9-11 Part 3

A moment of silence was just observed by the company I work for. Everyone gathered outside at the flagpole as a new flag was unfurled, raised and then lowered to half-mast as we held hands and reflected on the events that shocked America Tuesday. As I looked at my co-workers there were many with tears in their eyes. Sorrow and mourning are natural and healthy in a situation like this. Personally have not been able to shed any tears over what happened. Yes, I am appalled at the terrorist's attacks, which may change life in America forever. I am hopeful that those responsible are captured and held responsible for their actions. And I feel great sorrow for the innocent victims and especially their friends and families who will have to live with their losses. Maybe it's just that a tragedy like this seemed inevitable to me. After Oklahoma City it was evident of just how easy it was to commit terrorist acts against the American people right here in America! That is not said to diminish in any way the magnitude of Tuesday's events. Simply to point out that we are vulnerable to this type of terrorism. Every day we take for granted so many things in our lives. Getting on an airplane, going to work, going to the bar, going to parties, going to school and having plenty to eat and drink. It's the way of America. Thousands stream into our borders every year simply to escape persecution, dictatorship or natural shortfalls in their homelands.

Things are about to change and as much outcry as there has been this week over the attacks in New York and Washington, there will be even more when the memory has faded and the inconveniences that we all seem to want in the aftermath become intrusive on our daily lives. Suspicion will have a definite effect on America. Instead of being at the airport an hour before your flight it will now take 2 hours. I remember when it was 20 minutes! The threat of being detained is probably going to become more real.

Right now, America is lauding the impending measures to increased safety and security. But how much time will pass before the security achieved becomes a bother? And if it does become a bother, when will standards be relaxed? What will the cost be for letting our guard down again? A change is coming America. It probably will not be for the betterment of the quality of life we now enjoy. Will it increase safety and security? Almost without a doubt it will, but at what costs and how long are we willing to pay those costs? America has changed this week, and for that I do shed tears.