Chapter 9

I was very interested in the fact that in this chapter the author makes it very clear that terrorism is a major threat, and we are currently unprepared. However, the point was made that congress does not act until there is a body count. Keep in mind that this book was written pre-9/11, now there is a body count, and now congress has acted, the author was spot on in his prediction… I agree that we need to become proactive not reactive with terrorist threats and I believe our country has moved in that direction in recent years. Except many prevention techniques require the invasion of our privacy. The patriot act is a good example of this. The Act increased the ability of law enforcement agencies to search telephone and e-mail communications, medical, financial and other records. I said that we need to be proactive; unfortunately these are the costs unless we want to simply react to a body count again. However, it will be impossible to prevent all terrorist acts from ever happening, so we also need to be prepared for when they do happen. This can be done by increased training and equipment for emergency personnel, and by conducting further research on cures for possible biological weapons that could be used against us. I hate to say it but surveillance could be a good way to go back in time and catch the terrorists after the event has taken place, just like in the Oklahoma City bombing. Overall this chapter was ahead of its time and it sickens me to know that this kind of information and warning signs were present prior to 9/11, lets not make the same mistake twice even if it does cost a little privacy, it may save your life.