Whether or not Bush attempted to pull a fast one to win support, fear isn’t a logical response anyone remotely educated on the facts of the matter. Sadly, most people become educated after their initial view has been formed and solidified. At that point it rarely matters what the logic points to.
What any of this has to do with the transport of goods on the Beltway is beyond me, apparently.