NEW ERA
Its editorial “Security lapses not unfamiliar” relates how a couple arriving a day early for a public tour was ushered into a breakfast hosted by the President and Mrs. Obama for invited guests. It concludes “While, on the one hand, there’s something to be said for ‘The People’s House’ being so open, the fact is that we live in an increasingly dangerous world. The two latest breaches of White House security seem innocent enough, but the next one might not be.”
WATCHDOG: The White House maintains that there were no lapses in security either when a Virginia couple ‘crashed’ a state dinner or in the above situation. The parties were subject to thorough security checks.
The Watchdog can recall in its puppy-hood when presidents would stop their motorcades to dart into the roadside crowd and shake hands. Especially since the tragedy of the assassination of President Kennedy and the serious wounding of President Reagan, more stringent precautions have come into effect.
But having fully protected the safety of the president and his or her family, the White House should not serve as a palace, as a cocoon, and liken the building to a shrine and the office to a deity that must only be approached on hands and knees.
Presidents are but one of thousands of citizens able—and some more able—to perform the position. They individually deserve our assistance and the office our respect. But neither they nor we will turn to stone if we shake hands.
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