Messing with Americans??

Relevant news articles: Article 1,Article 2

Ever since the failed car bomb attack in New York Times Square, news reports regarding suspicious packages, evacuations and areas cordoned off in areas of USA are on the rise.

It seems as if every forgotten lunch-box or hand-bag has become privy to suspicion. Makes me wonder if people are leaving those out on purpose just to mess with Americans!

When you think about it, it would be a sort of non-violent disruption of daily life. A mere lunch-box left by some careless student (maybe), led to several blocks of Seventh Avenue cordoned off for 90 minutes.

As far as I know, USA has had the least number of foreign terrorist attacks on its soil; 9/11 being the primary and most devastating attack. USA is credited with having superior surveillance and advanced intelligence systems that lets them maintain a very good defense against external attacks.

I feel that this attempt by Shahzad to blow a car bomb in Times Square, has brought back memories of 9/11 and the associated paranoia in Americans. In 4 days, 493 suspicious packages were reported.

While it is advisable to be safe, I feel letting yourself get carried away by your paranoia would be revealing a huge gap in your armor. If someone would just buy a new lunch box and leave it somewhere in public, it would be enough to create a huge mess in that area. Imagine the chaos and confusion it would lead to if every such event was required to be investigated. Imagine if the "anti-Americans" in the USA began to take advantage of your vulnerability.

I hope this post is not taken as a suggestion for the wrong purpose. The best way to ensure your safety, is to be aware of your surroundings. Only when you notice something fishy, should you really call 911; else I believe its the lost and found department that you should be dialing.

Its difficult for me to be in the same frame of mind as those who experienced 9/11 or 26/11 first hand, but I just thought I should put down my opinion as an unbiased observer. This article is not meant to provoke, suggest or offend anyone; however, i hope it gives you something to ponder about.