Terrorists now know that hi-value targets like airliners are much more difficult to hijack. They are quite fond of "soft" targets like schools, and in intelligence circles, there is recent note of terrorist "buzz" about school attacks, and not just in major metropolitan areas, the point being to show that no one is safe, no matter where they live. This is, of course the virtual definition of terrorism.

Are we really prepared? I know of districts that have prepared by issuing responses to terrorist shooters in school buildings reminiscent of the 1950's nuclear weapons drills: "when seeing the blinding flash of a nuclear weapon, immediately climb under your desk, duck and cover." Some are actually suggesting that students should overturn their desks and hide behind the 3/4" thick particle board tops. This is what passes for security thinking.

The risk of such an attack remains statistically very small for any given school, but we need to get serious. This article outlines a good first step, hopefully, just one of many that will genuinely enhance security, unlike particle board substitutes.
Mike | Homepage | 07.16.05 - 11:46 pm | #