New D.C. security "draconian" "overreaction," "legacy..felt for years"

Frontpage, Washington Post:

Security Might Get Tighter Yet, Officials Say
Changes Considered Near Treasury and White House

By Spencer S. Hsu and Cameron W. Barr
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, August 4, 2004; Page A01

....the curtailed access to major roads around key symbolic and functional centers in Washington marked a dramatic acceleration of the creeping encroachment of security measures in the nation's capital in recent years. District leaders decried the steps yesterday, pronouncing them draconian and an overreaction whose legacy would be felt for years.

"We are fighting to preserve both security and freedom, not one or the other," Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) said at a noon news conference with Mayor Anthony A. Williams (D) on Capitol Hill. "We're not going to accept the closing of the city."

Even D.C. Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey complained about the actions, rare criticism leveled at his former chief deputy and close friend, (Capitol Police Chief Terrance) Gainer. "I'm not pleased at all with it," Ramsey said. "We weren't part of any kind of planning. They just told us what they were going to do."

Williams and Norton said the restrictions would worsen already bad congestion, harm local businesses and could be avoided by using Jersey barriers to shunt traffic away from federal buildings.

Whatever approach is used, Norton said, federal authorities should not block the Capitol from the American people. "I don't care if it's a red alert," Norton said. "Their job is to think of ways to make us safe and keep us open at the same time."

Added Williams: "When in doubt, preserve freedom."...


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37933-2004Aug3.html