In the everyday hustle and bustle of our lives, we tend to lose sight of what's really important. Tuesday's events helped correct all our perspectives. Citizens and county employees will likely see a renewed emphasis on emergency planning and disaster preparedness. This event was a warning to all of us regarding vulnerabilities in our systems. As I write this, the county is screening all visitors to the courthouse through a metal detector outside my door.
Discussions are underway regarding re-installation of the emergency siren at the fire station.
The county's emergency preparedness plan will get an facelift earlier than planned and will include a new section on dealing with mass fatality. These are sad commentaries on the loss of our innocence. No doubt some of the changes we will undertake may cause inconvenience and intrude on people's freedoms. Regrettably that's the sad price we have no choice except to pay. Clearly, our President enjoys the support of the vast majority of American people as he debates the correct response to this tragedy.