Video of Congressman Sherman in Action
Security was stepped up on the Los Angeles bus system, the nation’s second largest, and on our subways after suicide bombers murdered more than 50 commuters on London subway trains and a bus.
On the day the blasts rocked London and sent shock waves around the world, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was awakened before dawn. He swiftly ordered extra security measures. After that decisive response during one of his first days in office, the mayor then took a ride on an LA subway to demonstrate that we cannot allow terrorists to limit our freedoms.
As we all go about our daily routines, we should keep the threat of terrorism in perspective. Getting behind the wheel of a car without buckling the seat belt is a much greater danger. Even during the month of September, 2001, more Americans lost their lives to traffic accidents than terrorism. Terrorism is a new threat, but not the largest threat we face as we lead our daily lives. And it is not a reason to stop leading our daily lives.
Nonetheless, while acts of terrorism are rare, the recent bombings in London are a vivid reminder that we must be vigilante. What happened in London can happen here. Who can forget that LAX was the intended destination of an Al Qaeda-trained bomber during the millennium celebrations? That plot was foiled when Ahmed Ressam was arrested in 1999 in Port Angeles , Wash. Customs agents found explosives in his trunk as he drove off a ferry from Canada.
Solid police work aided by an alert public can prevent would-be bombers in the future.
There are things all of us can do. Bus and subway riders can help simply by paying more attention to what is going on around them. Watch what people bring on board. Look for behavior that is out of the ordinary. Pay extra attention if packages or backpacks are left behind. If your suspicions are aroused, call the police.
It also makes sense to be prepared for the unexpected. Bus and train riders can make sure they carry cell phone numbers of family members and neighbors. That simple step would avoid the worried waits we have witnessed in London -- and after the World Trade Center attack -- as fearful families and friends tried to reconnect with missing loved ones.
There also are sensible measures we can take in Washington to make America safer. I voted for legislation that steers homeland defense dollars to Los Angeles and other big cities more likely to be targeted by terrorists than sparsely populated regions. The Senate, however, wants to distribute an illogical share of the funding to less threatened rural areas. By one estimate, the Senate formula would cost Los Angeles up to $20 million. I will fight to restore those funds before the bill is sent to President Bush.
In the wake of the London explosions, Senate Republicans derailed efforts to increase transit security funding before a Homeland Security Department budget was adopted that provides $50 million less for transit security. That is just baffling.
We also should hold the president to his promise to create a national transportation security plan, which is now more than three months overdue.
We must not wait for another London, or Madrid or, God forbid, another September 11 before we make our country safer.
