Post 9/11: Are We Really Safer Now?
book chapter, from Lynne L. Snowden and Bradley C. Whitsel (eds.), Terrorism Research, Readings, and Realities, 2005, Prentice-Hall, pp. 380-391.
9 Pages Posted: 22 May 2014
Date Written: 2005
Abstract
Are we really safer now? How sufficient are the new security measures enacted across the country? Is the public right to criticize the inconvenience of heightened airport measures, especially in light of ongoing news reports about lapses in such security? Is it safe to once again go to the tops of tall buildings, such as the Empire State Building and the Sears Tower? How much of a presence do terrorists still have in our country, and are we a target for future attacks? What, if anything, should we still fear? Can we feel more at ease? Will it ever be safe to go back to how we used to be?
The short answer to the provocative question "Are we any safer?" is maybe. But you probably already knew this. Maybe this means there is no need to read any further. Not so fast. Although some may feel safer and others may want to head for the hills, I want to help contextualize our current state of preparedness in the United States. In the context of this chapter, I want to develop a theoretical background, outline what federal, state, and local governments have done; and review some of the key accomplishments in the "War Against Terror." I will not enter into a discussion of what terrorism is. Nor will I look specifically at the events of September 11, at who is to blame for the incidents, or how operations are unfolding in Afghanistan and Iraq. In short, I want to encourage readers as much as possible to avoid simplistic responses. Why? Because many of these kinds of answers led to needless expenditure of resources, and some are actually quite dangerous.
Keywords: terrorism, safety, 9/11 attacks, security measures, federal government, state government, local government, preparedness, September 11
JEL Classification: H56, H59, I31, K19, K39, L98, L91
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation