Why Have We Not Been Attacked?

All the above!Shell

I have all of these questions: If security from terrorists was our main goal in this war, how could we leave our home soil so vulnerable. It's as though our one-track minds only think they can get in here by plane!

Typical political gridlock. On BOTH sides. No, perhaps on ALL sides....

Good questions. Keep digging.
cynic

Cheryl, maybe they don't feel the need to America...they have the most powerful nation banning shampoos on flights, x-raying shoes, curtaling civil liberties...maybe they think that is victory enough

You bring up good points and questions here, Cheryl. The problem is Bush is waging his own war and tries to justifty his actions by instilling fear and demanding that there is in fact a threat. If you look into the outcome of all of the raids and arrests from suspected terrorists, it doesn't seem much has come from it. Makes you wonder if it's all propaganda to justify the war in Iraq and boost his popularity poll. I don't believe anything I hear and read anymore.

My thoughts... what of those "terrorists" who are in our country now, watching the same news we watch, reading what we read, learning of those things we mention of our vulnerability and waiting for the right time to strike. Sometimes I wonder if we aren't giving them ideas of how to hit our weakest spots by discussing them. And then, it does just keep us fearful of when, what, who, how? Maybe we will see another attack, maybe not. Are they still out there? Yes. Just looking at the Middle East answers that question. And so it will continue until the end of times....

You are absolitly correct. Last night I attended a board meeting of rather intelligent business people half of whom believed the spinach business was caused by terrorists.. The Other side spends $2.00 on video tape
sends us a message and we spend a million dollars. Who's winning this thing? And the Administration and others who have a vested interest in keeping the american people freightened play right along.

I think that we haven't been attacked because the president has secured our ports and borders, chemical and nuke plants, refineries, communications centers, railways, truck lines, etc., and have drastically reduced our national debt so that we're no longer beholden to foreign nations, and also drastically reduced our dependence on foreign oil.

That, and the fact that we've shown the world that we are truly a benevolent nation that has no alterior profit motives whatsoever in our involvement in the middle east. We don't allow torture, we haven't allowed any corruption of private contractors, we immediately secured peace and stability in Iraq, and began hiring Iraqi people to rebuild their country, so that unemployment there is very low. Peace and tranquility rule.

In Afghanistan, we've managed to offer just the right kinds of incentives to insure that not only are the war lords, drug lords, and Taliban gone forever, but so is the production of opium, which used to be a major source of funding for al Qaeda.

In Saudi Arabia, where the most violent form of Islam used to teach children to hate America, and where 15 of the 19 hijackers came from, we've been able to successfully put an end to exactly the type of atmosphere that was breeding seething hatred for the west. Once we traced the money trail of 9/11 to the Saudi royals, and forced them to be held accountable in international courts, the entire world, including Islamic radicals, began to see us as being true to our words, rather than shameless, greedy hypocrites.

All in all, George W. Bush has been a US ambassador to the goodwill of the world. His charming, gracious disposition and resoundingly strong character and moral values have instilled a great love for freedom and America that has never before existed. Not only does the world embrace us in every way as a result, but virtually every corner of the globe has willingly cooperated to bring an end to global terrorism forever. It's pretty powerful stuff when you've got the leaders of once-violent factions of the Muslim world turning in their own people, and surrendering themselves.

Well, that and the fact that we've all had our houses tightly wrapped with plastic sheeting and duct tape for the past 5 years.

Do you ever stop and wonder why we have not had another terrorist attack on American soil?

I believe the answer to that question is because Bush & Co have managed to keep us in line with the first attack. If enough people were to wake up and get serious about booting them out, there would be another attack.

Tab....I understand what you're saying. But considering I'm just your average middle aged woman with no experience in terrorism and such, I seriously doubt that anything I have proposed here is anything the terrorists have not already thought of.

John...I have also heard the theory about the contaminated spinach being a terrorist act.

