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November 17, 2008
Posted: 03:12 PM ET

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(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)

FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:

President-Elect Barack Obama has been warned of a “huge threat” from al Qaeda by intelligence leaders in the U.S. and abroad. He told 60 Minutes’ Steve Kroft last night that since terrorists could try to attack the U.S. during his White House transition, putting together his national security team is a top priority.

And it should be. The presidential transition period is prime time for terrorists. In 1993, just a little more than a month after President Bill Clinton took office, there was the first attack by al Qaeda on the World Trade Center. In 2001, during President George W. Bush’s first year, we had 9/11.

The director of the CIA, Michael Hayden, said last week that al Qaeda is strengthening its hub in the Pakistani mountains and building ties with militant groups in Europe and Africa.

The president-elect told 60 Minutes that stamping out al Qaeda was also atop his to-do list and capturing or killing Osama bin Laden is a critical aspect of that plan.

Here’s my question to you: How concerned are you about another terrorist attack?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?


Randy from New York writes:
Another attack is always a concern. After the first World Trade Center bombing, it took almost 8 years for the next more devastating attack. Since we haven’t captured the master designer of the 9/11 attacks, it’s probably just a matter of time.

Don from Ottawa writes:
Not at all, Jack. The terrorists are achieving what they want without lifting a finger. We are destroying ourselves from within.

Laura writes:
Why bother to plot an attack when they can sit back and watch this country financially implode? George Bush and his crew have been the ultimate gift to al Qaeda.

Mark from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma writes:
Very concerned. I believe that we will be hit again, but only when Bin Laden can be certain that the destruction and loss of life will be much greater than that which took place on 9/11.

Pat from Lexington, Kentucky writes:
I’m concerned and aware, but not anxious or hysterical or paralyzed by the possibility or probability. I don’t know what to do to help prevent an attack, and I’m certainly not going to stop everything and hold my breath waiting for it.

Lauri from Baltimore, Maryland writes:
I’m a lot less concerned now than I was on November 3rd.

Bruce from St. Paul, Minnesota writes:
I’m not worried. After all, we have to take our shoes off and surrender our shampoo at the airport. We have a partial fence separating us from Mexico. How could terrorists possibly penetrate a system like that?

Filed under: Al Qaeda • US Military


Lucas in Pawling, NY   November 17th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Not very Jack, it ranks alongside being struck by lightning or being attacked by a shark.
I think that the Bush administration did a brilliant job at instilling fear in us and while there always will be terror attacks, we can not be afraid of them.
Remember what tour genius leaders said after 9/11 - If we are too scared to go shopping the terrorists won.

Rod from Allentown PA   November 17th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Jack, Not at all. After all, the newly elected President will protect us all. Right after he shares the wealth (or lack of it with this economy).

marti thompson   November 17th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Not at all..I don’t live in a city or near a nuke plant and I’m sure they don’t want to blow up my weeds….

susan from Idaho   November 17th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

The only terrorists we should be concerned about are the two warmongers running the Bush administration. If they had actually sought some intelligent mid-east counsel they would have been told that our presence on any of that land is considered invasive to the inhabitants. We should get out and stay out. We would not want them here imposing their values on us.

ozzi in AZ   November 17th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

I’m concerned because Osama Bin laden is still a free man with a huge following of crazy radicals who don’t value LIFE.
However, I’m not lying awake at night worrying about it. In fact, I feel a little LESS worried about it now that we chose a president who will actually TALK with our enemies!

carson   November 17th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

that is the most important issue for national security to protect the country from terrorism and is also the second most important after economic..

don in naples, florida   November 17th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

This nation will always be a target of attack considering how it conducts itself globally. It is not a popular position to globalize military bases around the world; and dictate that hostile nations become democracies. The only way america will ever completely lose the fear of terror attacks will be to reconsider how it conducts itself globally. So in a word, yes. But it is only a distant fear. Most nations now realize that if they attack this nation– a military base will probably be permanently placed in their country. Im sure that this is a motivational tool to keep terrorists at bay.

Patricia   November 17th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

I’m not concerned at all for several reasons:
1. It’s like lightning–pretty random, so you can’t control it.
2. Bush is leaving office and so he can’t piss anyone else off.
3. Obama’s calm strength makes us a less likely target.

Boise

Daniel Ambrose   November 17th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Jack,

I think we all should reserve some concerns on the unknown of a terrorist attack. I think we are much better prepared today than we were on 9/10/2001. This great country has its eyes open even when we are sleeping.

Daniel,
Atlanta, GA

Sue -Idaho   November 17th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Jack, after the terror inflicted upon our economy by the Bush administration how much more help would the other terriorist need?
Right now we cannot afford rocks to throw at someone attacking us, nor the people to throw them. Maybe that was the plan all along, bankrupt the country, that’s the easiest way to take us down. Little did we know we had the right formula in office to help with that vision!

Lene', IL   November 17th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I don’t spend alot of time worrying about another terrorist attack. I’m not giving G.W. Bush any credit either since he has really done nothing to make our borders or ports more secure. I worry more about the thugs on Wall Street and the gangs of illegals taking over our streets than another 9/11.

JD in NH   November 17th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Not concerned at all. I’m more apt to die from my inability to afford healthcare.

Judy, Exeter, Calif,   November 17th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Jack, it is about number 108 on my list of “what I am afraid is going to happen next”. I’ve had enough of the likes of Bush, Rove etc who thought it was a good idea to get what they wanted. If it happens, and I’m still around, I’ll decide what to do about it then. Life is too short.

lee in tn   November 17th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

I am more afraid of an attack from within, but also , because of people
like Bin Ladin ,you also have to watch over your back.

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   November 17th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Jack: I’m about as concern as dying……I know it is going to happen……but don’t know when. The trouble economy is doing Americans more harm on a day to day basis than waiting for the terrorist to arrive. Worrying about the terrorist to attack is like “paying interest on trouble” that hasn’t happen.

Mike, Albuquerque, NM   November 17th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

If the purpose of a terror attack is to cause fear, I am more in fear of losing my job than anything else. If a terror attack is defined as an act of violence, I am more in fear of local street gangs than foriegn militias. I do not fear the Taliban or Al Quada. I beleive that Osama Bin Laden is dead or incompacitated. Our mission now should be to resolve outstanding issues and place our prefered men in positions of leadership in tribal areas in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq.

