Legislative Update by Congressman Mike Ross
Assessing the Threat
 
February 14, 2003
 
This week, I noticed a drastic change come over our nation’s capitol.  Police presence around my office building was increased, emergency preparedness reminders were issued among my colleagues, and antiaircraft batteries were positioned around the District of Columbia – all in appropriate response to a heightened terror alert in our homeland.

This was an alarming thing to witness, this return to the response mode our nation rose to following the attacks on September 11, 2001.  Since that day, our local responders have trained and drilled to prepare for another such attack.  I am confident that should another catastrophe take place at the hands of terrorists, our local responders will be ready.

This week families began stockpiling food and water, filling their gas tanks, and even buying duct tape and sheets of plastic to be ready for such attacks.  While preparing for emergencies is always a responsible move, my advice to you is to try and remain calm during this heightened state of alert.  

The mission of a terrorist is exactly that – to instill fear and terror in the hearts of their enemies so that we stop doing whatever it is the terrorist hates so much.  In the wake of September 11, 2001, we rediscovered the power of patriotism and national pride.  I think that is something to remember among this frenzy, especially as we pay tribute to our nation’s leaders on President’s Day.  If we begin to keep our children home from school, to avoid social gatherings, and to alter our free lifestyle in any way – they have won.  

My advice to you is to live your life as though the evil intentions of terrorist have not touched it – because as long as we keep our faith, they haven’t touched a thing.


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