The good news is that Osama Bin Laden is dead.
The bad news is that, found among his computer files and documents in his Pakistani compound, were plans to attack American railroads on Christmas, New Year’s Day, the end of the State of the Union address and the 10th anniversary of the destruction of the Twin Towers.
New York Senator Charles E. Schumer has reached out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in Washington for increased rail security and for the creation of a "No Ride List" to keep terrorists off Amtrak in light of the revelations about Al Qaeda’s plans to attack the U.S. train infrastructure.
The Amtrak rail system transported 28.7 million passengers in 2010 and carries 78,000 passengers every day on 300 different trains. We agree with Schumer who wants increased federal funding for track inspections for commuter and passenger rail systems as well as local train stations.
We cannot wait to for our trains, tracks, tunnels or bridges to be blown to bits as they have been by Al Qaeda in other countries.
Rail and Port Security grant funding was cut by $50 million last month. Armed with this new intelligence, the government must make a greater investment in rail safety — and soon!