Tony in Michigan   November 17th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

No concern here, Jack. If we live in fear of terrorists, that means they’ve already won.

mel from ohio   November 17th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Not scared at all, Jack . My fears around terrorists were due to the President that we had for the last 8 years because he was so determined to threaten everybody whom he couldn’t control. I felt that other countries were ganging up against us and rightly so…then of course, Chaney and company kept that fear going with threat levels and any other kind of drama that they could drum up to make us rely on their “leadership”. I think we’ll have more respect from other countries due to Obama’s diplomacy and lack of bullying behavior.

Cori from Colorado   November 17th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I don’t see an attack is imminent. Right now, I think the world is focused on changing leadership, the global financial crisis, natural disasters and much more. Maybe in a decade or so, the world could be in a much different place, and I’m hoping it’s a better future.

txkboy   November 17th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

From Texas. People are kidding themselves if their wondering “if”; they should be more concerned with “when”. Through the efforts of our great military and stepped up intelligence, we as a nation have been able to dispel a major terrorist attack, thusfar, on our homeland.

Jackie in Dallas   November 17th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

In my mind, the most vulnerable time we have for a terrorist attack is just on or around the Inauguration of President Elect Obama. It could be from within, or from outside, our borders. Power transitions are always a dangerous time. However, I think our intelligence groups, our security groups, and our outstanding military and special forces (such as the Secret Service) are already aware and prepared. Whether the people are or not, is the real question. We have gotten so caught up in our national economic crisis that we are not paying as much attention to world developments. Security of our country and our people is EVERYONE’S job.

Anj in CA   November 17th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Jack, something tells me that Pres. Obama will actually read intelligence materials given to him, even if they roll over onto a second page. So yeah, the terrorists do try to test new administrations, here and elsewhere, and maybe they’ll even succeed, but at least the Obama administration won’t help them. So our odds are better than last time. That said, of course I’m worried. This is the world we live in now.

Paulette,Dallas,PA   November 17th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

I’m sure the terrorists are planning attacks all of the time. Most of these are found out and stopped or prevented. All world citizens must be conscious of there surroundings and our government must remain on alert to what is happening.

Bill, Quarryville, Pennsylvania   November 17th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Jack I am always concerned because I think there are a lot of ways we can easily be attacked. I’m not worried because I do not worry about things I cannot control.

Chris - Hemer, Ca.   November 17th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

I must admit I’m a bit concerned Jack. Remember there was a nine year period between the first attempt on the World Trade Center and the eventual destruction. Time is irrelevant to the Arab mind. My concern is that one day, out of the blue, a nuke goes off in a major American city and we go from “post 911″ to “post nuke.”

Jenna Wade   November 17th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

How concerned are you about another terrorist attack?

I am NOT concerned about another terrorist attack.

Why?

Simple, if I am fearful then the terrorists win.. That is the whole idea around terrorism - fear..

We also need to keep in mind that Leadership by Fear is another form of terrorism.

So Thank God we have NEW leadership by HOPE and CHANGE just around the corner.

The best way to life, is to be FEARLESS..

Jenna
Roseville CA

Jason, Koloa, HI   November 17th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

It is highly possible with our foreign policy over the last eight years that a terrorist attack is likely. But, when you weigh the outcomes of other disaster scenarios against that of a terrorist attack, you have to be equally prepared for those situations. Floods, hurricanes, fires, freezes, crop destruction, bridge collapses, deadly flu outbreaks, anti-biotic resistant bacteria, there are so many things just as deadly that we have diverted funding from to make defense contractors wealthy. We need more balanced funding and a better foreign policy, rather than what the Republicans did by using fear of terrorists to advance their political and financial agendas.

Kevin, Chester Springs PA   November 17th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

I’m only concerned about things in my life that are within my control. So no… I am not concerned about a terrorist attack at all.

Kevin in Dallas, TX   November 17th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

I don’t live near any symbolic targets, I live near military targets. So I’m concerned in that I don’t want anyone to die. But as far as my own safety goes, I’m more concerned about a nuclear attack than a terrorist attack.

Ken in NC   November 17th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

I do not have time to worry about another terrorist attack. I’m busy now trying to deal with the one on our economy now. Besides, if we live in fear then we have already lost and the terrorist have won.

Besides, the magnet to a terrorist attack, BUSH, will be leaving to go to Texas on 20 January 2009 so Texas will be the state to be concerned about an attack.

Rich Mckinney, Texas   November 17th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

I don’t wake up in the middle of the night in cold sweats thinking about a terrorist attack but I know that it is only a matter of time before it happens again. When you live in a country with no defined or controlled borders like America has and the only thing stopping someone from entering it is a portion of narrow knee deep water or a wire rickety piece of fence then you are only asking for trouble. Add to this equation one more nifty piece of information called ‘Home grown terrorists’ then you have a recipe for disaster. I don’t think the next attack will come from abroad. I think it will come from within.

Kevin from Philadelphia   November 17th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

There’s no point in being afraid. Let’s just do what needs to be done. Let’s start by seriously implementing the 9/11 Commissions recommendations to make our country more secure from nucleur, biological, and chemical attacks.

Jan Davis, Knoxville, TN   November 17th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

The current economy worries me a lot more than the possibility of a terrorist attack. Because of all the changes made in homeland security, I believe we are safer now than we were in 2001. Bin Laden
probably is spending most of his efforts finding another cave to hide in. I just hope the Obama administration will find him.

Stacy from Loudoun County VA   November 17th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Jack, I think the timing is right for a terrorist attack and I will tell you why. Currently, we are teetering on the edge of disaster. If the terrorist could launch an attack at a major American city on or near the scale of 9-11, it would send the U.S economy into a Depression. So, as much as we need to focus on repairing our economy, we cannot take our eye off the ball security wise during the transition of power because if we do, then we won’t have to worry about a bailout …we’ll just simply be sunk.

Jordan, Phoenix   November 17th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

How many people can terorist kill compare to how many arabs are killed by US soldiers. Who is the terorist?

Linda in Florida   November 17th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Now that Bush and his warmongering pals will soon be out of office, I think our risk has gone down considerably. I live in more fear about the economy.

lynnej   November 17th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Basically, I’m about as concerned about a terrorist attack as I am the common cold.

