War creates a different time here
With war comes consequences and sacrifices. This we all know.
And while the war in Iraq is taking place miles away from our
shores, we are not immune from its effects here in Newport-Mesa.
First and foremost, our concern goes to those who have loved ones
who may be lost in this battle.
We have publicized some of the stories of those in our community
who have left to fight in the armed forces. And we know there are
many more whose stories we haven’t told.
To those families left behind, we hope and pray that these young
men and women will be safe and sound and return home soon.
For those who may have family members or friends living in Iraq,
they too must feel a pang of anxiety, and we wish them well also.
But this is a time when we too must be vigilant at home.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, the vulnerability we face from acts of
cowardice, hatred and violence from terrorists has become all too
clear.
The possibility that we may become victims of a terrorist act is
heightened. And we must be prepared for the worst.
So we were heartened to learn that local law enforcement agencies
have stepped up their patrols.
“We’re very much on top of what’s going on and how it’s going to
affect our city,” Costa Mesa Police Chief Dave Snowden told one of
our reporters this week.
In addition, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has increased
its patrols in Newport Harbor, the Coast Guard is on high alert, and
police are preparing for such drastic actions as closing City Hall
and other public buildings in the event of a major attack.
John Wayne Airport authorities have established checkpoints and
are equipped with bomb-sniffing dogs to further lock down a facility
that has seen numerous security measures forced onto it over the past
year and a half.
Sounds like a police state? Well, maybe.
Unfortunately, that’s life in the year 2003 and from the looks of
things, it’s a life we are just going to have to get used to for some
time to come.
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