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America on High Alert
Monday
October 8, 2001
The Vice-President is in seclusion, security around nuclear power plants is intense, and the Coast Guard is defending our ports at a level not seen since World War II. America is on high alert.
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One of the biggest threats to our security is biological warfare. For the first time in 25 years, an American has died from anthrax. This morning, Florida officials made an ominous announcement: “This team has exposed a second individual who has been exposed to anthrax."
The first victim was 63-year-old Bob Stevens, a photographer who worked for the tabloid newspaper, "The Sun." The second victim worked in the very same office building. Now, other employees are lining up to get tested and the White House will not rule out the possibility terrorists poisoned “The Sun's” office building.
Despite these developments, the mood in New York today was patriotic and defiant. Flags were waving and large crowds were cheering at a Columbus Day parade honoring the firefighters and police officers that lost their lives in the World Trade Center.
New York’s mayor was encouraged by the big turnout. Giuliani said, “Now's the time when Americans have to brave and carry on. The danger is more psychological than real."
In Los Angeles, the city is preparing for the worst. The streets around city hall are shut down and National Guardsmen are making their presence felt at the airport.
While Air Marshals have begun flying on many major routes, some pilots still feel unsafe in the air. They are now circulating a petition, threatening to walk off the job if they are not allowed to arm themselves on board.
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