Looking at the state the country is in, virtually bankrupt, I think they’ve already accomplished their goals by hitting us where we’d hurt the most: in the wallet by using our greed and materialism against us.

We know it’s going to happen, we just don’t know when or how. What we must understand is that we can’t stop every tragedy no more than we can stop the next random crime on the street.

However, we must remain vigilant, but yet have the common sense to know that we must live our lives without fear. What ever happens, happens. We can’t control fate or the higher powers.

karen-phoenix   November 17th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

NO! Now that the Bush administration is going out!!! The Bush administration attracked terrorists. Obama and his team will talk to people and try to get into a 21st century dialouge. The whole world wants peace!!!! Big oil wants war!!! Who will win? Hopefully the world!!!

John   November 17th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Jack: I am not worried about terrorist attacks, because if law enforcement and intelligence gathering personnel can stop terrorist how can I. Terrorist attacks rates about 4th or 5th out of 10 concerns I may have. The economy, health care, and solvency for social security are more important than a terrorist attack. George W. Bush did not protect us and should not get any credit. George was a lousy president, because he was a lousy person.

John
Alabama

Russ in PA   November 17th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

No.

George, Huntington   November 17th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Not at all Jack.

The terrorists like Senator Obama.

David,San Bernardino,CA.   November 17th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

The only terrorist attack that I’m worried about is the attack being made on the treasury by the corrupt crooks on Wall St.

Gregory, Enterprise, AL   November 17th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

If we secure our borders then that will should take care of 75% of the problem. Go fish for the other 25% at our nations docks.

Tony from Torrington   November 17th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

About as worried as I was on September 12, 2001. The enemy of the United States has one thing that we don’t have. Resolve. He will not stop. He will not forget. He will attack at the moment he feels our guard is down. That’s his nature. Our’s is to forget, make excuses, play the blame game and become victims. We make history, but we fail to learn from it.

Karl from SF, CA   November 17th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

If Bush and Cheney were able to keep the boogy-man away with their incompetence, I have every confidence in our next President to protect us even better. After we obviously went into Iraq for no logial reason, it became obvious the ones to fear most were Bush and Cheney.

Barb New Port Richey Fl   November 17th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Why should we worry about a terrorist attack Jack? All they have to do ios stand by and watch us destroy ourselves! We are doing a pretty good job of it so far! Beside, who in their right minds would believe Bush again?

Paul Round Rock, Texas   November 17th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Jack I think we all are concerned about an attack but I for one am not going to hide in my safe room with no windows and food and water supplies until one happens. We all need to live and not live in fear. If we live in fear than those thugs won. THEY HAVE NOT WON.

Byron   November 17th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

It will happen, but I am not concerned about it.

Ethel, Key Largo   November 17th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

No Jack. I’m not worried about the terrorists. The Republicans can’t hurt
us anymore now.

Hallelujah!

Neil H Donahue in Surprise AZ.   November 17th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Concerned enough,that I would not be shutting down the assembly lines . In a time of war,the last thing you want shut down is an assembly line. The big three auto makers might be needed to produce vehicles of war.
It’s not about saving any company, but saving America. We might have to start rolling tanks and trucks off of those lines line and put the automobile on the back burner. Keeping Americans working is the surest way way to keep the bad guys from infiltrating our society.

Mark in OKC   November 17th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Very concerned. I believe that we will be hit again, but only when Bin Laden can be certain that the destruction and loss of life will be much greater than that which took place on 9-11. The lack of any terrorist attacks over the past seven years says two things…that Bush has done a pretty good job stopping small time terrorist attacks, and Bin Laden is waiting to obtain a weapon of mass destruction that he can unleash on us…..that’s what worries me.

Dick B   November 17th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

A terrorist attack might do for our economy what the Japanese did for us at Pearl Harbor. Short term pain - long term gain.

Lauri in Baltimore, Maryland   November 17th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

I’m a lot less concerned now than I was on November 3rd.

Jerry from Monroe Co., WV   November 17th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Haven’t been thinking about it for a long time, until you brought it up.
The terror attact that I’ve been thinking about is the one I’m going to get if I lose my job, now that’s terror- anybody else with me on this?

Dave, Brooklyn, NY   November 17th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Now that someone intelligent will be our president, I am confident that no one will be dumb enough to try something because they know that the response will be quick and effective. Even if they do attack, the response will be quick and effective and we will be much safer now. All we have to worry about is the interim. Bush will just botch it again if he’s still in the WH. Hurry Jan 20th.

Katiec Pekin, IL   November 17th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Someone once said, our enemies will destroy us by destroying us financially.
Since our government has almost succeeded at that, they probably
do not feel the need for physical attacks.
Maybe blindly, I feel secure and safe. There is way too much to
worry about and building a bomb shelter is not one of my
priorities.

Rick from Murfreesboro, TN   November 17th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Jack,

We should all remember that there are both foreign and domestic terrorists. I am much more afraid of domestic terrorism aimed at the Obama administration than I am of foreign terrorists. Remember that our first major successful terrorist attack was in Oklahoma City and it was perpertrated by white, supposedly Christian, right wing radicals who disagreed with the direction the country was taking. If these persons can not with at the ballot box, despite their attempts at intimidation of the voters, then they will probably resort to terror tactics again to get their point across.

Lillian in Tallahassee   November 17th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Scared? Yeah, although it is not affecting my everyday life. . I do believe the world is a more dangerous place, for many countries are arming up, religious zealots are bent on ruling and imposing themselves and people are in general, more dangerous to each other. Russia and China are mighty military powers. India, Pakistan, Israel, Iran….. wanting to show their strength is causing paranoia to other countries which fear attacks by them. Yeah, it is getting dangerous here.

vern-t anaheim,ca   November 17th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

i don’t woory about a terrorist attack but i realize there could be another at any time.i hope our sway of preventing these attacks have improved since 9/11.george w. bush and his bully like tactics was responsible for 9/11 and we were not prepared for the attack which i hope the obama administration will be.we must always be on the alert for terrorist attacks and think of better ways to combat them.

Tasha   November 17th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Not at all. Terroists hit the cities. I live in Mississippi. So what am I scared for?

Howard M. Bolingbrook IL   November 17th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

I am no more concerned now, than I have been the last 7 years, about another terrorist attack. We can’t live our lives in fear. We must do what we can legally to prevent them, but I am not fearful.

