NBC-WSJ 9/11 poll - America 'more safe'

Posted: Monday, September 11, 2006 7:00 AM by firstread
Filed Under: Security

From Elizabeth Wilner, Mark Murray, Huma Zaidi, and Jennifer Colby
Five years after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and 57 days until election day... As President Bush takes part in a series of observances and prepares to address the nation tonight, pluralities of voters say the country is "more safe" than it was before September 11, 2001 and give his Administration and its policies "some of the credit" for the absence of another terrorist attack on US soil since then, per the latest NBC/Wall Street Journal poll. The results also suggest that some of the key arguments being made in the partisan debate over the war on terror -- Democrats' claim that the nation is less safe because of the war in Iraq, and the Administration's effort to take credit for the absence of another terrorist attack on US soil -- are having limited impact.

Democrats have been trying to keep the spotlight on the unpopular war in Iraq by arguing that it has made the nation less safe. Their congressional challengers around the country are observing today's anniversary by "reminding local voters that this Republican Congress should be doing more" on border and port security and more to implement the recommendations of the September 11 commission, per a party release. Yet public opinion on whether or not the country is safer now than it was before the terrorist attacks remains pretty much unchanged from two years ago: 42% say the country is more safe, compared to 41% in September 2004; 32% say the country is about as safe, compared to 31% two years ago; and 23% say the country is less safe, compared to 27% two years ago. Our pollsters point out that voters in the Northeast, the region most directly affected by the attacks, feel as safe as voters in other regions of the country.

The White House casts tonight's address as part of the President's ongoing effort to build support for the war in Iraq as central to the broader war on terror, an effort which will culminate with his appearance at the United Nations on September 19. Public opinion on whether the war on terror has succeeded in disrupting international terrorism remains roughly where it was in September 2002. Today, 15% say the WOT has succeeded in disrupting international terrorism "a great deal," compared to 18% four years ago; 26% say it has succeeded "quite a bit," compared to 25% four years ago; 32% say "just some," compared to 36% four years ago; and 18% say "very little," compared to 15% four years ago.

The Administration lately has tried to claim credit for the absence of another attack since September 11, 2001, but only 32% of registered voters give the Administration and its policies "all" or "most of" the credit for that fact. Forty-five percent give the Administration and its policies "some of" the credit, while 21% give them "very little" credit. The poll was conducted from September 8-10 of 602 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/-4%.

By the time he speaks tonight, Bush will have laid wreaths at Ground Zero; in Shanksville, PA; and at the Pentagon, among other events. His primetime speech, per White House spokesperson Tony Snow, will not be political -- "there are no calls to action, there are no attempts to segregate Democrats from Republicans." Bush will talk about "how September 11th reshaped the way in which we view the growing menace of what we now refer to -- the Islamist terrorist threat represented by bin Laden, Zarqawi and others, and that as a nation we don't have the luxury of sitting around and waiting for them to hit us again." The speech pits Bush against Monday Night Football (Washington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings), and also will cause ABC to interrupt part two of its broadcast of its controversial September 11 docudrama.

Vice President Cheney stays close to home, observing the anniversary at events at the White House and Pentagon. Members of Congress attend an observance at the Capitol.

And candidates facing tough primaries tomorrow in places like Rhode Island and Maryland will have to finesse hitting the campaign trail today. Moderate GOP Sen. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island may lose his party's nomination to conservative Steve Laffey, furthering the anti-incumbent storyline of this cycle and potentially costing Republicans this Senate seat. The party's Senate campaign committee has suggested they would see better races on which to bet their resources this fall than on helping Laffey win in this blue state.

In Maryland, it's Democrats who will be watching the outcome of their Senate primary between leading contenders Rep. Ben Cardin and former Rep. Kweisi Mfume, with their chances of retaining the seat potentially hanging in the balance as Cardin is believed to be the stronger general election candidate. An Mfume win would set up an unprecedented contest between two African-American major-party nominees.

More from First Read to come -- check back here after 9:00 am. Got calendar?

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Comments

Instead of being hopeful, resilient, and not letting such an attack get us down, the admin. has focused on nothing but "the pollitics of terror:" using it as a justification to cement their own power.

One should be very afraid right now - not so much of some random terror strike but of an almost fascist-like level of nationalism that exist in the right wing. Despite claims of "moral values" they are more than willing to rig elections, redistrict states to gain an unfair advantage, steal Native American funds, and establish a global network of secret prisons. Name even one of these that you would consider moral. The two recent books by John Dean or President Jimmy Carter should be all you need to learn more.

