It's not about security...it's about power. They win when we are afraid. People who are afraid don't question authority.

At this point, I'm convinced that the Democrats have so much angst towards Bush that they would throw a fit over a decision either way.

If our government would spend our hard-earned tax dollars in an efficient, productive manner, we'd have our rails secured.

Instead, so much of our money is frivolously allocated to fruitless "homeland security" expenditures (like high-dollar bomb disposal units that small-town cops will never even think about using).

I'm sure if they look hard enough, they could free up some funds -- maybe those earmarked to prevent a terrorist attack at that high-profile petting zoo in the thriving metropolis of Dawsonville, GA?

People have died because terrorists bombed railways.

The US government spent $2.4 trillion in 2005. What's more important than this? Being able to say "we're cutting spending"?

Republican's can't pull the terrorism card when it's convenient, then tuck it away once there's work in front of them that actually pertains to it.

Hey Zeb, maybe the Democrats, and the majority of the country, has so much angst towards Bush because he is an unqualified screw-up.

People hate Bush not because of some irrational bias, but because they actually have the ability to look at reality and judge his actions.

There is an additional viewpoint regarding rail security. The Bush administration is the first ever to demand that Amtrak upgrade its tunnels into New York so that improved fire-fighting and evacuation measures can help minimize the impact of a terrorist attack. It even designated funds for tunnel upgrades that Amtrak could not shift to frivolous purposes.

The WASHINGTON POST

Transit Security: The Good, the Bad and the Undone

Wednesday, August 23, 2006; A14

The Aug. 11 editorial "A Chilling Reminder" outlined new concerns regarding air travel. Similar scrutiny needs to be directed at other modes of transportation. While we've become accustomed to our bags or shoes being screened before we board planes, no such anti-terrorism precautions are taken before passengers board trains.

Since 2001 the federal government has spent nearly $20 billion on aviation security; just over 1 percent of that amount, $250 million, has gone toward securing the nation's rail and other transit systems. Passenger rail lines carry five times as many passengers as airlines. At the same time, and often on parallel tracks, freight rail carries liquid chlorine, ammonia and other hazardous materials that could kill hundreds of thousands of people within minutes in the event of an attack in an urban area. Still, Teamsters members, 70,000 of whom work as locomotive engineers, trainmen and maintenance-of-way employees, have told us that they have yet to receive thorough safety training or appropriate equipment to thwart a hijacking or other terrorist act.

We can't leave any holes in our security net. Our members deserve appropriate anti-terrorism training and equipment so they can do their part to protect the public and themselves.

JAMES P. HOFFA

General President

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Washington

All you have to do is read the book "BorderGate" by a former DHS Special Agent to know that there is no rail security against terrorist or against drug smugglers. Read this book and it will terrify you.