George in South Florida   November 17th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Not scared at all. I’m more worried about other things in life - like my wife getting wind of my impulse technology gadget purchases !!!

Michael and Diane Phoenix AZ   November 17th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Not at all. If Bin Laden wanted to “physically” attack us he could…just look how porous our southern border with Mexico is. Terrorism will NOT go away even if we wipe out Al Queda….terrorism has been around for centuries. We probably need to worry more about “financial terrorism.”

Maggie in NY   November 17th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Hi Jack, I agree with David, San Bernadino, CA.

lisa from FL   November 17th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Domestic terrorists have been attacking this country for the last eight years. I am resting easier now knowing that they are leaving on January 20th. As for foreign terrorists I choose not to worry about something that I have no control over….i just pray.

Janis, Lafayette, IN   November 17th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I am concerned. If a terrorist attack would be localized like the attacks of 9/11 were, we would recover much like we did then. But, if the attack would involve a much broader portion of the population, it could be devastating. The fear I would have would not be if and when, but how. Biological warfare is much more terrifying than bombs. You can’t see the biological agent and it does not discriminate. We would all be subject to the attack and we would have little or no control over it.

mac from traverse city Michigan   November 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

of course I’m concerned about a terrorist attack Jack they’ve done it before and I’m sure they believe their cause and membership would be enhanced if they could do it again. I would fear them less if they feared us more. I think this administration needs to lay down some harsh, hard, and fast rules for retaliation should another terrorist attack occur before it occurs, and direct them at the countries that support the terrorists I ain’t talking about sanctions. No more wink wink towards Iran and Syria and even Venezuela, I want them to know we consider their terrorists, de facto military and if they attack us or our interests it’s an act of war and we are going to hold them responsible for their terrorists and make them pay.

smooches   November 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Jack,
For the last eight years we as americans have been attacked by our
own government, look at gas prices, bankrupt mortgage companies,
homes being foreclosed on, food prices, and a lack of health care.
If you don’t consider these actions as a terrorist attack on this country
then I don’t know what is. Other countries don’t have to do a thing but sit back and let the current gov’t continue until January 20,2009 attack
us from within.

Joey from St. Pete   November 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

With the Economy on everyones mind, is it possible for new domestic terrorism? Yes, but President Bush has many agencies and safety measures in place that have prevented any domestic terrorism since 9/11. Many of those safeguards have diminished our rights. Just because President Bush is on his way out does not mean that entities like Homeland Security are packing up and leaving with him. It remains to be seen whether President elect Obama can walk the fine line between protecting our country and maintaining our civil liberties.

StPeteJoie

andrea from foxborough, MA   November 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

no i am not worried about an attack on the usa but there will be missiles in cuba if the usa goes ahead with bush’s planned missile defence scheme !!!!!!!! it must be changed !!!!!!!!!!!!

Christina in Chicago   November 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

During the last leg of the election, I found myself more and more worried about a terrorist attack. More so than I have ever feared before. Since Obama being elected, I find myself a little less worried. However, the state of our country is not good, and as far as other countries who hate us are concerned, they probably see this time as the perfect time to attack. Our economy is already in the dumps, and an attack would send it into a downward spiral that we may never recover from. So, yes Jack, I would say I am worried about another attack. Now more so than ever we need stay alert for potential terrorists.

elyce   November 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Yes, I am concerned. They are already warning us. It is the people that are unconcerned that are in complete shock when something does happen.

Neatha from Kansas City   November 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

That fear certainly does not out weight the fear of layoffs, or college expenses or many of daily issues that concerns all of us. I do not get up everyday and wonder if I will be attacked today. I don’t get in my car and worry about terrorist. I don’t head to a crowed football stadium on Friday night and wonder if evil is around. I live my life to the best of my ability and hope those around me do the same.

I have had enough of fear. Bring on the hope.

Diane, Barneveld, NY   November 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

I’m more fearful of the terrorists that occupy the White House at the present time. They have been attacking our democracy for 8 years.

Pat in MIchigan   November 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

I just hope Bush is out of the white house by the time the next terrorist attack happens………..I don’t want to give him a chance to send our troops to Moscow looking for Bin Laden before the new administration gets into office

Billy G in Las Vegas   November 17th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

MORE worried until January 20th of next year, then LESS.

I. B., Rocky Mount, North Carolina   November 17th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

As long as al-Qaeda can still take a breath, we should be concerned and on the attack.

Lenore in Kansas   November 17th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

It crosses my mind only once in a great while, since I have zero control over it. Kind of at the bottom of my list, along with killer bees, and invasions by Martians. Is a terrorist attack possible? Sure.

Willow, Iowa   November 17th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

The last 8 years have pretty much been a cold war era. Bush and all talking about “enemies” and baiting other countries. I am hoping with the incoming administration and the hope of diplomacy that a lot of the cold war feelings will dissipate. Sure there will always be terrorists out there, wanting to take away from others. But I’m hoping if we can get honest decent talking going on a lot more of the risk will go away.

Annie, Atlanta   November 17th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I’m more concerned about the attack on us by Bush & Co. He took advantage of us as a result of 9/11, thereby letting the terrorists from that terrible day win, ultimately. Heck of a job there, Mr. President.

Kim, Dodge City, Kansas   November 17th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

I’m more worried that Bush will pull some bone-headed scheme at the last minute. The terrorists have already succeded by making America the land of the paranoid and the home of the scared. As long as we continue to think that we can put our troops anywhere we want, and impose our will, there will always be fanatical people ready to drive us off of their soil any way they can.

Karen - Nashville   November 17th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Jack, we both know the world is full of nuts and extremists, and always has been. Attacks are inevitable, and unfortunately the weaponry and organization has become more sophisticated. Calling them “terrorist attacks” heightens apprehension, and we’d be foolish not to be alert, but paranoia isn’t the answer.

Anthony Maffia   November 17th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

It’s not something I think about all day. It’s more like something I think about from time to time. To be honest I worry more about the lettuce in my fast food being contaminated, I worry more about getting hit by a drunk driver or just getting into a car accident. There’s so much to worry about on a day to day basis that there’s not a lot of time to worry about a terrorist attack.

Bernie of Lowell, MA   November 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

If the Bush Administration is as nasty as it has been during the past eight years, it will, once again hide from us what it already knows about pending attacks.

