Letter: Feds shouldn’t undermine security effort

Wednesday, May 7, 2003 | 9:18 a.m.

As a fairly frequent visitor to Las Vegas (15 visits so far and another two scheduled this year), I am frankly amazed at the decision by the Transportation Security Administration to propose cutting the number of checkpoint screeners at McCarran International Airport.

Does the federal government not appreciate that of all the cities in all the world, Las Vegas, with its 24/7 culture based around gambling and -- dare I say it -- other so-called "vices," must pose a No. 1 target for Islamic fundamentalists?

Following Sept. 11, and particularly having regard to the location of McCarran in relation to the Strip hotels, security at the airport is of paramount importance and should take absolute precedence over any proposed budget cuts in the TSA.

I continue to visit Las Vegas because I am happy the city has recognized its potential as a target and has instituted security measures to counteract the threat. I sincerely hope the federal government will not undermine the efforts of the local law enforcement agencies by increasing the security risk at the airport.

CHRIS EDWARDS Sheffield, England

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