Homeland Security and Mass Transit

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Experts tell us that "terrorists can attack anything, anywhere at any time... but we cannot protect everything, everywhere all the time." London has a "model" security system, but four bombers got past it. Scotland Yard says at least one likely suspect died in the bombings, and that another has been arrested. In the aftermath of last week's London bombings, US Senators of both parties want more money for transit security here. Could mass transit ever be completely secure and still accomplish its purpose with speed and convenience? Should nuclear or biological attacks get higher priority than bombs on trains, subways and buses? We get input from experts on defense and national security and transportation, including former Democratic Senator Gary Hart, who has served on two recent committees studying the issue. Making News: Police Investigating Whether Bombers Died in London Blasts Scotland Yard investigators are focused on four men--three from Leeds in West Yorkshire--one of whom died in the bombing at Aldgate tube station. They're trying to determine if three others died at the other bombing locations. Jeff McAllister is London Bureau Chief for Time magazine. Reporter's Notebook: Should the President Fire Karl Rove? A year ago President Bush pledged to fire any White House official who leaked information about a CIA agent. Today, Democratic Senator John Kerry said that Bush should fire Karl Rove; New York's Hillary Clinton agreed. When the President was asked the question directly, he made no response. Neither did Press Secretary Scott McClellan at today's White House briefing. John Harwood is National Political Editor for the Wall Street Journal.
Experts tell us that "terrorists can attack anything, anywhere at any time... but we cannot protect everything, everywhere all the time." London has a "model" security system, but four bombers got past it. Scotland Yard says at least one likely suspect died in the bombings, and that another has been arrested. In the aftermath of last week's London bombings, US Senators of both parties want more money for transit security here. Could mass transit ever be completely secure and still accomplish its purpose with speed and convenience? Should nuclear or biological attacks get higher priority than bombs on trains, subways and buses? We get input from experts on defense and national security and transportation, including former Democratic Senator Gary Hart, who has served on two recent committees studying the issue.
  • Making News: Police Investigating Whether Bombers Died in London Blasts
    Scotland Yard investigators are focused on four men--three from Leeds in West Yorkshire--one of whom died in the bombing at Aldgate tube station. They're trying to determine if three others died at the other bombing locations. Jeff McAllister is London Bureau Chief for Time magazine.
  • Reporter's Notebook: Should the President Fire Karl Rove?
    A year ago President Bush pledged to fire any White House official who leaked information about a CIA agent. Today, Democratic Senator John Kerry said that Bush should fire Karl Rove; New York's Hillary Clinton agreed. When the President was asked the question directly, he made no response. Neither did Press Secretary Scott McClellan at today's White House briefing. John Harwood is National Political Editor for the Wall Street Journal.

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Credits

Host:

Warren Olney