The debate over the level of security in Atlanta in general
-- and Centennial Olympic Park, in particular -- was revived
after Saturday's bombing. The L.A. TIMES notes that ACOG
Security Chief William Rathburn had called in the past for access
to the park to be controlled. But he was opposed by ACOG CEO
Billy Payne, Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell and the Atlanta Journal-
Constitution. In the wake of the bombing, security measures were
tightened and additional authorities were called in (L.A. TIMES,
7/28). TIME notes the bombing "occurred in the midst of what
amounts to an armed camp" (TIME, 8/5 issue). The WASHINGTON POST
raises questions as to whether the "patchwork" of agencies
hindered the transfer of info on the 911 call to officials inside
the park (Thomas Heath, WASHINGTON POST, 7/28). NEWSDAY notes
that $303M and an "unprecedented" presence were not enough to
stop the bombing (Stephanie Saul, NEWSDAY, 7/28). In Chicago,
Phil Rosenthal writes, "The omnipresence was thought to be part
of the deterrent" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/28). The N.Y. TIMES
notes ACOG's focus on the athletes' village and venues left the
"city itself" vulnerable (John Kifner, N.Y. TIMES, 7/28). In DC,
Tom Boswell concludes, "If nothing else, this tragedy has ensured
that almost no one here will complain about security
inconvenience" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/28).
