Routines might change, but terrorism will never win
Do horrors like the Manchester Arena bombing change the way I act?
You bet it does.
In fact, ever since 9/11, I’ve changed. Does this mean “the terrorists have won?” No, but it does mean “I’m a lot more cautious” and “I’m less likely to find myself in soft target areas.”
Listen: I realize a terrorist could cause death and destruction anywhere at anytime. That’s the nature of the beast. But I can also take steps — and I do — to try and limit the dangers to myself and my family.
Frankly, I’m a not a “large crowd” kind of guy anyway, so it’s not even that big a deal, but these days, I do generally try and avoid large crowds. New Year’s Eve in Times Square? No way. Risk/reward not even close to being worth it.
And I’ll tell you this: Every time I’m at the mall, or at a museum, or anywhere that offers a terrorist a chance to strike fear into the hearts of Americans, I’m on high alert. Some of this is just from being a parent to small children; the rest of it is keeping my eyes peeled for potential danger.
I’m the guy who calls the police when I see an unattended bag. Overkill? Of course. Until it isn’t.
Listen: America is a different place than when I was growing up. When I was a kid, all I had to care about was nuclear war. That was easy to wrap your head around.
But suicide bombers at pop concerts? Insanity. I can’t comprehend it, and I don’t even want to try.
I don’t live in fear, but I do have a healthy dose of wariness when I’m out and about. I’m profiling people left and right. It sucks, but that’s the way it is.
The terrorists will never win. But they already have changed my life.