Liz...I certainly don't dwell on these question that I ask. And I'm actually not afraid, because I don't dwell on it. But I do think it is a question that is not asked very often. How much of what we hear is real and how much is tilted for the purpose of initiating that fear response?

Clark...nice dream.

Mikko...I agree.

Sandy...very good point. We are in a state of limbo.

Crazy.....I know you are not alone in your thoughts. Thanks for your comments.

"I think the reason we haven't been attacked is because of many of the government's "illegal" actions, e.g. the wiretapping and that sort of thing. "

Do tell, how did the illegal wiretapping do anything beyond what LEGAL domestic wiretapping had, other than turn the entire nation into criminal terrorist suspects? FISA has allowed presidents to spy on domestic US citizens since 1978, and to do so legally, with a warrant. What specifically is it about the illegal nature in which Bush is going about this program, that has prevented another attack?




"I don't doubt that they're keeping tabs on every single peron's who's set foot in this country since 9/11, including all of us."

And, I take it you support this violation of the constitution then?




"I do know that there are radiological "sensors" located within all the country's ports as well, so even though everything isn't physically inspected, they'll supposedly be able to tell if anything with radiation comes through. They've also got dogs who are trained to sniff for certain chemicals and pathogens."

Less than 5% of incoming shipments are checked. Feel safe now?




"Left to chance alone, I'm 100% convinced that we would have been majorly attacked again by now, be it from more anthrax attacks, shoe bombs on planes, liquid airline bombs, or any of the other countless plots that have been attempted and stopped since 9/11."

Newsflash! We WERE attacked by anthrax since 9/11, and NOT A CLUE has been uncovered as to who did it. Oh, and btw, global terrorist attacks have risen exponentially as well. Feel safe now?




"If a terrorist could really just contaminate our food or water supply so easily, I'm sure they already would have done this, rather than bother developing liquid bombs that looked like Gatorade, or whatever trouble they went through just to TRY attacking us again. "

Just keep living in that little protective bubble of ignorance. It looks like it's working real well for you.

I am not an American and the amount of fear I read on this site about the ominous, omnipresent threat of terror baffles me. As you say, and I have said myself several times here, there has not been a single attack on the US since 9/11. Globally Al Qaeda and its demon spawn have been guilty of only a handful of attacks since 9/11. Their "spectaculars" only seem to prove that their numbers are comparitively few and that each attack requires an extensive amount of planning (which probably explains the volume of attacks).

I choose not to use the word "terrorist" because any innocent deaths, by any group or by any national army, are terrorist acts. I apologise if you disagree with that view, but that's my opinion.

If you compare the global acts of terror to the terror unleashed by the US and UK invasion of Iraq the numbers pale into insignificance. Approximately 50,000 dead (at the very least) in Iraq.

When you live with that kind of terror it is then that you should be concerned. Dwell on that and thank who or whatever you believe in, every single day of your life, that you do not live in Iraq.

Good questions.

I feel that Americans need to look at history for answers. Every 5 to 10 years or there is a fairly big terrorist act on our soil, i.e. Oklahoma City and the first World Trade Bombing. We as Americans need to move on from this and just accept that it is going to happen, and instead of changing our way of life, preserve our civil liberties.

If you believe that it is Bush and the Republicans that have kept acts of terrorism from our soil you are respectfully incorrect. Another one will happen, no doubt, because one will always slip through the cracks. Terrorist acts are tragedies, but these tragedies are magnified when we lose our civil rights in the process.

"Those that would trade civil liberties for safety deserve neither." -Benjamin Franklin

All of the people who don't support the President are WAR-WEARY. We understand. If you don't mind, just get out of the way, so we can continue the resolve to keep our country safe. I thank the Lord and the United States Military that I continue to be able to express myself freely.

Well, if this country is so bad, why do we continue to live here? I have looked at purchasing property in Europe as well, I have some property abroad but I don't feel safe there. It doesn't matter-- the government reminding me constantly because it takes VIGILANCE my friend, vigilance, whether in governance or my Christian faith.

