The Spectrum

Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: Perspectives

Media Credit: AP Photo/Stephen Chernin Are we prepaired for another attack? The threat of terrorism is still very real.

Every generation faces its share of national fear and struggle, ranging from World War II to the threat of communism during the Cold War. Today, the threat of terror still lingers over this generation.

"It's a new type of threat. While I still feel at ease when I go to sleep, I understand that this time in history is unlike any other, especially with the fear most people have," said Tom Napoli, junior, Sachem, N.Y.

True the Cold War posed the serious threat of a fatal nuclear attack. However, no bombs had to be used and America came out on top again. Just five years ago America experienced an attack right on the main stage of commerce that no one could have ever imagined. While both generations lived in fear, this age of terror was sparked by an attack that has chaned America forever.

"It has been five years, so there is an increased comfort level for everyday living, however, there still isn't a day that I don't get nervous about another attack," said Michael Viscuoso, junior, West Babylon, N.Y.

"It seems like there is no answer to our problems with all of these threats," said Viscuoso.

It is not as if the attack on September 11 was a minor tragedy in which America was left unaffected. More videos of Al Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden, or one of his top officials continue to frighten people all over the world.

"The scariest thing about this age is technology. Not only can a terrorist make a bomb that could fit in a suitcase that could destroy thousands of lives anywhere in America, but they are able to elude our intelligence while still spreading information to each other," said Patrick Foster, junior, Sachem, N.Y.

One of the biggest questions concerning this time period deals with the Patriot Act passed by congress and renewed just over a year ago. It raised the question, what civil rights are American citizens willing to give up in order to protect themselves from another attack?

"I wouldn't mind a little oversight when it comes to phone taps and the like under the patriot act. I mean it bothers me that I could be under surveillance at any time but as of now I don't see a reasonable alternative," said Patrick Foster, junior, Sachem, N.Y.

Foster added some interesting ideas to the conversation when he brought up the attacks that were recently disrupted in both the United Kingdom and Canada.

"I can't imagine the tragedy that would have occurred if either one of those attacks was successful," said Foster. "Had those phones not been tapped, it would have been September 11th all over again." Foster went on, "I think Americans are a little too spoiled with their liberties."

While Americans continue to battle overseas, they are doing the same at home with the struggle of living everyday life comfortably. Even with time being the only aid to feeling more comfortable, it is equally as deadly when it allows Al Qaeda to plan their next attack.

With all the threats and failed attempts, it has become evident that the questions is not if another attack is going to happen, it's when.

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