Monday, March 3, 2008

The Army Admits To Secret Chemical Testing Cover-up

Written by Thomas Cain
thecainreport@gmail.com

In the 1960s Army Scientists based in Dugway, Utah conducted 21 series of secret chemical and biological germ weapons tests on military personnel and civilians. For over forty years the army denied such tests were conducted, that is until recently.

The tested were conducted on military personnel and civilians without their knowledge. Over the last forty years, many of those tested have died of cancer and other deadly disease as a result from complications of the tests. Until this day, the Pentagon has denied any correlation of deaths connected to their secret chemical testing.

The Pentagon investigation has identified 5,842 members of the armed services that were secretly experimented on with deadly chemicals. As a result of the Pentagon’s investigation the names of those tested were forwarded to the Veterans Affairs Department should they apply for related disability or other health care.

The tests first came to light in 1995 by the Deseret News that obtained the data through the Freedom of Information Act. Military personnel sought the newspapers help, after complaining they were suffering from cancer and central nervous system ills blamed as a result of the tests. However the VA denied their claims because the Army claimed the tests never occurred.

Even after obtaining the report the Pentagon continued to deny the report until coming clean in 2003. It wasn’t until members of Congress, the VA, and military victims and civilians the Pentagon came clean in 2003 the initial research identified that such tests were conducted on military and civilian personnel.

The Pentagon had promised to release further information on the specific tests conducted, but as of yet they have not done so. Rep. Jim Matheson D-Utah, a co-sponsor of legislation to require the Defense Department to release the names of veterans that were unknowingly involved in the tests applauded the Pentagon’s release of names. However, as of this writing, the Pentagon still refuses to hold the army accountable, claiming there is no correlation between those affected and health care issues.

One of the series tests conducted used a germ called Bacillus Globigii that is potentially deadly to people already ill or sick. One of the series used a stimulant to test the ability of an aircraft-mounted device to potentially spread clouds of VX, a deadly chemical used as an aerial spray.

Other tests included the used of nerve gas spray on people to test how well a Marine nuclear –assembly team could perform duties in a contaminated environment. Many of those tested have either died of health complications or have contacted a serious illness, such as cancer.

The question here is, ‘Why is the government still denying the correlation between the tests and people’s illness?’ The government, not only kept the experiments secret, but has continued to lied about the health effects for over forty years. They claim it was done in the interest of national security.

It is now time for the government to act in the national interest of those Americans used as unsuspected guinea pigs. It is not only wrong what the government did, it is immoral and despicable to test humans with deadly chemicals and not take moral responsibility for their actions. The government says they will provide those people affected with limited medical care, and this is just as immoral. Meaning those affected with cancer or other illnesses must first convince the VA that the illness is a direct result from the chemicals tested on them. Those tested and the families of those now deceased should have full access to medical care, but also monetarily compensation as well.

The government says it will do right in this matter. Hmm... If they initially lied in the past, it is clearly evident they will continue to cover-up their moral responsibilities. As the old adage says, “Actions speak louder than words.”