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By ANDREW DONOHUE, Special to the Daily Transcript
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
The terrorism that brought the world to a standstill a year ago is keeping the global economy on its knees a year later.
"The concern I have is the long-term effect on the world economy of working under the threat of terrorism," said Linden Blue, vice chairman of defense contractor General Atomics.
And there's one way to eliminate that threat, he said.
"In my opinion terror can only be addressed successfully by striking at its roots -- the likes of Saddam Hussein," Blue said.
General Atomics and its affiliate companies develop high-technology systems, ranging from nuclear fuel cycle to remotely operated surveillance vehicles. Blue said business has remained stable at the company since 9/11, while officials have seen an increase in the demand for sensor technologies.
The company is currently working on a radiation sensor that could be used to detect radioactive substances and a technology to detect anthrax. Sensor technologies are also attached to unmanned aircraft like the Predator to capture surveillance images and detect radioactive materials. The Predator, made by GA-affiliate General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., has become a popular instrument in the war against terrorism.
Blue, whose extensive resume includes everything from partner at a cocoa and banana plantation in Nicaragua to Denver city councilman, said he has seen a "noticeable drag on the economy from extra security measures."
Donohue is a free-lance writer based in San Diego.
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