Letter to the Editor: Deciphering Placards
literally sat in my chair and laughed after reading the story regarding potential changes to the current hazardous materials placards.
My first thought was, who’s going to supply the secret decoder rings? It proves to me again that the right hand in Washington doesn’t have a clue as to what the left hand is doing.
The report suggested that planners “devise a system of markings that terrorists cannot easily decipher.” This idea is contrary to parts of the USA Patriot Act. Under that act, folks who have a hazmat endorsement on their commercial driver licenses (like me) are to become subject to tougher background checks, which the governments hopes will stop an unfriendly.
Then he will apply for and obtain a job with a company that transports hazardous materials and then use the load to commit an act of terrorism.
If this were to happen, this person would have to receive hazmat training in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations. During that training, the person would then learn of the secret code. What does this accomplish other than confusing everyone?
Let’s not forget the true importance of placards. Having served as a first responder and a firefighter for 16 years, I think about the training that will have to be afforded to the thousands of volunteer and call fire departments that protect our lives and property. What happens if they are not wearing their decoder ringat 2:00 in the morning?
What are going to be the costs to American companies, municipalities and citizens? Washington seems to think that we all have plenty of money to spend. Imagine how much good would come out of spending $87 billion in our own country.
Please do not interpret my sarcasm as support for terrorists. Quite the contrary.
The powers-that-be in Washington need to step into the real, everyday world in which we all live and work. More time and effort need to be placed on stopping terrorists from entering the country.
Let the terrorists jump through the hoops, not American citizens.
Francis "Ed" Paul, CDS
I>Safety Specialist
EMIC Safety Services
ortland, Maine
This letter appeared in the Nov. 10 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
