Should We Not Be On Alert for Terrorism?
You might wonder why a Sheriff would have anything to do with terrorism. I touched on the importance of being aware of the “threat” in my last campaign. The incumbent thought it was silly. I am concerned about the future of our country. I believe in “sleeper cells”. I also believe that someday they will wake up! If countries like Iran, Venezuela, Syria, etc. don’t concern you then I am spinning my wheels. They concern me. I pushed for participation in the 287(g) program in my last campaign. Participation gives Benton County a direct line of communication to the Department of Homeland Security. As an Arkansas Sheriff, I want to know if our federal government has any indication that a terrorist cell is in the four state area.
One major concern of mine is Beaver Dam. When 9/11 happened, I was Sheriff. The Governor’s first communications were to law enforcement agencies in Arkansas. We were asked to pass along our concerns regarding any target that if hit, would cripple the area and cause widespread catastrophe. Several corporate headquarters in our area were deemed as potential terrorist targets. I disagreed. The four state area would not be crippled by taking out a corporate headquarters. However, if you took out our water supply it would. There is no way we could truck in enough water to function. In addition, if Beaver Dam were taken out the water surge created would push through two other lakes, Table Rock and Bull Shoals. If that happened every thing in the north half of Arkansas and the south third of Missouri would be in turmoil.
After the election last year, I asked myself if the issue of Beaver Dam was a little too extreme. I got my answer when I visited Hoover Dam this year. Miles before you get to the dam your vehicle is inspected for explosives! I visited with the dam’s law enforcement and they said that even though Hover Dam is a national attraction, what is being protected is the water, the lifeline for a major section of the western United States. So, my question is, “Why is our federal government not protecting Beaver Dam like they are Hover Dam?” Is our little corner of the world not as important as the west?
Before you call my concern silly as my opponent did in the last campaign, remember this. In 1993, I went public with the idea that gangs and the problems that followed were a real threat in our communities. That concern was also referred to as “silly” or the “Sheriff Who Cried Wolf“!(click to see article)
Here is a short article about possible Al Qaeda attacks over the holidays. I am sure there are some who will criticize this concern as much as they have criticized my concerns on terrorism. The incumbent Sheriff says that my concern about Beaver Dam is “silly”. Is being proactive silly or wise? I am a man who believes in being proactive!
