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Volume 40, Issue 10.
February 25, 2003
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Coloring terrorism another shade of orange
By Danny Alcocer
Sports Editor
Orange, a simple color, as in poppies, crossing guards, pumpkins and Cheetos.
Why, you may ask, am I bringing up this simple color, and how can such
a color mean so much?
The federal government will tell you how.
They chose orange to be the color representing the high risk level of
terrorist attack on the Homeland Security Advisory System.
The Homeland Security Advisory System was set by the Attorney General
in consultation with the assistant to the President of Homeland Security.
It was designed to provide warnings for the public in the form of a set
of “threat conditions” that increase as the risk of threat increases.
There are five different levels; green, blue, yellow, orange, and red
being the highest level of alert.
Recently, our status has been elevated to orange which is a considerable
threat and I do not feel this is getting across to Americans.
At a level of orange the federal government is coordinating necessary
security with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, National
Guard, and Armed Forces.
The government is also taking precaution at public events, possibly considering
alternate venues or cancellations, while preparing or contingency procedures,
such as dispensing the work force.
They can also restrict access to any threatened facility.
These are serious actions, yet no one seems to be taking notice.
Many Army Reserves are being called to bases throughout the nation, while
the public is throwing Joe Millionaire parties, and pondering who the
Bachelorette will choose as the groom to be.
The federal government says the public should review preparedness measures
including evacuation and shelters for potential terrorist attacks ranging
from chemical, biological, and radiological attacks.
Basically, we should be ready for anything and everything right now.
Along with being on the alert for all things bad in the world we should
avoid high profile or symbolic locations, and let’s not forget to
please exercise caution when traveling.
The level of orange encompasses a lot to the American public.
So what’s next?
Red is the next level.
This would be the most severe level of threat for terrorist attacks and
is not supposed to be used for an extended period of time.
The government would close public and government facilities not critical
for the continuity of essential operations, especially public safety.
This level is only declared once a terrorist attack has occurred or an
attempt has been made.
Hopefully, now you can see why our current state of orange is no joke.
A prank call bomb threat to ASU last Thursday caused the school to be
evacuated until approximately 12 p.m.
Our country is at a crossroads right now and on the brink of war.
It is time that we start paying attention to what is going on in the nation
and more importantly in the world.
Put down your T.V. remotes for 20 minutes, run down to the post office
and register to vote, grab a newspaper and read what your political leaders
have to say, inform yourselves so that you can make a difference.
Can a self complacent America wake up to a realization that informed unity
may be our only saving grace?
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