It appears that Congressman Ford's recent actions in regards to port security have led to another positive development for our national security--exposing the serious security problems that our ports have.As you all know, Ford was a national leader in seeing that the UAE port deal was ended and is currently pushing to see that our ports have better security.
His actions couldn't have come at a better time. A recently released reports details just how vulnerable our ports are.
The disturbing report is below:
The Dubai Ports deal was rejected because of concerns over security at American ports.
But a government study says America's ports already have serious security problems. The three-year study, called Operation Safe Commerce, investigated weaknesses in the shipping system. What it found so far is not good.
The Department of Homeland Security's ongoing study shows major loopholes in shipping seafaring cargo that make the U.S. vulnerable and potentially exposed to terrorists smuggling weapons of mass destruction onto the homeland.
The study followed 20,000 containers. But that is only a fraction of the millions of containers from across the globe that make their way to America each year.
The lapses are evident all through the supply chain, from private operators at foreign and domestic ports, to rail yards, to truck drivers.
Some of the concerns exposed by the study include the ease at which cargo containers could be opened to place or remove objects while at sea, all without alerting U.S. authorities. That is according to government documents obtained by The Associated Press.
It also showed the susceptibility of cargo containers in transit in other countries. But the lapses are not limited to overseas cargo.
The report found a warehouse in Maine less secure than any other in Pakistan, Turkey, or Brazil.
The findings suggest serious risks no matter who is running U.S. ports.
Even after Congress defeated the proposal causing Dubai Ports World to walk away from its bid, President Bush maintained the deal would not have made America less safe.
“My administration was satisfied that port security would not have been undermined by the agreement,” the President said.
The political controversy over that deal did raise awareness of the problems of port security, and this study once again shows that those problems are all too real.
Once again, I am proud that Congressman Ford is standing up and fighting for our nation's security.
Whether it is writing an op-ed, running his television ads, or going on a fact finding mission, Congressman Ford did it all in the spirit of keeping America safe.
Ford is also running internet ads that detail the serious problems of port security and where he stands on the issue.
The ads read: "20,000 cargo containers go uninspected daily. ONE dirty bomb would change the world. The Administration does nothing. Harold Ford, Jr believes we need 100% inspection. 20,000 reasons why he should be TN's next Senator."
Clearly, the Republicans have dropped the ball on securing our nation.
It is time for a change and for someone who will stop at nothing to defend our nation.
Harold Ford Jr. is that change!
