We could have put a big story on today’s front page to make sure everybody knows that the FBI has issued a big warning about the possibility of a terrorist attack. We didn’t, because we’re not sure what that warning would accomplish.

Here’s what we could say: somewhere, somehow today, some people might do something to harm you. So, pay attention for something that might look suspicious.

But, we thought it was more important to keep you informed about what’s actually happening here than what has a remote, remote possibility of happening here.

Head in the sand attitude? We don’t think so. We agree with Gov. Locke’s assessment—we’re already at such a high state of alert that we don’t know how much more alert we can be.

So, while you’re being alert today, keep a couple of other important thoughts in mind.

It was just a year ago that an earthquake rocked North Kitsap. We had been warned in advance. We’ve all known for many years that we live in an earthquake zone, that a big one could come anywhere, anytime.

Did the warning cause us to take reasonable precautions, yes. Our schools and other important buildings have been retrofitted for years to improve their safety–and our precautions paid off.

Even with all the warnings about the earthquakes or terrorists and surrounded by Valentine’s Day reminders, we probably also didn’t remember to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. It probably never occurred to you to whisper a last loving message to your child, your spouse, your mother or dad on the way out the door today, because you worried that this might be the day that terror strikes too close to home.

We choose to dwell in the land of optimism, faith and sensible precautions rather than fear. And, an “I love you, take care” is always a good message, no matter what.