Wednesday, May 23, 2002

By Staff
Hindsight is wonderful
To the editor:
Hindsight is wonderful. It is evident in the evaluation of the Clinton administration intelligence report in September 1999 as quoted in the article headlined "Report warned of possible hijackings" on the front page of today's paper:
Hijacking is not stated in the intelligence report. From where did AP get the word "hijacking" in the article. Hindsight is wonderful.
In the article, "The Bush administration has asserted that no one in government had envisioned a suicide hijacking before it happened." The intelligence report did not envision a suicide hijacking. To assume that it did is to exhibit wonderful hindsight.
Suicide explosive-laden aircraft, yes. Suicide hijacking,NO. With gasoline-full aircraft, No.
Senator Clinton said she did not know of this report created in her husband's administration. Did President Clinton know of it in 1999? If not, why not?
In the article, "Bush tangles with Democrats over criticism" on page A8 of today's paper, the AP again gratuitously inserts the word "hijacking."
I expect Senator Tom Daschle and Congressman Richard "Inephardt" to assert that the vague intelligence reports before Sept. 11, 2001, should have permitted the government to predict exactly which airplanes would be used to carry the explosives, uh, correction, a full load of gasoline to attack exactly the buildings that were attacked. Hindsight is wonderful.
Dean Calloway
Meridian
Common sense safety solutions
To the editor:
I work in the security industry, so it's normal for me to spend my days thinking of better solutions for securing Mississippi's homes, families and businesses. Unfortunately, due to recent events, these thoughts seem to be on everyone's minds. How can I better protect my loved ones? My co-workers? My business?
While there is no such thing as a 100 percent shield of security, there are some simple, common sense measures we can all take to promote a safer, more secure community:
Don't leave your personal organizer/calendar unattended at work or while at appointments. Someone can look at the book and know when you are leaving for a vacation or find your address. Lock up your personal belongings at work.
When you relocate to a new building or business, be sure to change all locks and alarm codes. Previous occupants and associates may still have this information.
If you are a business owner, screen employees carefully before hiring them. Check their backgrounds to be sure they have not been fired for behavior you find is dangerous or unacceptable.
Be aware of your total environment and what is going on around you.
I see it as my responsibility to help keep Mississippi free from fear.
Beth Hayden
Pearl