In the shadow of the Capitol, a surface-to-air missile launcher
sits ready and able in case of a terror attack, providing a
stark reminder of how seriously the Bush administration is
taking the current orange threat level, the second highest alert
to citizens.  Reinforced security around the nation's capital
has expanded since the level's increase from yellow — or
heightened alert — last week, and now includes combat air
patrols and Army radar.  FBI personnel assigned to rapid
response teams that would react to any terrorist attacks have
been told to have a bag packed for three days' deployment and
have been put on standby. All U.S. Capitol Police carry gas
masks with them at all times.  Officials are reluctant to
provide specifics about the precautionary measures.  "Any time
there are threats that are perceived, the prudent thing to do is
to take steps that seem to be appropriate. To the extent those
steps are described in great detail, it vantages nobody other
than the terrorists," said Defense Secretary Do