Need for Homeland Security Web Site Raised by Confusing Anthrax Information

The newly established Homeland Security agency needs a web site to coordinate accurate security information, instead of depending on sporadic press briefings and conflicting statements from multiple government agencies.

For Immediate Release
Contact: William Dupuy

NOVEMBER 3, 2001 -- Establishing a web site to coordinate accurate information about anthrax and other threats to United States security would help alleviate rumor and fear caused by confusing statements from multiple government agencies, the web journal http://lefile.com">LeFile.com reports.

The logical place for such an official information web site is the newly formed Homeland Security agency, headed by former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, http://lefile.com/articles/ourview/homeland-site.htm">LeFile's Editor William Dupuy said.

"The president has a web site. So do the CDC, FBI, FAA, Department of Defense, the military -- you name it," Dupuy writes in the current issue of Lefile. "In fact, so many 'official' sources exist citizens don't know where to go for straight-talk information presented in full.

"Adding to the complexity of the issue is the 24x7 parade of television talking heads carrying brief sound bites from press briefings held by different agencies. Too often, these incomplete quotes are in conflict with each other."

LeFile's proposal maintains that the American public needs fast media reports and context interpretation. "But," it says, "the American people also deserve the full text of comments from the authorities managing the issue. That information should be coordinated by the Agency for Homeland Security."

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