To: Bob who wrote (2601 ) 8/24/2004 6:22:07 PM From: Andrew N. Cothran Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 27181 Special Press Release: Tom Ridge responds to Rumors about anticipated activity on both of the US coasts. Rumors abound to the effect that Homeland Security has authorized the build-up of Coast Guard personnel on both the North Atlantic Coast (DC, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine) and the Pacific Coast (from the Mexican-California border all the way north to Washington's border with Canada as a precautionary measure. Proving that Homeland Security is on top of the problem, Ridge confirmed the rumors this afternoon. He emphasized in his press release that the Atlantic Coast from Northern Virginia to Key West Florida is not included in the announced build-up for reasons that should be obvious to everybody. The build-up includes special air/sea rescue teams which can operate in all kinds of weather and on a twenty-four hour basis. The move is strictly precautionary. It is based on well substantiated rumors of plans on the part of hordes of extreme Kerry partisans to lead into the sea masses of disappointed Democrat campaign workers and sympathizers just after Bush is declared the official Winner of the 2004 Presidential Election Campaign. Ridge explained his decision to increase the Coast Guard contingent at the above locations. He said: "We can understand the deep anger and dismay of those who worked so hard and once again are denied victory. We are very familiar with the phenomenon. However, we are of the opinion that the "right to life" includes more than the fetus in the womb. It also includes those who momentarily believe that there is nothing more to live for with Bush in the White House for four more years. And we are as determined to thwart mass suicide of the disappointed as we are to insure the lives of untold millions waiting to be born." developing story, more to follow.