We may be at the greatest danger of terrorist attacks since Sept. 11, 2001, the government says. But go about your routine, we’re told. Go ahead and make that holiday trip.
This dual message represents how our lives have changed. The balancing act facing our government — raising appropriate caution but not panic — is a delicate one, indeed. Oversell the threat and, if nothing happens, the next one might not be taken as seriously. You also risk putting a damper on the economy if people react by staying home.
But keep a heightened threat from the public and you’ve lost a tool in fighting the threat. It’s no stretch to believe that raising the level of alert, as the government did Sunday, can actually prevent attacks from happening.
A heightened state of alert should be considered business as usual for Americans in the aftermath of 9/11. Our world really did change that day, and we mustn’t forget it. We are at war with terrorists, a war that we have seen fought on our shores.
Still, we can and must go on with our daily lives. We’ll be met with inconveniences, but by approaching them with preparation and patience, we can minimize disruptions. Heading for the airport? Leave plenty of time for security screening, and follow instructions carefully. Forgetting to remove a wristwatch or other metal objects will only result in a longer wait for you and everyone else in line. Driving to Canada? Bring some patience with you for the line at the border.
Wherever you go, and go you should, you can be of assistance to police and other public safety officials just by being on the alert for suspicious packages, vehicles or activities. That doesn’t mean we should all become spies and invade each other’s privacy, we should just be more aware of our surroundings.
It’s self-defeating to hunker down in our homes. To give in to fear is to capitulate to the Osama bin Ladens of the world, to hand them a psychological victory.
The 1,776-foot Freedom Tower that will one day stand at the World Trade Center site in New York City is a symbol of our national resolve. It will stand proudly and defiantly, a reminder to the world that such a posture is the only one that can defeat terrorism.
It’s a posture that each of us, in our own way, should assume.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