Unfortunately, while we are fighting among ourselves and trying to steal power, things like the bird flu and global warming have a very real chance of cementing all of our fates. As Martin Luther King once said "We will either learn to live together as brothers, or die together as fools." And as FDR once said, "We have nothing to fear, but FEAR itself!" Fear replaces confidence and hope in our abilities and our future. Without these two seemingly trivial states of mind, the terrorists might as well have already won, as we are doomed without them.

Chris Eldridge (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 8:15 AM)

Talking heads presenting the issue as just a partisan debate with poll numbers. Are we less or more safe, do you dare find and report facts? Do you bother to put the issue in the context of the amount of time between the two World Trade Center attacks.

I do not just bandy this term about loosely, but you are traitors. Your offhand soft reporting while you are ensuring the administration gets their talking points in is a blatant disregard of your FCC charter.

You have a fundamental misunderstanding of the premise of this country's founding, your resposibilities as citizens and media personnel, and basic human dignity. It does not matter that your misguided approach is largely unintentional or that you are caught up in a bigger web of lies. You are still traitors. Look to Keith Olbermann for Civics 101 and watch as his show grows.

Julien A. Boyance, Skokie, Il (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 8:15 AM)

We're not safer; else why would there be short private bus routes from wealthy suburbs to the White House stops. Who is waiting at these stops? "Suits." Why? Because the metro going under the river is a known risk. I feel sorry for the average Joe Public, taking the subway, unaware that the risk is so great there are short bus lines for those in the know to go above ground. FBI can't say anything...just like the small airport owners that told them "this student wants to learn how to fly the (big jet) but not land it..." What could the FBI say without damaging stock prices all over (the world even) and destroying tourism? This is made quite complex because Al Queda will wait "years" for the next strike to ensure American complacency. So, if the FBI says anything now about a threat, they'll be accused of crying wolf (and ruining corporate stock prices for whatever industry is cited and/or something aking to civil anarchy for driving folks off the Metro.) It is a tough situation made worse because the average law-abiding American doesn't like to be "wary" about everything, even if it means saving their own lives. Our sweetness makes us victims.

anonymous (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:05 AM)

It is carzy to believe we are more safe. The US has lost its moral credentials as a result of our actions during and since the invasion of Iraq. Not only the Arab world hates us. Much of the rest of the world no longer wants to follow us.

Joseph Connell, Kennewick, Wash (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:07 AM)

America is not much safer than it was five years ago. A terrorist attack could occur at any time and any place, though an occurance is highly unlikely, not because of our vigilance, but because the terrorist community of Asia and the Middle East is concentrating its meager efforts and personnel on Iraq and Afghanistan. An attack is more likely here from a home-grown terrorist group, which appear to be far and few between. Let's concentrate on the real dangers: auto accidents and murders, something we have some control over.

Paul Penko, Berea, Ohio (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:07 AM)

We are no more or less "safe" than we were on 9/10/2001. The question is whether we let ourselves be terrorized by terrorism. The fact is that many countries are terrorism targets, many moreso than the U.S. Will we let it change our way of life and force us to make poor choices, or will it make us a bit wiser and more understanding of the world we live in?

Bill Brandel, Newton, MA (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:19 AM)

I find the Administrations argument that "we have not been attacked in the past 5 years" to be an irrelevant statistic. Prior to 9/11 we had been attacked 8 years earlier when the bomb exploded in the parking garage of the World Trade Center. Prior to that, we had never been attacked on American soil. Five years is a completely irrelevant time frame in this context. Now if Iraq had not seen a terrorist attack in 5 years, that would be something to be excited over. But for the Administration to argue that point here, makes no sense and provides a false senses of security.

Harold Chattaway, Ashby, MA (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:22 AM)

The World, including America, grows less safe everyday. A civilization that does not recognize it's enemies does not survive.

Dorothy Rhodes (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:26 AM)

Only 42% in your poll say we are 'more safe' -- that's a clear minority -- yet you label this entire article and page: "NBC-WSJ 9/11 poll - America 'more safe'" which is to say that I think your title and article are stretching the truth, you are making it appear as if most Americans feel safer. In fact, despite spending more than $300 Billion in Iraq, and many billions more in the U.S. and around the world, only 42%, a clear minority of Americans feel we are safer. What an incredible waste of global good-will these five years have been. What an incredible waste of our own, domestic and political good-will after the attacks, these divisive policies have been. Isn't it incredible that the Bush Administration and Republican Congress have spent these vast sums of money and effort, and these precious human lives, yet still a minority in this country feel that anything has been gained? Today we will see that even on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we cannot put aside the partisan and national divides the Republicans have created. This is the real story -- a single political party controlling all our federal government has "power tripped" their way through one of the most critical times in American history. When we most needed leadership which was unifying, within our country and around the world, we now stand divided. We are not safer today, as most Americans agree and your poll illustrates clearly.

