[Newspoetry] ridge won't reveal minutes of duct-tape policy meeting

[Editor-Within-Chief]

Ridge Won't Reveal Minutes of Duct Tape Policy Meetings

WASHINGTON, DC (Associated Poets) -- Homeland Security director Tom 
Ridge today continued to refuse to release minutes of a series of 
meetings held earlier this year to develop a national duct tape 
strategy.  Critics charge that Ridge's panel, whose membership 
remains under wraps, was drawn almost exclusively from duct tape 
manufacturers and members of the powerful duct tape lobby.  Ridge 
maintains that he is under no obligation to release details of this 
meeting.

"Our policy on duct tape has been developed to meet the needs of the 
American people for security," said Ridge today in a brief press 
conference, "and it is disingenuous to suggest that it has been 
developed for any other purpose."

But skeptics remain unconvinced.  Not only is duct tape an 
ineffective means to protect against chemical and biological attacks, 
they contend, but the emphasis on duct tape over other adhesives such 
as caulk and gaffer's tape is all but proof that duct tape interests 
have been able to get their message heard at the highest levels, and 
that their message has stuck.

Duct tape stocks have soared in recent weeks thanks in no small part 
to Ridge's repeated suggestions that Americans purchase duct tape to 
protect themselves against apparent threats of chemical and 
biological attack.  Critics point out that the gains made in the last 
few weeks alone dwarf the considerable sums contributed to George W. 
Bush's election campaign by duct tape interests.  "You do the math," 
says consumer advocate Doug Tate.  "If that doesn't raise red flags 
for you, I suggest that you remove the duct tape from your eyes and 
ears."

-- 
Joe Futrelle
Editor-within-chief (of yore)
http://www.newspoetry.com/