The other day (Tues. 6/25/02) I'm listening to the news and I hear that the Atomic Energy Commission is saying that there is radioactive material "out there" that can be obtained by just about anybody, to make a dirty bomb.

What was this news report about? Have they just now discovered radioactive materials laying around everywhere? Are they trying to scare us? Are they trying to cover their butts in case a dirty bomb is exploded in the U.S.? (As in, "Well yeah, this is bad, but at least we warned you about how easy it would be for this to happen.") Or have they known about the problem for quite a while, not known how to fix the problem, or not felt it could possibly happen until after 9/11?

No matter what answer is given to any of these questions, the fact remains that this was a pointless release of news. There is absolutely nothing any of us not in the AEC can do about the problem. It's not like if we just pray enough or pledge the flag enough or donate money or prepare survival equipment that we can stop a dirty bomb. Who should be doing something about the problem? Well, it seems like that would be the job of that aforementioned Atomic Energy Commission, or SOMEone in government/military.

But hey, I'm just a citizen here, no real input. For what its worth, my vote goes for this news item being a scare tactic, covering your butt, and idiocy all rolled into one. I mean, come on...if its out there floating around, go pick it up! duh.