...we need not let terror alter our lives; we need to use common sense and we must stay alert

http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/benamon/060814

An advertisement for Oliver Stone's World Trade Center movie included the following...

...pictures of a falling World Trade Center, firemen rushing to safety, with the narrator saying, "Every generation has a defining moment..." Then these words flashed on my television screen, "This was ours."

As I listened to the commercial, I realized we are too caught up on melancholy emotion, meanwhile our enemies are plotting to strike again. September 11, 2001 was not a day to look back on as just some "event" that happened, but it should be an everyday, HUGE reminder that terrorism in such deadly form (or greater) is capable of being executed even today. If anything, we should be mad, and stay that way!

We are failing to awaken from our complacency. One example I have witnessed lately came from a local news story in which the Department of Homeland Security gave a new armored vehicle to the Germantown, TN police force. The purpose is to make sure that Germantown law enforcement will be ready in case of a terror attack. Granted I think armored cars rolling around our cities and towns are a bit much, it was the comments from two people regarding whether the Memphis area would be targeted by terrorists caught my attention:

Posted By Daralene Jones
Germantown Rolls Out Armored Vehicle

Germantown, TN- Nearly 5 years after terrorism shook the United States, fears of a repeat of September 11th have shifted to the backburner for some. "I don't think about that," Rachel Tremble of Germantown says. "I don't think they're going to target a small city like Memphis. They're only going to target big major cities," Darnell Logan of Memphis says.

But Memphis and Shelby County can't afford to rule out the possibility of another terrorist attack. It's on the Department of Homeland Security's list of possible places terrorists might hit in the future. "This is really going to enhance our capability to respond, whether it's here locally or somewhere else in the region," Inspector Rodney Bright says.

The small armored vehicle will play a huge part in helping Germantown police chip in, if terrorists strike in or around the Bluff City. "It's good to be prepared, but i don't think Germantown is a major threat," Tremble says.

For security reasons, we couldn't go inside the $184,000 vehicle. But we can tell you it's resistant to bullets and explosives. And Germantown police say it will also be used to help fight crime locally. For example, if there's a hostage, hazmat, or other situation on the city streets that requires the SWAT unit .

Before the armored truck rolled in, Germantown Police had to rely on a white van, with no layer of protection from potential danger on the outside. Germantown will share the armored vehicle with six other surrounding counties. Memphis is scheduled to get one in the coming months. Homeland Security will also foot the bill for that one.

(See: Germantown Rolls Out Armored Vehicle below)

***

The man and woman who mentioned that they are not worried, that terrorists are likely to target only big cities is a big indicator that we've become complacent. Where is our fortitude and awareness? Are we that secured in our own world that we can't see beyond our neighborhoods? We are at war.

Those comments also reminded me of an incident that happened recently in Memphis where an Egyptian student attending the University of Memphis was arrested for wire fraud and possessing a fake social security number. His apartment was also raided, where items related to flight training were found, including a pilot's uniform, and a layout of the Memphis airport. He has since been sentenced, and will spend 13 months in prison. After serving his time, he is to be deported.

This is a clear indication that terrorists will not stick selectively to big cities. It is a fatal flaw to think that our enemies haven't noticed the smaller towns. They are our neighbors, and have taken up residence in every area of America.

Using common sense

Our enemy is stealth, and the methods of attack, unconventional. And our response should be level headed, and different. Not predictable or too overpowering. This brings me back to the comment I made about the use of armored cars in our cities and towns, being "a bit much." Those armored trucks, in my opinion, should be widely used by our armed forces in terrorist hotspots, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our troops are truly the people who need them the most. I believe, currently, these trucks may only be available to military police, but all of our troops on the ground, need them more than we do. Armored vehicles are not needed on our streets. We need to invest more in our troops! They should be our top priority!

Terrorism is a constant threat, but the way we are dealing with it is over the top. The uncovered and foiled plot to blow up planes from Britain to America, using liquid chemicals, has caused even tighter security measures. Sharp objects were the only items of scrutiny in the past, now it's lipstick and lip gloss?!

A crackdown on simple items like deodorant, lotions, toothpaste, hair gels, shampoo, drinks, electronic items, and even ketchup, has me wondering how far we will go to alter our lives out of fear that terrorists will strike.

People may still pack these items in their luggage (provided if items are non-perishable, and the flight isn't long), but not in their carry-on. Otherwise, it's trash.

A helpful strategy to fight terrorism would be, if Western countries thoroughly screened people who come into the country in the first place. Restrictions should not be put on domestic citizens who want to enjoy life without unnecessary security measures put in place.

America's immigration system, for example, is so flawed and messed up, it's ridiculous. If only we would get control of the insanity that exists as an immigration system now, and start prohibiting anyone who wants to come here on student visas and getting tough on illegal immigrants already here, then we won't have to worry about such plotting. But of course, politics is standing in the way. Other countries can and should adopt this method as well. It is the only way to keep our societies secure and at the same time, citizens will not feel like they are in a police state.

The one thing accomplished by the 24 terrorists who were involved in the plot, was that they succeeded in altering British and American lives by creating frustration and unease, thus giving the U.S. another excuse to squeeze the reins even tighter on airport security. We shouldn't give them the pleasure of doing so!

Western societies should be TICKED OFF to learn someone attempted such an awful act, and start getting tougher!

America is supposed to be the "land of the free, home of the brave." But we aren't acting like it. We've become the land of "giving up freedoms in exchange for a false peace."

Don't be lemmings America. Use common sense.

Let us also not thrive on emotional events from our past. Let's allow the events of 911 to teach us about our present situation, and that we must stay alert.

I pray complacency will not be our undoing.

Related Reading:

Germantown Rolls Out Armored Vehicle:
http://wreg.com/Global/story.asp?S=5251430

About the BearCat (pictures):
http://www.armoredtrucks.com/index.htm

U of M Terror Suspect Sentenced:
http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp?S=5151931&nav=menu93_2

*Felicia (Fee) Benamon is a political columnist who writes for various conservative sites including RenewAmerica.us, Daley-Times Post, Michnews.com, Capitolhillcoffeehouse.com, TheConservativeVoice.com, Mensnewsdaily.com, and many more. Felicia is currently branching out, and hopes to do more freelance writing, and eventually carry a column in her local newspaper. She hails from a military background, and has been politically active since the 2000 elections. Felicia is also an occasional guest speaker on KYAL2K, conservative talk radio (www.k-talk.com), Salt Lake City, UT.

You may email Felicia: Feereports@aol.com .

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