Now that a year has passed, it is more than natural to want to put
the horrible events of last year behind us.
Unfortunately, that is not going to be possible. As we put to rest
our feelings of sorrow, we were reminded just how vulnerable we
continue to be as the nation went to a heightened level of terror
alert in the days leading up to the anniversary of the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks.
So that's our calling now. To keep ever vigilant. To ensure that
those entrusted and responsible for our safety receive not only our
moral but financial support.
At home, there are many fronts to watch.
We have miles of beautiful coastline, deep-water coves and are
next to Crystal Cove, where earlier this year a group of illegal
Chinese immigrants landed on shore. Famous events, including the
Pageant of the Masters, take place here. Tourists flock to the
streets of Downtown.
In the case of the coastline, we want to believe that the Coast
Guard and Harbor Patrol and all who protect us there are doing their
best. But is it enough?
There is talk, led in part by Orange County Congressman Dana
Rohrabacher, to change the Coast Guard's role dramatically now. Such
changes seem, unfortunately, mandatory. The Coast Guard needs to be
on par with other arms of the military in terms of visibility and
priority. Guarding us here at home needs to be job No. 1.
We urge federal officials to continue keeping local agencies
informed of security risks or other possible hazards. In turn, we put
our faith in our police, fire fighters, harbor patrols and other
security officials to keep us safe.
At least as safe as can be.