John, Fort Collins, CO   November 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

The economic crisis as currently being managed by the lamest ducks in history has me most concerned right now. I put terrorist attacks in the same category as earthquakes: there will be more, but when, where, and how severe are all almost impossible to know, so they don’t worry me as much.

Brian from Fort Mill, SC   November 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

I’m not too concerned about terrorist attacks, at least for the next year or so.

We’re in such a deep recession, that even the Taliban is laying off suicide bombers!

Steve , NY   November 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

With Obama in the office I’m not worried. He’s going to shut down Guatanomo and let all the terrists out. They are going to be so glad to be out that they are going to like us. They’ll spread the word out do not attack America while Obama is in office. Obama is a good man, he’s our savior. .

Gary - Woodhaven, Michigan   November 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Carpe diem Jack.

We must not live by assumption nor judgment, neither for yesterday nor tomorrow, but to the fullest at this moment.

And right now, at this moment, life is great.

Gina in Racine, Wi   November 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Very , Jack…..we all learned how vulnerable America was on September 11, 2001.

The Iraq war and Bush Policies have only made us more hated (and more of a target).

What scares me even more though is the state of our Economy….. the forclosures, jobs leaving our Country, escalating Health Care costs, unfair Trade deals that put American’s at the short end of the stick and a disappearing middle class.

Rose in Az   November 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

I don’t lay awake at night and worry about a terrorist attack however, I think it is something we should not dismiss as a reality. We should never forget 9/11. These people that hate Americans are very patient people, they plan their plots well in advance of the actual attack. We should never let our guard down.

Bob D, Morristown, NJ   November 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Our administration has been so accurate and on top of terrorist activity prognostication up until now, so why would we question their judgment at this juncture? Just because there are absolutely none of the traditional signs that an attack is pending is no reason to doubt the people who allowed 9/11 to happen by their total indifference when there were clear warning signs.

Mike - Hot Springs, Arkansas   November 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Living here in the hills of Arkansas - I am not really that concerned.

Chris, Centennial, Colorado   November 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

The possibility of terriorist attacks remains around the world, but I think the U.S. has been over-reacting. The fear generated by 911 and those who used it to further their ideology has been doing far more damage to this country than the physical collapse of the Twin Towers.
Osama bin Laden has been getting a lot of mileage out of the fear aftermath. Fear, not planes or bombs, are his greatest weapon.

vivian   November 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

i am not that concerned, i think that we have more concerns like the economy, and jobs i feel that, is what most of the worlds concerns also. it is at the back of my mind but, i have alot of faith in our new president that he will do his best to keep us safe from any attack, from anyone that whats to harm us. keep up the good work jack, and your as handsome as ever, and dont let anyone tell you diffrent. god bless!!!!!

Kevin, Punxsutawney   November 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Not in the least. Alrhough terrorism is a reality, and a threat, it is foolish to be so unreasonably afraid of it. This is one of the primary examples of how Americans are so frightened into absurd action or inaction. Add to it: the fear of the right to buy automat6ic weapons; the fear of same-sex marriages; and the fear of change. Just how did we get to be such a powerful country?

Kerry Diehl   November 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

More so (very very concerned) when Obama takes office!

Gary of El Centro, Ca   November 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Not too concerned. It would be a waste of their resources to attack us at this point in time…..economically we are collapsing under our own weight……all they need to do is sit and watch.

Alabama Angel   November 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

As far as I”m concerned, the 8-year Reign of Terror will end in a couple of months when bush leaves the White House. He’s held our freedoms hostage for two terms. Once he’s gone, I won’t be nearly as concerned about terrorism.

L.M.,Arizona   November 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

There are always going to be a few crazies wandering around,but I am not worried about some large organization putting together another 9/11 type attack. That is unless Iran,Iraq,Syria,North Korea and some others corners the market on solar,wind,bio,and all the other alternative energies that gets the world off of fosssil fuels.

L.M.,AZ

DebM, Allentown, PA   November 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Rod in Allentown…you’re embarrassing your neighbors.

Seriously Jack, I’m not that concerned. There are more pressing everyday concerns on all our minds. Sure, the risk is there, but it’s about as likely as being struck by lightning or winning the lottery. I don’t plan for either of those occurrences either.

Uncle Whitey   November 17th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

If terrorists attack my neighborhood, I am prepared to return fire.

LYNDA WALKER, Ridgefield, CT   November 17th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

We only have 64 more days to worry about anymore terrorism, done by Bush/ Cheney.

They have done so much of it, all by themselves!!!

mary   November 17th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

The economy is terrorizing enough!!! Who can think of anything worse!!

Eleanora Feucht, Mt. Laurel, N.J.   November 17th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Not much. I think that was something cooked up by Bush. Every so often, he had his friend, Bin Laden come up with a threatening message to make us think he, Bush, was an effective president - that6 he was keeping us safe from attacks. (LOL)

George   November 17th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Have you heard the old story about stiring up a hornets nest. This whole thing started when we first bombed Iraq almost twenty years ago. We stuck our nose into a part of the world where we didn’t belong, and now we are paying the price for it. Going to bed every single night thinking that we might well be invaded by terriost isn’t a good feeling. We can thank the Bushes for that.

Ray, Florida   November 17th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I’m not too concerned Jack.

We got blindsided on 9/11, and we will never forget that terrible day.
Before that day we didn’t have our guard up like we should have.
Since that day no matter who is in the whitehouse, now, and in the future, will never let us get blindsided again!

Jenny from Nanuet, New York   November 17th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

I’m more concerned that Bush hasn’t left office yet since he still may want to start one more war on his way out.

Differ in Maryland   November 17th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Jack - I am scared to death. Its not a matter of if but when a physical attack will occur in my opinion. As someone who travels by Air frequently the TSA in some Airports is quite frankly a joke. Its one thing to create jobs but its another to take security seriously. I still see cockpit doors open on planes without any clear protection. I also travel Amtrak which can be compromised in many places. The Ports are probably the most vulnerable along with unprotected shorelines. People and technology in the form of Jobs can resolve alot of this problem.

John, Long Beach CA   November 17th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Jack, we’ve been under a domestic terrorist attack for eight years. It’s called Bush and Cheney.

