A LITTLE VICTORY

The War On Terror Tackles Crime At Home

Even in the very heart of the darkness that is this war against
terror, there are a few shining diamonds, gems of good fortune that
make a better world.

So it is with the often-inconvenient, traffic-snarling tight security
that has clamped down on access to Fort Bragg. The extra guards and
checkpoints are there to protect the post from terrorist attacks.
Truth is hard to find in that shadow world, so we may never know
whether the highly visible vigilance has achieved its aim.

But we do know there's been collateral damage of an excellent kind,
the bright side of the law of unintended consequences: Crime on the
post is down, arrests are up, life is safer.

The guards on security duty have created a de-facto crackdown on
drunken driving. Car break-ins have virtually disappeared, as have
other larcenies. Guards have seized illegal weapons, drugs and
alcohol. Those arrested have been both military or family members, and
civilians.

The goal of America's war on terrorism is to make the world, and
especially this country, a safer place. The action against terrorists
will last for years, and the need for vigilance may last a lifetime.
But it's reassuring to know that in one small way, in one little
corner of our own world, the war is already creating a better, safer
life.

We'll take all the little victories we can get, wherever we can find
them. This one is sweet and welcome.