DENVER -- If you think airport security is strict and heavy handed, you should see the security detail in Denver. Fort Knox has nothing on the protective bubble at the Democratic National Convention.
As many as 5,000 police are on the scene. The secret service has coordinated with more than 50 other agencies including the FBI and the US military.
But metal detectors, bomb sniffing dogs and a steel wall that could double as a Mexican border fence could never prevent the news that came as Michelle Obama took the stage Monday night:
Police arrested a man in Aurora, Colo., who was reportedly carrying weapons, a bullet-proof vest, two-way radios and a big bag of meth.
Rumors spread of an alleged Obama assassination plot. Police later arrested three others connected to the man, but no charges related to the alleged death plot have been made.
As it turns out, authorities said Tuesday, there was likely no real threat. At least, that's the word for now.
"We're absolutely confident there is no credible threat to the candidate, the Democratic National Convention (in Denver), or the people of Colorado," U.S. Attorney Troy Eid said in a statement.
I'll buy that. But as we all know, it's to be better safe than sorry. That's what keeps people alive.
I guess that's why I'm not bothered by the rumor that's getting defused more and more by the hour. I'm not troubled by the super tight security here in Denver either or being yelled at by an uptight cop for not crossing the street in an orderly fashion.
Since day one, when Obama announced his candidacy, I think most of us have feared or prayed for his safety. Being so close to his story, I've had nightmares.
But a healthy dose of fear is what keeps us safe and ALIVE. Why else would we wear seat-belts or look both ways before we cross an empty street.
I wonder, though, how does too much fear impact our way of life? I will say this, I have NOT had to take my shoes off for a security officer just yet.
The choppers buzzing overhead and scores of riot police are a reminder of our new-found instincts not to ignore our worst fears in this so-called post 9/11 America.
It's not THAT bad here at the DNC. It's not a police state, as some demonstrators have alluded to, chanting "This isn't democracy!"
But it's not the good old days either.
If it's fear that keeps Obama and the rest of us safe. I'm all for it.
1. Having first hand knowledge of the intolerant attitudes in this country, I have no doubts these racist idiots would make an attempt. Just as J K Kennedy, R. F. Kennedy and Rev..ML. King Jr., none of the true guilty parties have been brought to justice.
Aaron at 4:29PM on Aug 26th 2008