Kathy N. from Omaha   November 17th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

I live in a red state that just got rid of affirmative action. I’m more concerned with the people I’ll encounter if I wander outside Omaha (or, as I like to refer to it, Obamaha). But seriously, if we raise the world’s opinion of our nation, as has already happened with the election of Barack Obama, more of the world will be pulling for us, not trying to bring us down.

LYNDA in CT   November 17th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Our son works in the financial area in NYC, so the thought crosses our minds once in a while.

But, the fact, that there are 64 days left for Bush/Cheney, to do anymore damage, is of BIG CONCERN!!!

Tim in Texas   November 17th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

I thought for awhile that the terrorists had already won. Our willingness to give up our rights as citizens, to treat our allies like enemies, to break our own laws, and to give unfettered powers to Bush & Co. were what worried me. We won our first real battle against terrorism on November 4th by using our votes to say that we are better than that & we’re not going down without a fight. A fight that uses the best resource we have — the power of our principles and our unwillingness to give them up.
Tim in Texas

Robbin SC   November 17th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

the Bush/Cheney administration along with his Republican friends have been doing terrorist attacks on us for years…i have gotten used to it

Lynn, Boise ID   November 17th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

I think that the likelihood of another terrorist attack is great, but I am not worried too much about it. Partly because terrorists attacks are random, rarely foreseen, and take place in much more populated areas than mine and partly because I became descensitized after Bush raised dire alerts every other for a year to get reelected.

Mike Ryan   November 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

I’m not concerned at all due to Bush administration has already milked this issue more than enough.
Mike
Snellville, Ga

Kim, Dodge City, Kansas   November 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

As far as I can tell, our own government is more dangerous to us than the Islamic extremists hiding in caves. We are suffering from a financial terror attack by our own government agencies and corporate cimminals. Al-Queda themselves couldn’t have done a better job than those clowns in Washington.

Nancy from Indiana   November 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

I am very concerned about another attack but even more concerned about the gangs and murderers we have in our own country! I live in Indiana and every day on the Indianapolis news is a report of one or two or more people being shot and/or murdered in our state. With the economy being so bad it seems like now the robbers just walk into a person’s home in the day light and shoots someone just for some money!

Randy in New York   November 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Another attack is always a concern.

After the first World Trade Center bombing it took almost 8 years for the next more devasting attack.

Since we haven’t captured the master designer of the 9/11 attacks it’s probably just a matter of time.

rondoe47   November 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Jack, I’m less concerned about a terrorist attack than I am about our rogue government where our elected representatives seem to have choosen a course of ignoring the will of the people of this Nation on the issue of bailouts. I once swore to protect my country from enemies foriegn and domestic, and at present it appears there are more enemies to the “People” in Washington a few miles away, so I’m not as concerned with enemies a thousand miles away and across an ocean in another hemishpere. We need to tend to our own house first and secure it!

Matt CT   November 17th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Everyone should be concerned with terrorism. Americans seem to be complacent again, as we were before 9/11. (Recent polls suggest terrorism is not a high priority for Americans). As a country we should never forget what happened on 9/11. Terrorists are always planning a way to strike in our country. We need to not let our guard down, especially know with the economy being foremost on our mine.

Scott - Kansas   November 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

I’m not so worried about attacks against myself, and I do feel that we’re better prepared now than we were 7 years ago, but it has been a long time…

Don (Ottawa)   November 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Not at all Jack. The terrorists are achieving what they want without lifting a finger. We are destroying ourselves from within.

Martyn Bignell   November 17th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

I know we have not been attacked since 9/11 under the present administration, however, I do believe that had McCain won the election then another attack would have been inevitable.
The fact that Obama has been elected means that Our foreign policy will change for the better, thus making an attack less likely, but to answer your question, then I am always wary and have been since before 9/11.

Martyn, Fort Lauderdale

Tom Ft Lauderdale   November 17th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Jack

Not concerned about terrorist or their threats.

Bruce St Paul MN   November 17th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

I’m not worried. After all, we have to take our shoes off and surrender our shampoo at the airport. We have a partial fence seperating us from Mexico. How could terrorists possibly penetrate a system like that?

James in TN   November 17th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

I’m not as worried about a terrorist attack as I am, the protest and hatred because we have our first african-American President. A lot us have excepted it but I feel some have not. Oh yea and there is a difference between criminals and terrorists.

SG   November 17th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

I’m not that concerned or expectant of seeing a terrorist attack in the near future. That’s not to say we should stop being vigilant - just that we shouldn’t run our lives in fear of the possibility of an attack.

tom, madison, wi   November 17th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Jack,

I seriously doubt that Middle East terrorists will attack. They don’t have to.

The Republicans and Democrats have attacked us constantly. Just look at the economy due to their actions or inactions as the case may be. Then look at the loss of life, high death rate of new borns and other health problems because they have neglected to inact a responsible health care system.

carol in Oregon   November 17th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Not at all…I’m more afraid of our ecomony and the fact that no one has been indicted for robbing millions out of jobs and homes.

Chief OKC   November 17th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Looks to me like the attack is underway and rather than guns they have chosen a much more effective “War Machine” the Economy. Hiding out as CEO’s and Crop Execs they have stolen our National Identity as the “Good Guys, the Honest Guys”. We may never recover totally from this attack. No foreign attack could be so effective at undermining our National Security.

David in San Diego   November 17th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Not. We have no reliable way to prevent one (as Secretary of State Rice says: We have to be perfect; they have to beat us only once) and will survive anything that happens.

D. R. Texas   November 17th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Not at ALL !!!

Tom Pa   November 17th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

My 401k is missing. I don’t have time to worry about Al Qadea, I have to go to my other other job.

Jim   November 17th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

NO, Why should we be concerned. GW Bush has provided the terrorists with want they wanted. He has spent all our treasure on trying to fight them. We are now fighting among ourselves over support for our own American made products (that are the life blood of our economy).

Ken - Hudson Florida   November 17th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

Jack: Now that we will have a President that will talk to the leaders of other nations, I feel that a terrorist attack is one of the last things that we need to worry about. Securing our borders, Fixing the economy, and Better health care for our citizens should be the main thing people should concern themselves with.

maryann wethersfield CT   November 17th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

I am VERY concerned at the general lack of concern by politicians and the general public about terrorists…..after 9/11, any level of complacency is cause for concern. We Americans have VERY short memories…about terrorism, gas prices, the war, you name it.

