As a frequent flyer to Europe, I am completely disgusted with the American response to terrorism. It is a whole lot of showy fanfare, and fairly little that will actually deter people who are determined to bring planes down to make a point... if anything can. European governments see the real issues, and address them calmly.

Thanks for your sane look at this subject. Instead of worrying about which commie/druggie/terrorist is hiding around the corner, we should be worrying about making our own country more secure in ways that matter long-term... better education, better health care, nobody in any level of poverty, less dependence on foreign oil, a balanced budget... hey, NONE of the things that Bu$h the corporate stooge believes in.

We will be hit by another terrorist attack. The arrogance of our government officials on the international stage virtually guarantees it. All forms of public travel will remain safer than privately-owned and -operated envirocriminal SUVs. Much flag-waving will ensue and more soldiers will be sent to die fighting people who had nothing to do with the terrorist attack. It's all about money and oil, and it's completely pathetic. We have already lost our superpower status, but it's hard to see that if you never leave your own state.

"The terrorists" are playing the role of latest invisible scare, just as the communists did before them -- a rallying cry for those who traffic in fear."

There's an excellent three part BBC documentary on just this topic. It's called "The Power of Nightmares" and it covers the switch-over from fear of the USSR to fear of terrorists. It's well worth watching if you can get a hold of it.