Brian Glanz, Seattle, Washington (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:29 AM)

America is no safer than it was 5 years ago. We have more to fear from the gangs, and the impatiences of others (tailgating, road rage) than we do the terrorists. While we cannot ignore that threat, there are some that are closer and more real right in front of us. And the disregard for the common individual, either in the way we are represented and taxed, or in the way laws are made for the few instead of the many, will be the downfall of our Great country.

Greg Nikolaisen, Middleton, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:30 AM)

Anyone who says we are more safe now are either deluded, or blindly political.

Warren Hammack (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:31 AM)

The country IS safer now than 5 years ago. The facts speak for themselves. Numerous plots have been foiled, many terrorists have been jailed or killed. The threat to the country are those who have done everything to stop anti terror activities. We had a great tool to track and interdict funds for terrorism, the New York Times gave that away. The ability to interdict and track international terror calls has been slowed by a liberal judge. Liberals are more intent on giving more rights to terrorist and criminals than they are to hardworking Americans. The Iraq conflict in concentrating terrorists, making it easier to track, aprehend or kill them, as our American military is doing in conjunction with the new Iraqi government. If not for Iraq, those people would be spread all over the globe, doing who knows what damage. The media wants to concentrate on military deaths since the invasion, and include all deaths in the tally. Where were they before the invasion and subsequent problems when the military was experiencing over 2400 deaths A YEAR from training accidents, murders, traffic accidents, hunting accidents, etc? We are actually losing FEWER military personnel now than when we were not at war. Paul from Berea is right about some things, we need to concentrate on what can be done at home, and not let Monday morning arm chair quarterbacks try to set military policy, especially when they have no military experience.

Brad, Cleveland Oh (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:38 AM)

Al-Qaeda does not need to initiate another attack. The purpose of terrorism is to instill fear into the populace of a nation. George Bush is doing a marvelous job of keeping America terrorized. Just listen to the Bush rhetoric. Why should Al-Qaeda waste their time and efforts to attack us again. George may just be Osama's best operative. He's playing Bush like a violin.

S.W. Shirks Petros,Tn. (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:39 AM)

As I read the previously listed blogs, I think of the Pogo comment: "We have met the enemy and he is us". Just as soon as a comment section appears, the radicals from both parties rush to fill the air with their views and villify their opposition. The partisan actions from both parties in Washington, D.C. are more what is killing America than forces outside our Nation. Neither party is entirely right or wrong but somewhere along the way, we need to remember that we all should be Americans first...not fractional politican parties with power and greed at heart. Any party who has 48% of the votes in Congress and says the other party is all the fault is very hypocritical. The power of politics and the American vote will allow the almost 50% much power unless that party abdicates it's responsibility.

Darrell Johnson, Tulsa, Oklahoma (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:48 AM)

The "reporters" responsible for this pap are airheads striving to be invited to all the cool parties in DC. They're as bad as the morons of "The Note."

Susan Lloyd, Solon,OH. (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 9:57 AM)

More Safe,NO.
More Aware,YES.
Small incidents of terrorism will continue throughout the world and yes in America also.
The world has entered a new era.
America will survive!!!!!!
A cowardly act as the magnitude of 9/11 will not happen again in the USA.

Mach10 (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:00 AM)

We feel "justified" to launch a first strike against any nation that we believe poses a nuclear threat to other nations. If that is the criteria that should be used, then any other nation would feel justified to launch a first strike against the USA, since we have armed nuclear warheads aimed at other countries and are ready to launch them at any moment. Until we negotiate a worldwide treaty banning nuclear weapons, begin serious work to eliminate the root causes of terrorism, and stop thinking of people as "enemies", we will never be "safe".

John Morse, Moscow, Idaho (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:06 AM)

"The poll was conducted from September 8-10 of 602 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/-4%."

If a poll is going to be conducted, don't you think a better sampling is necessary in order to have a more accurrate idea of what America thinks? You cannot actually think that 602 people is a good depiction of what the people of this country think. Try asking 10,000 or 25,000 or more, this would be a good sampling.

