[tcb] Homeland Security Chief Warns of Bus-bomb Threat
- From: Dan Martin <danandkatrinamartin@xxxxxxx>
- To: tcb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 15:11:37 -0500
Homeland Security Chief Warns of Bus-bomb Threat
Copyright 2006 Disassociative Press
Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff today issued a
warning that the FBI has received information about a possible al-
Qaeda plot to commit terrorist activities across North America using
vintage Volkswagen busses as weapons of mass destruction. He said
that due to the large number of bus gatherings that occur each year
and the large numbers of people attending such events, significant
damage could be done in terms of destruction of property and even
loss of life.
The FBI believes that vintage VW busses, especially campmobiles,
were chosen because of their history of reliability and ease of use,
their roominess and functionality, and their reputation as icons of
the peace movement. It is thought that suspicious vehicles may be
hand-painted with 60s-era symbols such as peace signs, marijuana
leaves, and possibly even the logos of the Black Panthers or other
now-defunct radical organizations. These vehicles would easily
blend into a crowd of VW enthusiasts and not raise suspicion, making
them a very dangerous threat, added Mr. Chertoff. It is also
thought that they are attaining financing for the operation by using
some of the busses as mobile methamphetamine labs.
Several VW enthusiasts were contacted to assess the viability of
the threat. Richard Atwell, one of the countrys leading technical
experts on VWs said that the VW bus was a perfect vehicle for
terrorists because of its ability to provide power, both AC and DC,
its accessories such as stove and refrigeration, and its ability
to conceal the users activities with its curtains, pop-up tent, and
even a large, external adjoining tent. If I wanted a mobile bomb
or methamphetamine lab, I cant think of a more perfect vehicle than
a Volkswagen Type 2 (the VW factory and aficionados chosen term
for VW busses). He added that in a VW bus one could literallly live
and operate for years,virtually unhindered, in places such
campgrounds, parks, beside streams, in the mountains, and Walmart
parking lots.
Arizona residents Melissa and Jerry Jess said they feel
especially vulnerable because their state, due to its arid climate,
has the largest, per-capita number of operational VW busses anywhere
in the world. The state also has the largest number of VW
gatherings as the moderate temperatures allow these activites to go
on year-round. They have started a lobbying effort and have asked
Arizona Senator John McCain for help in attaining additional
Homeland Security funding for their state.
The department has asked the moderators of two of the most
popular web sites of VW bus enthusiasts to provide their membership
rosters. Both of these sites, Type2.com and TheSamba.com have
refused citing the need to protect the privacy of their members.
George Lyle, moderator of the Type2.com mailing list, said that
while the members privacy and protection against government
intrusion are paramount, he would inform the FBI of any suspicious
activity. But he added, I dont think Type2.com is near the threat
of say TheSamba.com as we dont tolerate discussion of anything but
technical issues. I dont think many Islamic terrorists really know
much about the technical side of VW busses.
Calls to the posh headquarters of TheSamba.com were un-returned
but the secretary referred calls to their lawyer, Howie Cheatum.
Mr. Cheatum, a recent graduate of the University of Phoenix On-line
School of Law and part-time ACLU volunteer, was unavailable for
comment as he was in court representing an Arab-American
anesthesiolgist who claims he was racially profiled when his turban
was searched during an airport security check.
Volkswagen of America refused to comment on the matter but
warned against using the VW logo or proprietary images of its
vehicles in any departmental publications. They did say that the
company foresaw the possibile illicit use of these vehicles and
ceased production many years ago and that they have no plans to
produce anything comparable in the future.
The department is advising VW bus enthusiasts to be on the
lookout for any suspicious activity at upcoming events. Things to
look for are suspicious-looking people who congregate to themselves
and who don't show interest in VW-specific activities. Be especially
leery of busses that have the tents and curtains closed at all
times, even during daylight hours. They will probably arrive at the
events early in order to achieve the most central parking spot,
usually near a pavilion or place where campers congregate for
communal meals, games, and seminars. Mr. Chertoff did advise
against focusing on Arab-Americans or other people of Arab or Middle
Eastern descent. The recent events in England show us that this
type of Islamo-fascist terrorism has clearly crossed ethnic lines,
he said.
Karl Aufever, the worlds foremost authority on VW parts and
accessories said that he didnt think they would be hard to identify
as they would probably not be using factory-recommended parts on
their vehicles. One thing he advised to look for was improper
tires. I would think most of these clowns would be running
passenger car tires. The proper tires are 185 R14 with a reinforced
sidewall. Anything other than that should raise a big red flag.
Mr. Atwell agreed saying that he would be suspicious of anyone in a
parts store who didnt request Bosch or other OEM parts for their
bus. Most true VW enthusiasts wont be buying the cheap-o Chinese
crap sold in most discount parts stores.
Ron Salmon, owner of the Busdepot, one of the largest vendors
for authentic and OEM VW bus parts, said that after an extensive
marketing campaign he has yet to ship anything to people from any of
the countries known to harbor terrorist groups. They just dont
call or buy from us, he said.
Another bus owner and Tennessee transplant Billy Price said that
he thinks you could easily eliminate any suspicious bus owners by
asking probing questions such as "What's better, SVDA or 009?" or
"Can't you just drop a 2.0 FI motor in a '64 splitty?" and observing
their facial expressions.
It is thought that the threat may affect Canadian bus owners as
well. Greg Potts of Toronto said that while he didnt have any
direct information regarding collaboration between the US and
Canadian authorities, he did see several members of the RCMP
suspiciously mingling among the crowd at the recent Busses of the
Corn, one of the largest Canadian events.
Other VW owners discounted the threat. Tony Roman of New Jersey
said that he thought the information was just part of a government
conspiracy to improve the Bush administrations approval ratings and
help get Republicans elected in the fall. Professional Oboist and
musical instrument accessory manufacturer Mike Benthin, also of New
Jersey, said that he wasnt the least bit concerned. I havent had
one pan-flute player ask to sit in when we play music around the
campfire, he joked. Tennessee jazz musician Kevin Roberts ignored
terrorism questions altogether simply asking, Whens the jam
session, man?
All vintage VW bus owners are advised to report any suspicious
activity to the new FBI hotline at 1-800-BUS-BOMB. And if it
doesnt help to cry about something, you might as well find
something to laugh at.
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