Terrorism 101?

My undergraduate degree is in Political Science.  As far back as 1970, I have held a dim view of the world and the direction global politics was heading.  The recent terror attempt on Christmas Day 2009, got me rethinking some of my previous opinions.

I remember very well when 9/11 happened.  I worked for a major Financial Services company in their Detroit office.  What initially appeared to be a horrific accident, soon evolved into an act of terrorism.  When the first tower fell, I knew the US was at WAR....with someone!

Everything went into lock down....schools, offices, etc.  Fights were immediately cancelled, with rumors of at least 7 planes possibly hijacked.  The quick action of the FAA probably saved thousands of lives, because surely more flights in Chicago and the west coast had hijackers on board.........hijackers that simply left the planes when they landed.

Terror? Sure it was.  There is constant "chatter" and rumors of Islamic Nazis hitting the US again.  But ask your self, what would you fear more.....a dirty nuke in NYC, or two or three dozen suicide bombers blowing up crowded Churches on Sunday, malls, elementary schools, athletic events or a crowded town center, all over the USA,  over the course of two or three weeks?

I suggest the latter would bring more terror!  It would also be easier to accomplish.  The real question is why it hasn't happened yet.

Re posting, again, from 1-4-10