Posted 9/27/01 Minnesotaís leadership does well during dark days Tributes have been made to the victims of Sept. 11 ñ a day in American history blackened by mass murder ñ and praise and thanks in abundance has deservedly been given to the firefighters, EMTs, and police who made such unflinching sacrifices that sad September day. Though Minnesota wasnít a target of the terrorists, the considered actions of some state officials also deserve commendation. Gov. Jesse Ventura and Public Safety Commissioner Charlie Weaver stood on the Capitol steps within hours of the terrorist attacks, calmly detailing the stateís response while urging people to go about their day. Stay calm, was their message. ìNormalcyî became the by-word. Panic is what the terrorists want, Ventura and Weaver explained. And they did more than talk. The stateís emergency operations center was instantly opened, various security measures taken, and the Minnesota National Guard put on heightened alert. But voices never became shrill. While never denying that a terrorist attack was possible, Weaver repeatedly said there was no indication whatsoever that Minnesota had been targeted. He repeatedly assured the public that officials train for such emergencies ñ things had already been thought out, plans were in place. Ventura, too, provided leadership in the days and hours following the attack. He warned the public against directing their anger toward Minnesota Muslims. Just stop and think for a moment, he counseled Minnesotans. Minnesota Muslims are Americans too. While itís agonizing that the terrorist attacks happened, itís consoling to know that Minnesota leaders rose to the moment. Leadership will be essential in the days ahead. ©Post Review