US Army Reports "Accidental" Live Anthrax Shipments

In 2001, the United States confronted a threat that hypothetically was far greater than terrorists using commercial aircraft as mass murder instruments. Shortly after 9/11, deadly anthrax found its way into postal facilities and a media outlet. Washington's bone stupid reaction to the menace did not diminish its potential for disaster.

Biological weapons have been in the American military arsenal since World War II. They remain on the military's roster of deadly force, with the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, and laboratories scattered throughout the United States, functioning as repositories and testing facilities for germ warfare. Recently, the Pentagon revealed that live anthrax was "accidentally" shipped from Dugway to labs in a number of states. Live anthrax was also sent to South Korea and Australia. Oops.

According to an Associated Press story printed in The Washington Post, the Defense Department is reviewing its procedures for handling the deadly material. While they're at it, the Pentagon could simply say basta to maintaining and "improving" its biological arsenal.

Well, we all can dream.