LETTER: Don’t point out vulnerabilities

Dear Editor,

Why is it journalists feel the need to point out our nation’s vulnerabilities and weakest points for our enemies to attack? Do they think terrorists or criminals do not read the paper? Do they feel our enemies need help with specific ideas to harm our populations? The Oct. 19 Statesman headline was a good example. Why not put in a map and a list of suggested pollutants with the amounts necessary to be harmful to human life?

The Statesman is not the only offender here. I know the young journalists on the Statesman staff are taking their cues from a long line of journalists who in the past have instructed would-be criminals, terrorists and thugs in the ways to inflict society with ever-increasing diabolical mayhem.

I remember the Watts riots and the instructional TV documentary that gave a nice little mini-demo on how to assemble and use a Molotov Cocktail. Then right after the Oklahoma bombing the mini-demo on how to build and detonate the bomb McVeigh used to do his dastardly deed.

In this Friday’s article, the one that triggered this rant, I find it incredulous that someone would print the following quotes, for any would-be subversive to read:

“It is almost impossible to defend against such an attack.”

“We have trouble enough doing core public health service, the day to day things, with the funding we get.”

“You hope it doesn’t happen, but I suppose it could.”

“… federal bioterrorism defense is so chaotic the agencies can’t even agree which threats to worry about.”

I sincerely hope the journalists of the future will learn to refrain from being part of the ongoing Terrorism 101, which is being taught by our news media.

Bill Willson