By Mark Scott
Washington, DC – Two members of Western New York's congressional delegation are questioning some of the Homeland Defense recommendations issued by the federal government.
The one recommendation in particular that's coming under fire is the one urging people to buy plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal their windows and doors in the event of a chemical attack.
Congressman Amo Houghton, a Republican from Corning, says he not taking any precautions at his Washington home. He doesn't criticize anyone who is, but says he doesn't believe the situation warrants such action right now.
Rochester Democrat Louise Slaughter was more critical.
"I must say the first time I heard that, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry," Slaughter said. "I think they're backing down on that, but not before every piece of plastic sheeting and duct tape in the Washington, DC area had been sold."
Houghton said it's distressing to see anti-missile artillery stationed around the Capitol. But he says he understands why Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is doing so.
"He (Ridge) needs to take into account all those indications that there may be trouble. Then he has to make a decision, do I publicize it?" Houghton explained. "I think he feels a series of notifications is not bad. The downsize is 'crying wolf' too many times. But he doesn't want to get egg all over his face if something happens.
"As such, I think the whole (homeland security) program is going overboard in trying to alert people."
Houghton did argue that his district, which covers parts of rural Western New York, is not as much at risk for terrorism as is Washington or New York City.