I don't think this country is bad at all... just off track. However, when I see things wrong with something I cherish, I try to make it better, rather than leave. I agree Raquel, we must be vigilant, and in this case that means replacing the elected officials who were supposed to be looking out for our best interest.

I can name only one on my side, how about you, Barry?

The right-wing in the US are the most intolerant people on the face of this planet. I was going to say "it seems" but no, it doesn't "seem", that is the end of the sentence.

The only patriots in the United States are those that speak the truth and seek to expose the lies. Those who demand that people "get out", show only their intolerance.

Speaking as a non-American, living outside of the US I congratulate those who speak the truth and seek to expose the lies. I pity the rest for the brainwashing having worked so effectively.

You are so full of hatred for the President, Clay. Do you know how corrupt Louisiana is, and how those people are so beholden to the Democratic party? New Orleans is not the only city being visited by Katrina, yet, you never hear people from Mississippi complaining.. you know why? They're not used to dole-outs. They have 2 pairs of limbs to climb, to run, to get out of the way of the hurricane. They have brains, but they didn't use it for the purpose of good. What did I get for the money that I gave to the victims? The looting, the badmouthing and blaming of the President by the Democrats!

Oh 911, the GOP trump card. Every picture about "security" is put in this frame. We've stared at this horrible picture so long that we've been missing what Bush and Co. have been doing in the name of "the American People". That fateful day represents Bush's finest hour and will be defended viciously. We haven't been "attacked" again because that would cast serious doubt on the Bush administration's policies and actions since. I don't see that happening soon.

Yeah, Quincy, it was not fun watching people fall off the tower.

Brian, as a foreign-born American and a proud right-winger, I am sad that you think that way. I have worked and lived in the Middle East, and altho there are other nicer areas to live in, I wouldn't go there. I crossed vast oceans to be here. Just as other countries easily name-call Americans as bullies and loud-mouths, it's so easy to call rightwingers as intolerant. American people are the most generous people in the world, I say that very proudly.
When I first started here, I had nothing but my luggage. I cleaned patients (I was a nurses' aide, then I became a Registered Nurse) and I never was on welfare. Now that I make more, I volunteer, I give to charity and help friends and family. I gave 500 books to help the New Orleans Library. I think, it is still intolerant for you; I can't change that.

Well congratulations that you had the opportunity to do well in life in Raquel, and good for you that you choose to do something so worthwile.

Remember though the millions upon millionseho, through no fault of their own,haven't been able to change the hand that life has dealt them. For each person like you there are thousands upon thousands who struggle just to live.

Every little bit helps. I contribute to the missions all the time.
And about the rhetoric that there are millions suffering... yes, I was one of them, but you try to get out of that rut. Teach people how to fish and not give them fish all the time. We can think like there's always millions suffering. but that's what the socialists always tell you. To divide the loot among everyone else, but not from their own stash!

There was not a soul from everyone (even people from other countries) who saw those images on TV that were not touched by pity and sorrow, and yes, including me who you think maybe heartless. That's fine. I don't define myself based on those words.
What I'm saying is the aftermath: where did the moneys we give them go to, the $2000 immediate help were being spent on porn and plastic surgery. These hurts my pocketbook too. My friends (nurses) who were there told stories of hurricane refugees not thanking them as to what they did. Not that my friends needed the thanks, but that the mentality was that we owe it to them! But it didn't stop me from sending money and goods. If I could be there at that time I would.

"We can think like there's always millions suffering....but that's what the socialists always tell you."

That is grossly ignorant and insulting Rachel. Its a fact, not a myth as you imply.

You will always have the poor with you but the kingdom of heaven...?

Call me anything you want, tha't what I know.

Clay you are the man ! You think exactly like myself and express it very well.

Clay, you are right on target. While many argue using nebulous ideas and personal beliefs, you argue using facts.
Why more people can't see the facts for what they are is beyond me.
My theory is, that the 40 percent of people who support Bush are the same 40 percent who think wrestling is a real sport (no offense intended Raquel).