Paul S. Columbia, SC   November 17th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

It isn’t a question of if an attack will happen; it is a matter of how, when and where. Osama has warned us. With open borders, unmonitored visa policies, and unguarded ports; America is a sitting duck AGAIN. The next attack will make 9/11 look like a picnic.

Bill from MI   November 17th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

You need to be more specific Jack. I don’t know which Terrorists you mean; The ones in the Middle East or Wall Street?

James in Trubble Again   November 17th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Yes concerned some what, much more concerned about the rate the US is losing jobs!!!!!!!!!!

Diana NJ   November 17th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Less than before, GW Bush and McCain kept us a target of hate and anger, so it is less than before.

Pat,Clearwater Florida   November 17th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Less concerned after the 20th of January. A little concerned now
as Bush has been a real Bully!!!!!

kim r from Canada   November 17th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

The USA has no reason to fear a terrorist attack, as the terrorists have already accomplished their goal.
Osama Bin Laden stated right after the 9/11 attacks that their goal was to financially bankrupt the US
They have already won!
All they need to do is send a video, or e-mail that may or may not contain a threat of terrorism , and the US Government will do the rest
The use of fear and paranoia by your government has you believing that a threat lies around every corner.

Doug in New Mexico   November 17th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Unless we can change how we relate to issues in the mid-east the radical Muslim population is going to remain angry at us. We have a history of exploitation that needs to be changed. The war in Iraq is a perfect example. We pay little heed to the issues facing these countries. Why shouldn’t they be angry with us. We have followed in the footsteps of the French and English in how this area was exploited after WWI. Actually, the true conflict is even older. Israel, is also an issue. The truth is that they got their homeland through terrorist tactics. As long as they run rampart over their neighbors the conflict will stay. Even then the Israeli’s have a right to be there so it is a very complicated issue. Will the terrorists attack again? Sure, unless something profoundly changes. They may be beaten at the moment but there is always time. When you have a purpose and are on a crusade time is nothing.

Terry from North Carolina   November 17th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Jack
Why would anyone want to attack us the country is in chaos and were broke, we have become a third world nation.

Cynthia   November 17th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Right about now the economy is first on everybody’s mind.

Jamie   November 17th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Not to minimize the severity of the possibility of another foreign attack on American soil, but I’m more concerned right now with the domestic terrorists we have RIGHT HERE AT HOME…namely the greedy folks on Wall Street. They may not be bombing us physically, but with the unbridled greed of captialism they have certainly managed to blast a gaping hole right into the fabric of our nation’s security.

Jamie
Connecticut

Jim   November 17th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Jack,

A terrorist attack on the U.S. would instantly unite the country and further strengthen our resolve to make any sacrifice needed to excise al Qaeda and any other terror group from this planet. The whole purpose of terror is to destroy the will of a people to resist and to cause them to bow down, accepting the rule of the terrorists in exchange for benevolent treatment. The American response to 9/11 proved that violent terror attacks on the United States will not and cannot ever achieve that goal of national capitulation. Unless the leaders of terror organizations are complete idiots or have a death wish (and just how many of THEM blow themselves up in the market square) they will abandon violent attacks on Americans in favor of more subtle strategies, such as disrupting our financial system. On the other hand, could they really do a better job of that than our own corporate executives?

Jim
Reno, Nevada

arlene rannfeldt   November 17th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

i’m very confident obama will be as good at keeping us safe as bush did..wait a minute, he dropped the ball there too huh..i guess i’m very concerned.

james   November 17th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

The so called ‘terrorists or islamic loyalists’ are not a cohesive unit anymore and an attack would be highly unlikely. We, as a country, have done more to increase the number of islamic terrorists with our blatant abetting of Israel, our invasion of Islamic countries, and our now apparent lack of making religion a freedom of choice for all in the USA.

Debora I from Nauvoo, IL   November 17th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Personally, not so much. Downstate, rural, Mississippi-area Illinois is just not on the prime target list. If Bin Laden is smart, he will sit back and watch this entire financial mess tear the US apart without his spending any of that big oil money he has sitting in Saudi Arabian banks. He should be very careful right now–it looks like we are getting out of the Middle East and that will lead a vacuum for him to use his money and men more effectively.

Leonard Krivitsky, MD, D. Div.   November 17th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Of course I am worried about a potential terrorist attack, just like all the people around the world that now has new realities which include this possibility. I also believe that we are safer now that Barack Obama was elected President because he pledged to conduct a strong diplomacy aimed at restoring a semblance of balance and stability in the world.

Leonard, Philadelphia, PA

April in Hoboken, NJ   November 17th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Having been at the World Trade Center on 9/11, I am always concerned about another attack. But it hasn’t stopped me from living my life. You just have to be prepared for it. Before I go into the city I always think of the fastest way to get off the island just in case “that” happens agains.

Mary - Minneapolis   November 17th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

We should always consider it a possibility especially in
densely populated areas..but with the Obama administration I
do have faith competent intelligent people will be placed in those
agencies with the burden of safeguarding our country…unlike the
Bush administration which is a circus when it comes to
safeguarding this country.

Ray Kinserlow   November 17th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Jack, everybody eventually dies. I have a better chance at winning the lottery than I have of being injured or killed in a terrorist attack. The odds are minuscule.

Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas

roman nakonechny, corbin, KY   November 17th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

You know, sometimes I wonder if Bin-Laden is just a videotape that gets changed and/or enhanced every once in while as the powers that be decide to manipulate events in order to control our responses. We may get “dinged” in the future, but it’s pretty hard for me to visualize a scenario that will end our society short of nuclear weapons and I’m not going to live like a scared rabbit and allow terrorists the satisfaction of thinking that I fear them. Living in fear plays into thier hands and satisfies their agenda.

carol, from pittsburgh   November 17th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

We’ve had 8 years of power based on fear. Stuff can happen but I want to live with hope , not fear. My daughter lives and works near Wall Street so it’s a constant awareness. But, even she goes on and enjoys her life.

Lynn, Columbia, Mo..   November 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

It was “intelligence leaders” that got us into Iraq and didn’t stop 9/11, so not so much. I hope I’m right.

