We citizens, we who are under threat, can take--must take--responsibility for the safety of ourselves and our fellow citizens. Jim Henley provided a memorable phrase, "a pack, not a herd", to encapsulate the attitude that we must cultivate in these difficult times. Mr Henley's aphorism was directed at the authorities, those who have been given the most responsibility for our society's safety. He asks--and we require--that they involve us in our own defense. We will all be safer with an involved and engaged citizenry.
The clam diggers returned today to the rich flats around Boston's Logan Airport. After the events of 9/11, the diggers were not allowed into the 500-foot exclusion zone around the airport. But the State Legislature passed an exemption for the diggers this August. Today was their first day back. And not everyone in authority is pleased.
Scott Leblanc, an AP reporter who has been on top of the Massport story, wrote today,
Massport officials frowned at the exemption, calling it a ''less than ideal scenario in terms of securing the airport perimeter.''
But Mr Leblanc also quotes clam digger Chester McDonald, who tells it like it is.
MacDonald said the clammers will make the airport more secure, not less.''Who knows this waterfront better than us?'' He said. ''Anyone we see who doesn't belong here, we call the police.''
I fear that the diggers may not be back on the flats long. The rocket attacks in Kenya yesterday have heightened fears in the US that such attack may take place here and airport security forces will be doing their utmost to demonstrate that they are on the job--even if that means an over-reaction.
It should be obvious that the airport is much safer if these good people are out there in the flats. A small, tight-knit community, they all know each other. Any stranger would be identified immediately and any threat could be dealt with more swiftly. We need to keep these people, and the millions like them around this country, in place, on the front lines, and prepared.
Posted by Martial