It has been 10 years since the attacks on our country by terrorists and it’s a time to reflect on our losses and our gains throughout this past decade.

Certainly, the loss of life on that day 10 years ago was and remains a painful memory for most Americans, yet through our resolve, many of those responsible have been brought to justice, whether through detainment or by force. Those who sought to bring us to our knees have experienced the wrath of a people angered by their ill-motivated actions.

Yet the world remains as dangerous as it was on that September day in 2001.

The global community is much smaller than it was just 50 years ago and with that shrinkage comes danger in many forms. Terrorist actions are carried out across the globe on an almost weekly basis by groups of individuals who believe it their right to impose their will on others. Indeed, some within this global community feel that we do the same through actions in their countries.

We have witnessed the toppling of governments in places such as Egypt and most recently, Libya as people rise up and take back that which has always been theirs, freedom from tyrannical governments that oppose those they serve.

Here, in America, security has been somewhat “beefed up” since 9/11, but the measures taken do little to really prevent another attack upon our soil. We have become reactionary in our approach to security. Following the attacks we took measures to protect airplanes from hijacking, anticipating that any other attacks would come in the same manner as the first ones did. That has had some success in thwarting a few ill-conceived plots. However, far too many other “holes in security” remain.

Our borders are an open gate for illegals crossing into our country. Recently, Homeland Security stated it would no longer continue to seek the deportation of many currently held as illegals because, “it takes too much time and effort.”

That has created not only an open door, but an open invitation for terrorists to cross our borders free of encumbrance. The department designed to assist in keeping our nation safe, has failed and instead, has created a serious threat to national security.

Trains also go mostly unguarded, despite the fact that documents recovered in the raid on bin Laden’s compound show a clear plan to attack trains within the United States. Unlike most of the U.S., New York did learn from the attacks and armed officers and undercover agents watch Grand Central Station and other stations around the clock.

Also at risk are our ports, where security is relegated to a few cameras and a handful of security guards.

These issues need to be seriously addressed if we, as a nation, are to be as protected as possible from another attack like those of 9/11.

In the end, there really is little anyone can do to remove the risk entirely. Any radical group, intent on inflicting damage to the infrastructure and people of the nation will find a way. We, as a people, must remain on guard and vigilant.

One thing is certain, the world did change on that black day 10 years ago, and we will never forget.

Send To A Friend

Share