We have already been attacked. By our own government. On our own soil. And I'm sure Mr. Bush isn't finished with us yet.

Well, the bottom line is....Use FEAR (terroristic plots to destroy us), then Divide and Conquer (creating racial strife, for one), and you'll have everyone clamoring to you for "help" in making them feel "safe"....

So, FEAR is the power, Division is the weapon.

After the first Gulf War (remember "Armageddon plastered all over your tv?)....then 911....America trembled in fear....her people GAVE UP their rights to President Select Bush when he came on strong and promised to protect us.

So, out of our fear, we have allowed our focus to change from one of Freedom, to one of Protect us, even if it means taking our rights away!

Time to take a look around, Americans....Mr. Global President is sneaking in the door!

Larry were you around during Vietnam ? I lost 2 close cousins. Though Rummy hates the comparision the enemy has done the same thing as the NVA and Vietcong did in that little police action. Adapted as Clay said and it just gets worse as they adapt. There is a never ending supply of these souls. When you blow up their relatives and towns they have no other place to turn. That is where the word spawning terrorism comes in.
Everything I seen the left predict happening if we went to war with Iraq has came true. Every prediction the Administration has made has blown up in their face. So who's right ? Oh they will greet us with Open Arms ? More like small arms fire.
Ugly little mess and I have close freinds in the middle of it and a freind whos son was killed 2 weeks ago. I tears me apart and infuriates me all at once.
It Sucks ! Remember the 60s , well we need them again.

Good comments and discussion, everyone. Thank you for your insights.

Scott, I agree with you when you say "blow up their relatives and towns they have no other place to turn"....."spawning terrorism"....isn't this what has happened in Ireland, also? And many other places around the world. Yes, I remember the 60s, and yes, we need them again.

Well, I live in Ireland, specifically the part you are referring to Cheri. Terrorism is a much overused word as it is a practice used by all sides in a conflct. Terror begets terror, its as simple as that. Its not rocket science as the cliche goes. You kill someone's brother, or as is the case in Iraq, their family, you get the family hating you, their friends hating you, everyone that knew them, hating you, to the point where they want revenge. They get their revenge, then you get your revenge, they get their revenge....etc...etc..etc...

Iraq is a vision of hell on earth, terror and hate.

Im not sure if it amuses me, or sickens me that people complain of the threat of terror against America when you see and read of the daily reality of living with terror is like for Iraqis. And, of course, it should never ever have been this way.

Cheryl, I just think it is a matter of when. The attack doesn't have to come from foreign soil, one of the worst acts of domestic violence was done by American Timothy McVeigh.

Raquel, neither did I. My eyes were not dry that entire day, hell that month. I didn't mean to imply that I thought Bush enjoyed that day at all. However, I nearly every major speech that he has made in the last fews years has included some reference to 9-11. Even the post-Katrina speech. I say that this was his 'finest' hour because it was his most powerful politicial moment. We were so united then. I thought that he would use this solidarity to united this country. Alas, he and his adm. used it as a political tool to further their own political agenda. It was a political hammer that he beat us all with. Remember, "....if you are not for us, you're against us."? This statement said to the Democrats and hell who ever else, "if you don't go along with us and what we think is best, you'll be labeled as un-American, a terrorist sympathizer, the enemy, etc." Of course, Congress and everyone else supported whatever he wanted even if they didn't agree. Not because he was necessarily doing the right thing, but out fear of commiting political suicide. If they had second thoughts and voiced it they 'flip-flopped" and this adm. surely reminded every later dissentor of that fact. Shameful! Uniter not a divider? Bull! Almost just as shameful(very close)is that the Dems took it, unquestioned, for so long. I am ashame of how both sides acted in squandering this opportunity to REALLY be bi-partisan and act on the behave of the american people instead of their own self-interests. (Call it a rant if you like! I don't care)