F.B.I. = YARD In recent, events-pressured weeks we have witnessed some marked changes in our attitudes concerning both the "Federal Bureau of Investigation", in Washington, and of "Scotland Yard," in London. The subtle change in both areas will, I feel, prove to be most welcome in the days ahead.
Listen carefully as you say the very names of the two organizations. They sound staid, formal, old-fashioned, and each tediously reminiscent of bygone days. The long name for the American force conjures up post-prohibition, gang-ruled days when a "federal" force of "bureau" size was deemed necessary to combat forces undermining peaceful living in our land. In a similar manner, many Americans think too frequently of the likes of an oft clumsy Yard person being out done by skilled amateurs
During the initial hours of the 7-7 bombings the London police moved in force against terrorist threats and actual attacks in four or five different locations...most of the being in the Underground system beneath the busy city plus a blast in one double-decked bus on the surface moments later. Police were on the scenes promptly and the took precise and definite actions to rescue those in need, to ferret out evidence which would enable them - within hours of the fatal blasts - to name names, show hard evidence in identifying those who did the
bombings.
Even the unfortunate death of an innocent suspect during the July 2lst attacks won approval from millions watching on TV. Those watching TV saw evidence of prompt British action against a man who was oddly attired - suggesting he might be bomb-laden - who ran. He made it into a subway car; so did the police. He was knocked to the floor struggling and was dispatched with five shots to the head. "Now, that's the way to do it!" I heard TV watchers shout. Even after the details were set forth showing he was in no way implicated in bombings he average person seem to think the British police had reacted properly.
A subtle change is taking place in the F.B.I., as well.
Notice the regard Americans seem to feel for our F.B.I. now that it is being compared, contrasted and discussed with the local constabulary on the island of Aruba - unfairly, I feel. Since the Holloway-Twitty disappearance case started a month ago there has been far too much speculation on what American seems to think our own FBI could have done to resolve the case weeks ago. The F.B I has no jurisdiction in Arubian affairs, only an interest because the victim is an American high school from Alabama.
A.L.M. July 28, 2005 [c456wds]