As far as us being more safe, I personally don't think it has changed since 9/11, but for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan it has certainly changed for the better for them. Just ask them?

Cindy Gee, Mooresville NC (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:11 AM)

I think we are safer, but lets be real, we'll never be 100% safe. The administration's rhetorical nonsense aside, simple awareness of the consequences of intelligence complacency can make even the most warped wheels turn. Bureaucracy will never keep us safe, but those in the field now aware of their own part in the failure that lead to 9/11 will. If there's even an iota less hesitation to pick up the phone and contact another group, that prior to 9/11 would have been ignored over some jurisdictional nonsense, then we've become safer.

The simple reality is, despite the best of intentions, the most well meaning attempt by the Federal government to protect us from terrorism is going to be cumbersome and clumsy, its just how they are. We've lived here all our lives, this is NOT new material, people. There's simply going to be a level of risk we're going to have to live with, and that's the way its always been.

If we thought we were 100% safe before 9/11, then that's the fault of the American people. All of us were complacent, none of us are any longer.

James Buchanan, Laurel, MD (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:20 AM)

As President Roosevelt said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" and fear is what our current President uses to justify spending billions to fight an ideological war. My fear is that if this President is allowed to continue with no checks and balances in our Congress or Judiciary, we will no longer we a democracy.

Judy B.Rosener Ph.D. (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:25 AM)

Gww, George Bush must be to blame for the death of Elvis, Jim Morrison, and Jimmy Hoffa. But wait, they are all alive! Get a bloody grip on reality and realize the thought process of Michale Moore is nuts. These attitudes are what is wrong, and are most likely going to lead to much worse for our country if you don't come around.

Bill (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:29 AM)

How can this administration be so bold as to proclaim that we are "more safe" now than we were five years ago? I would argue that we're much less secure now than we were prior to the attacks, and certainly less safe than we were before George W. Bush decided to overturn Iraq.

Terrorist organizations are experiencing a boom in interest because of the hatred stirred up by, among other things, America's insistence to occupy their lands and push our agendas on them. I'd speculate that there are more terrorists "born" each day than those that are killed or captured by our forces.

And we're playing right into their hands by stating that we're "at war with radical Islam..." They hear that statement, but ignore the "radical" part of the phrase. They want to create a holy war, and our short-sighted leaders are blindly leading us into an undescribable mess.

So, do I feel more safe? The answer is only "yes" if I remain close to my home in suburban America. Are we, as Americans, safe in this world? That answer is a resounding no.

Michael Molde, New Brighton, Minn. (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:33 AM)

It's insulting to see the current administration take credit for keeping us safe from attacks. After all, they did everything possible to facilitate the terrorists in succeeding with the 9/11 attacks. From ignoring repeated warnings to ignoring obvious suspicious activity (learning to fly planes but no desire to learn how to land planes), and the $$$ flow from Al Qaeda to Atta, they showed that they failed the American people in every way possible. Now they want credit for doing what they're supposed to be doing. We have one group of religious zealots trying to kidnap any American they can, and another group of religious zealots trying to exploit anything to get the Bible in our schools and instill fear into Americans so they feel compelled to vote for them. And the rest of the civilized world no longer looks up to this country as a role model. And how can you blame them - we saw everything fail over and over again and we stayed with the same inept group to lead this country, making Americans look like a group of uneducated morons who decide to keep the chief joker in charge. This is a great country that needs to shed its garbage leadership at the upcoming midterms and get back on the right track. After all, how can we make any progress with a bunch of criminals leading us from the White House.

Bart Raleigh, NC (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:48 AM)

"Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind... And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded with patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader, and gladly so. How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar."
.....William Shakespeare

Robb (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:50 AM)

We are safer simply because we are more aware of the threat(s) out there than we were before 2001.

addrian brooks, atlanta, ga (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:54 AM)

I think it is pretty obvious as to why we have not had another attack in five years anyone with any common sense should be able to figure it out. Boy it really would look shitty if we had one right here at election time when they are tryng to improve their ratings (Republicans & Democrats). The only thing that has changed since 9/11 is the amount of security and the astronomical cost but if we had another attack today they couldn't stop it, but they sure could analyse the hell out of it afterwards. After all what were a few thousand people to anyone that would have a hundred thousand or so people in Iraq killed to further their on personal agenda (I'm not talking about Saddam either he's on trial for doing the same thing). Here's a good comparison to share: The price of a gallon of gas has dropped rather quickly just like it went up quickly but nothing has changed to make it go up or down. It has been said that it will drop to $2.00 per gallon by December and again anyone with a bit of common sense should realize this is to help keep the people in political positions there, so after the elections they can take us to that $5.00 or $6.00 per gallon mark and there will be "no one" just like now to stop them.

