Security is an extremely illusory term. It hopes we are safe but cannot assure it. Yesterday, we lived in a world with international terrorism where airports and other public places were bombed. Hostages were taken in addition to threats of attacks. So, in all of this did we then feel secure? Perhaps the distance of such terror from us gave Americans a sense of security.

Then down came the two towers and that distance was meaningless. Now, are we secure? No, not anymore or less than before the attacks of September 11th. Sure, we have spent lots of money to make it tougher for terrorists to commit acts of destruction, but understand where there is a will there is a way. If any group is committed to the idea of attacking another it will find a way to do so.

In addition to this reality is the debate and struggle between providing security on a large scale and respect for civil liberties which are a cornerstone of American life. As security increases it impinges on the liberty of Americans.

This small example may provide some idea of the struggle between liberty and security. After the Columbine tragedy numerous school districts responding to public outcry began to tighten the security of buildings. Metal detectors, armed security, clear or mesh book bags for students, tougher laws and more freedom to investigate potential threats, and other measures that did in fact make it tougher for students to bring weapons to school and use them on peers and adults. The problem was a backlash of those who said such measures went too far. This is a favorite American pastime, "Oh my God! You people in charge should do something so this kind of horrible incident can't occur!" So those in charge take such measures and then, "Oh my God! What are you a bunch of Nazis? This is too far we want to be safe but you have turned the school into a prison camp!" Security versus liberty and there is never a winner. Too much security and its a police state, too little and your at fault for allowing someone to commit an act of violence.

Add to the mix an intelligence gathering apparatus that does not work and the problem become threefold. Security which needs good information to act before a tragedy versus Civil Liberties that thwart collection of information in favor of privacy. Understand we have plenty of agencies designed to gather information on potential threats and lately rules governing their efforts have been relaxed to increase security. CIA supposed to work outside

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