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.