Posted by CarolMiller on September 12, 2001 at 15:53:03:
Perhaps this has been mentioned elswere on the NYRMB, but those who were working in any capacity on NY's Eve 1999 certainly remember the elaborate (effective) precautions taken by the City to prevent anticipated terrorist attacks, from bridge closings to the Mayor's bunker, from event cancellations to the extreme heightening of police presence, especially in Manhattan. Driving through the city to file overseas reports ( working for UK radio, that day linked to TV), the tension in the atmoshpere was pervasive. It was with real trepidation that my live midnite report was phoned in from a vantage point in the city providing a complete view of downtown and several bridges - my own kitchen and living room. It was a great relief to do the New Year's Countdown, then - pause, and say - 'everything's still standing.' This time, it has been with absolute horror to report what's been happening outside the kitchen window, to this minute as lines of ambulances and assorted military vehicles stream down the West Side Highway. The thought keeps occurring that New York has been aware and ready to prevent terrorism leaving no lead unturned, with much credit and gratitude to the Mayor. Unfortunately, Boston may have not been so prepared, perhaps not having expected such activities to emanate from their city on New Year's 1999, including their airports and hotels.