A disturbing government study recently released on security lapses at American seaports underscores a dangerous vulnerability allowing terrorists to smuggle weapons of mass destruction into the United States.

The three year, $75 million Homeland Security Study cited lapses by private port operators, shipping lines and truck drivers as a key area of weakness. The report included the New Jersey cargo terminal involved in the dispute over a Dubai company's now-abandoned bid to take over operations at six major U.S. ports.

Further, the described problems in warehouses and other storage areas that raised doubts about the safety of containers brought to New Jersey's port. It cited problems with protective fences and gates, surveillance cameras and emergency plans. Key findings from the report found:

• Cargo containers can be opened secretly during shipment to add or remove items without alerting U.S. authorities
• Serious lapses by private companies at foreign and American ports, aboard ships, and on trucks and trains
• Truck drivers in Brazil were permitted to take cargo containers home overnight and park along public streets.
• Trains in the U.S. stopped in rail yards that did not have fences and were in high-crime areas.
• Containers could be opened aboard some ships during weekslong voyages to America.

On a positive note, security in Seattle and Tacoma Washington was made stronger using cameras and software to track visitors and workers. In addition, employees at the companies considered themselves playing important roles in homeland security.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), who advocated the study, said: "There are huge holes in our security system that need to be filled." The Washington Democrat said the study "shows us there are major vulnerabilities over who handles cargo, where it's been and whether cargo is on a manifest."

In a response to nationwide concern over port security being managed by a foreign country, President Bush responded, "Our duty is to protect America, and we will protect America."

Unfortunately, the study was incomplete as U.S. officials went to Pakistan to inspect how workers in Karachi handle cargo containers. But they canceled plans for a return inspection because of an outbreak of terrorist attacks there.