We don't have a choice.
Civil defense is no longer an option.
Even if we "root out and destroy" any number of factions, the leverage is there, if we leave ourselves vulnerable. Any enemy in our future can contract with or create insane "terrorists" to cause damage beyond our means to accept.
Bill Joy wrote about technology exceeding our ability to prevent mass-destruction, even by teenage kids. Our true battle is creating safety and liberty, in the face of this acceleration of means for mass-destruction. Airliners aren't the last piece of technology to consider, just the first.
It is already happening. Everyone is already much more aware of their surroundings. Systems and procedures will increase the detection of malicious activity. With effort, we can maintain our fundamental liberties while improving these systems.
I understand the concern for productivity, witness the purported $ 1/2 Trillion for "hardening" of infrastructure.
That's worthy of debate, however. That could be source of both peace, and prosperity, since hardened infrastructure lasts longer, and much needs upgrading anyway, with a 250-year life of a hardended bridge, for exampele, instead of 100 years.
The costs of neighborhood watch, for example is another matter, taking time away from liesure or business. The upside there is getting to know your neighbors. Not a bad result. |