Paw Paw (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 10:57 AM)

Hey NBC Political Gang: ARE YOU PAYING ANY ATTENTION TO THOSE OF US WHO HAVE ASKED FOR A DAILY "FIRST READ" WE CAN PRINT OUT AND READ LIKE THE OLD DAYS??? DON'T LET THE BIASED ABC NEWS "THE NOTE" KICK YOUR BUTT. FIX THIS PLEASE!!! BLOG ALL YOU WANT BUT GIVE US REGULARS WHAT WE NEED!!!!!

Michael Winship, New York, NY (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:15 AM)

Are we safer than before? Probably not. Are we now paranoid? Most definetly yes. And that is what the terrorists wanted. For us to constantly look over our shoulders, second guess everything we do in our lives, and sacrifice our freedoms to make ourselves feel safe. In essence, the terrorists want us to live like them. And everyday we are losing a peice of what America was. I am both saddened and angered when I think back to that day. And my heart is filled with guilt, wishing I was there to help the victims. But just like most of the country, all I could do was watch, and feel anger. Unlike the cowards who planned out this act terror, we as Americans have the ability to let that anger go, and evolve. My wife just gave birth to our son Gabriel on September 5, 2006. We bring this beautiful baby into this world of uncertainty and fear, hoping his generation will be spared the ignorance we face today.
I urge this world to re-evaluate what is truly important. Not to allow a single act cowardice from a group ignorant people to alter an evolving way of life. It has already set off a negative chain reaction worldwide that is sending our future to a spiraling end. My only fear is that my son will be alive to see happen.

Edward A. D., Atlanta, Geogia (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:16 AM)

Safe?! How can I feel safe when we have two self serving political parties that subscribe to the Orwellian philosophy of "All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others" ?

Ken, Denver, Colorado (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:20 AM)

THIS IS GRAP THAT WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO ANOTHER ATTACK. IF ANYONE IN THIER RIGHT MIND THINKS THAT IF WE PULL OUT OF IRAQ AND GO BACK TO THINGS AS THEY WERE BEFORE 9/11 AND EVERYTHING WILL BE OK IS NUTS. LOOK AT HOW WE IGNORED THE FIRST WORLD TRADE CENTER BOMBING,THE EMBASSY BOMBINGS IN AFRICA,THE COLE BOMBING AND NUMEROUS OTHER ATTACKS THAT WE NEVER RESPONDED TO.I DON'T AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THAT GEORGE BUSH DOES AND IT BREAKS MY HEART EVERYTIME I READ ABOUT ANOTHER YOUNG MAN OR WOMAN BEING KILLED BUT I KNOW THAT THIER DEATHS WILL NOT GO IN VAIN THESE PEOPLE WHO CLAIM THEY ARE DOING WHAT THEY ARE DOING IN THE NAME OF GOD WILL BE DEFEATED

RICK, BALTIMORE, MD (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:32 AM)

There is no doubt the president and his cronies will use 9-11 for political purposes to maintain and prepetuate the climate of fear they have worked so hard to create but have been, mercifully, less than successful. This country is no safer than 5 years ago, though our civil liberties have been eroded from every side by an administration that has blatant disregard for the constitution and the rule of law.
They have learned this lesson well: " Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." Hermann Goering

Mark Anderson, Kansas City Missouri (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:33 AM)

Brad, in Cleveland Ohio writes:

"Numerous plots have been foiled, many terrorists have been jailed or killed."

Who are you thinking of? The Egyptian with the aviation radio? The "dirty bomber"? The trucker that was going to cut down the Brooklyn bridge by hand? The guy that tried to light his shoe? The kids that wanted boots, and had to get the FBI to help them before they could take a video of their "target"? Or the brits that were going to blow up plains with hair gel (but didn't have tickets or even passports and had never managed to make anything blow up)?

I ask 'cause none of these (much ballyhooed though they were) have resulted in a conviction and in most cases the government has backed off from their original claims. And while I will admit that a lot of people have spent a lot of time in jail, absent some sort of evidence leading to a conviction they hardly qualify as terrorists.

And as for the terrorists that have been killed they both turned out to be Latin Americans (one from Costa Rica, one from Brazil)--unless you are counting the people who are shooting at us because (from their perspective) we are invading their country. The problem with taking this later position is that you then have to admit that our founding fathers were terrorists as well, which sort of cheapens the word.

