Bring on the Mayhem
San Diego authorities are taking no chances when
it comes to security precautions for Super Bowl
XXXVII. A seven-mile no-fly-zone around Qualcomm
Stadium will be enforced by military aircraft.
National Guardsmen will protect the fuel tank farms
to the north of the Q. No one without a ticket to
the Big Game will be allowed anywhere near the
stadium parking lot, much less the stadium
itself.
Such precautions are prudent in a post-9/11
world. A stadium filled with 70,000 people, hosting
an event seen live on television by tens of
millions more, would make a tempting target for any
terrorist. It's reassuring to know that the
authorities are doing all they can to prevent any
threat from al Qaeda or other such groups.
But have they prepared for the onslaught of the
godless infidels from the north?
As one would expect, Raider fans created mayhem
in the streets of Oakland last night when their
team defeated the Tennessee Titans to win the AFC
Championship and a trip to the Super Bowl. Rabid
crowds ignited a large bonfire in the street, threw
rocks and bottles, and smashed a number of store
windows in "celebration" of their team's first
Super Bowl appearance since 1984.
These are the same fans who will raid America's
Finest City this week.
Despite hating the Raiders as only a loyal
Charger fan can, I confess I was excited to see the
Raiders beat the Titans. Rich Gannon is one of the
best quarterbacks in the league, and—unlike
his fans—he's got a lot of class. He deserves
a shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Plus, a
face-off against ex-Raider head coach Jon "Chucky"
Gruden will ratchet up the intensity level.
But if Raider fans celebrate by lighting fires
and breaking windows, what will they do if their
team loses? Apparently we're doomed to
either a little riot or a big riot. Let's hope the
authorities make allowances for the AFC Axis of
Evil in their preparations.
©2003 Michael
Strickland ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED
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