Steve Peach - Indiana   November 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Not really Jack. I believe that with Barack Obama as President we’ll have a much safer USA because he will be able to do something Bush could never do, talk to our enemies. Over our 230 plus years as a country, our ability to talk to our friends and foes has been one of our greatest assets. Bush actually made our country more unsafe with his “Your either for us or against us” mentality. By talking directly to our would be enemies, Obama will be able to lay out what could happen to them if they try to attack us vs. what could benefit them if they try to work with us and instill a sense of goodwill between both countries. We did this with Russia, and they tore down the wall. Bush has made things worse, Obama can fix this mess if we give him time.

Liz in California   November 17th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Concerned? Certainly. Worried? Not so much. Aware? you betcha.

Johnboy from Illinois   November 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Jack the damage has been done by our own wall street genuises. Terriorist onsit would be a situation that would dull the fact of all the loss of jobs,money and homes lost. I’m more worried about affording healthcare payments and roof over my head.

Pat in NM   November 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

I’m very concerned about another terrorist attack since, in my opinion, we are still very much feeling the effect of the 9/11 attacks. Besides continuing to spend large sums of money in Iraq and a weakened military, I link the current weakened economy to 9/11 since the Bush administration, at the very least, ignored everything else except Iraq. Any kind of moderately successful attack in the continental U.S. would further demoralize us and who now is able to “spend, spend, spend” like we were urged after 9/11?

Pat,Lexington, Ky.   November 17th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

I’m concerned and aware. But not anxious or hysterical or paralyzed by the possibility/probability. I don’t know what to do to help prevent an attack, and I’m certainly not going to stop everything and hold my breath waiting for it.

Peter M   November 17th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

I am not concerened at all. If anything, I am more concerned of the skinheads and domestic terrorists who have decided to respond to the Obama win with bigotry and violence against visible minorities. The Middle East and all Islamic country are more excited about the prospect President-elect Obama offers for peace and global co-operation.

We need to be more concerned about what will come from our own folk here, the confused bigots than the world out there. The world is with us, not against us. They are celebrating the Obama victory with us.

Laura   November 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Why bother to plot an attack when they can sit back and watch this country financially implode?

George Bush and his crew have been the ultimate gift to Al Queda.

San Angelo

Glen in Laurel, Maryland   November 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I have family in Manhattan, Jack. When I think about it, I’m concerned. But if I thought about it in proportion to the threat, I wouldn’t have slept a wink in the past seven years and two months.

Sometimes what looks like apathy is actually survival.

Mike, Syracuse NY   November 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

With the economy already reeling, an attack now could very well push us into a depression. They will test Obama, and soon.

Laurel   November 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

I am far less concerned about terrorist attacks (low frequency) than I am about the following:
Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, cell phones, text message devices, and/or their own adrenaline (being a pedestrian myself).
Emotionally adolescent people (of any chronological age) assaulting my ears with very loud music.
People with severe mental illnesses who do not take their medications being out on the street instead of in appropriate care facilities (which doesn’t mean jail).
Terrorists? They are few and far between. These other characters mentioned above are daily hazards.

Ed in East Canaan, CT   November 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Jack: I’m not nearly as concerned about another terrorist attack as I am that neo-conservatives will use any apprehensions we do have about terrorists to further erode our constitutional rights and the balance of powers in our government.

Bob Hession   November 17th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Jack
I’m not as worried as I was Two weeks ago. I think that terriorst of the world will be coming to the New President after jan 20th, and wanting to talk. That is going to be the biggest change in the world. At the G-20 summit all the leaders of the world wanted to talk to Obama and not george Bush. If Obama had gone to that summit Bush wold have been setting in a conner by himself waveing his arms yelling “I’m over here”

Bob
Bella Vista Ar.

Happy in Arizona   November 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

I’m not worried. I believe in Barack and should they do something, he will take care of it. With Bush I would be worried because of Chaney.

Amie - Indiana   November 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Anything is possible, but I think we’re headed into an administration that will take intelligence briefings to heart and leave the fearmongering and bullying on the playgrounds.

Tony Bourbonnais Illinois   November 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Aware that the possibilty exsists, not concerned though, its beyond our control. The current administration has used that idea to give us the feeling that they were doing something for us…it was used to try to defeat Obama also. I am more concerned about the wilfires, tornadoes, hurricanes , alcohol and tobacco which are claiming far more lives of Americans these days.

Brian from Milwaukee   November 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Somewhat concerned Jack, but I truly believe that the strongest defense we can have is to strengthen relations with other nations in the world. I believe other nations will see America’s electing of a black president as a step towards diversity, honesty, and equality.

Fallon, Los Angeles   November 17th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

I’m still dealing with the effects of the 911 attack!

The terriorists found a willing accomplice in Bush to spend us into financial ruin, while keeping us pinned down in two wars.

Heaven help us if they’ve got any better ideas up their sleeves.

Mike   November 17th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I’m not overly concerned it continues to be a problem for the incoming administration. Al Qaeder as Rummy called it is going to be around for a while I’m not sure they can be completely eliminated only weaken. Someone or group bent on causing harm will find a way if they are determined enough.

JW Georgia   November 17th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I’m VERY concerned for this reason: we don’t have leadership wise enough to know how to respond. Instead of the English model of intelligently going about the quiet business of finding terrorists where they live and bring them to justice, we have a President (I think he’s still there) with a bring-em-on hair trigger ready to take on an country Viet-Nam style using the full blunt instrument of a military more styled for world conflict than surgical clandestine operations. In short….I’m more afraid of US than I am of THEM.

Jenny from Nanuet, New York   November 17th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

I’m more concerned about Bush attacking another country that isn’t a threat to us before he leaves office.

Ron from SF   November 17th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

I’ve been more concerned about the damage that has been done to our freedom’s in the name of fighting terrorism, than in what these idiots can actually do. If you look at the reality that Bush was warned that “al Qaeda is determined to strike in America”, you realize that they were successful because of Bushs’s incompetence. I’m actually optimistic that Obama will check Caryle’s board room, looking for Osama.

Joyce   November 17th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Jack.

When Osama Bin Laden attacked us on 9/11 his primary goal was to bring this country to its knees financially. With the help he received from the current administration he succeeded.

That’s the only mission that has been accomplished.

Janice Illinois   November 17th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

If all are doing their jobs correctly most any threat could be caught before it happens. We need to be on high