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GOVERNMENT HIDES TRUTH ABOUT ANTHRAX THREAT While political elites are taking every precaution to protect themselves from the threat of anthrax, ordinary citizens are being kept in the dark with respect to the scope of the anthrax crisis. Judicial Watch has launched an inquiry to discover the truth and to bring it to the attention of the American people. In recent testimony before Congress, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson admitted he could not disclose information that might be important to public health because some of it is considered "classified" and restricted by the FBI. As a result of this code of secrecy, at least four people have already lost their lives due to anthrax infection, while many others have been exposed to the threat. According to the New York Times, top government officials admit that better sharing of information might have saved the lives of two postal workers infected by the letter sent to the office of Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. According to multiple media reports, the FBI refused to pass along information to the Centers for Disease Control regarding the potency of the letter, which contained the highly dangerous inhaled version of the disease. Government officials had, in fact, downplayed the "weaponized" nature of the anthrax. However, scientists have since discovered it had been altered in a sophisticated manner to maximize its deadly impact. One expert has said only three states could have mastered the techniques used with this particular letter: the United States, the former Soviet Union and Iraq. So effective was the disease agent, spores from the letter could have infected someone even if the letter was never opened. Further, there is evidence that mail sorting equipment has also been contaminated. In fact, the D.C. post office has discontinued mail delivery to various residential area codes in the nation's capitol in an obvious attempt to stop the delivery of infected mail to certain citizens. The government also claimed it had no direct evidence that the anthrax-laced letters were from Islamic terrorists. However, three letters released on October 23 contained references to killing Jews and Americans and proclaim support for Allah. While simultaneously misleading the American people about the anthrax threat, political elites have been covertly protecting themselves. Judicial Watch has learned that President Bush and some members of the Administration received CIPRO, the antibiotic used to treat anthrax, six weeks ago. Senators and Congressmen were also given 30-day supplies. "The American people deserve to know all the material facts that might allow them to protect themselves and their family members," said JW Chairman Larry Klayman. "And Judicial Watch will make sure this happens."
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