Brad, also writes:

"the military was experiencing over 2400 deaths A YEAR from training accidents, murders, traffic accidents, hunting accidents, etc? We are actually losing FEWER military personnel now than when we were not at war."

Can you provide a source for this figure? The military gives much lower figures for these sorts of deaths (e.g. in 2000 there were 398 accidental deaths, 34 homicides, and 20 undetermined).

http://siadapp.dior.whs.mil/personnel/CASUALTY/Death_Rates.pdf

If it is something you heard somewhere (say, on talk radio) you may want to contact your source to see if they stand by the numbers.

--MarkusQ

Markus H. Q. Roberts (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:35 AM)

I'ts amazing that the same guys who declare "public" schools a disaster are the same ones who tout our "public" military. The conservative mantra for many years has been "smaller government is better". So why do they clamor for a larger and more expensive military? Let's be consistent. Our military are great people and do heroic acts daily in spite of poor top-down policy errors. And so do our "public" police, firefighters, and TEACHERS. If accountability is the measure of everything (NCLB) why are the ongoing errors in judgement by the aministration tolerated? Why should we trust leaders who have made so many mistakes? When it comes to terror, everybody is an amateur except the thugs who commit it. Murder is a sin in EVERY religion. Let's elect some smarter leaders - ARE there any out there?
We need a public research project to find and identify some.

Don Kilmark, Greenwood, Indiana (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:42 AM)

Hell no ,we are not safer now. Anyone who thinks that we are safer is an ignorant fool,AND ONLY FOOLS believe in the PIED PIPERS of fear that is george bush and his band of criminals and follow their drum beats to HELL.

Tony Palmiotto (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:43 AM)

I am confused. Less than a majority (42%) of your small sampling seem say we are more secure today.

I ask, how can we be safer on this fifth anniversary of 9/11?????

This GOP; controlling the White House and both houses of Congress (ignoring their responsibility for oversight) have left our Borders wide-open without care or concern about WHO is entering our country. Oh! Wait a minute! I Forgot! They do put American Citizens (largely business travelers)
through the most rigorous screenings at our nations air ports. I also overlooked how the justice department under THIS ADMINISTRATION PROSECUTES our Border Patrol Agents for enforcing our laws, and GIVE IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION, KNOWN CRIMINALS WHO ENTER OUR COUNTRY ILLEGALLY.

I don't know about you; but, I feel a little uneasy, driving our highways and a "Dubai Ports" Cargo Box is running along side me.

Paul Thomas

Paul Thomas Lenoir City, TN (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:47 AM)

It's amazing that five years after the worst attack on this country, we are this divided. One would think an attack of this magnitude would unite all, like Pearl Harbor. The biggest lie ever told by a president was Bush's "I'm a uniter not a divider". If he can't unite the people after an attack like 9/11, he never wanted a united country.

Pete, Erie, CO (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:48 AM)

We are less safe because we have focussed attention on Iraq when the bigger concern should be Iran. Nuclear weapons in the hands of that country's leadership is a real threat to the western world.

kevin ellis, Raleigh, NC (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:52 AM)

I believe that the overarching lesson learned from 9/11 is that in order to survive and thrive after events like this, we need to rely on one another. Had we not done this, we'd be in a more precarious state as a nation today. But I believe in an effort to get back to normal after 9/11 we forgot the value of that premise. Americans need each other period. And dividing up along party lines does little for the country, and pointing fingers will get us little.

Changes need to be made at many levels, and casting blame does not accomplish much other that to build resentment and hate, much of which the terrorist want to see happen. Once a problem is identified and acted upon and resolved, then it is time to review "blame" and learn from the mistakes.

Take a lesson from the world scenario on 9/12/01, nearly every country in the world was united in support with America. An unprecedented event in modern history. Somehow we let that support get away, instead of making something incredible out of it. Right or wrong, it no longer exists.

America has too much good to offer the world to address this problem of terrorism incorrectly. The voters of this country have nearly always gotten the government they deserve. In the end, if the will of the people is not made clear, then someone else will provide it for us.

At the end of the day, it is usually about not what you do, but how you do it.

Today we need to think about our role as citizens and what we can do to promote a better America, a better more responsive government (and for the record I regard both parties as equivalent, given the track records of both) to the needs and will of the people. Politics can lift us up or it can sink us, the choice is ours.

Like many people out there, I lost friends on 9/11. I'm not interested in who to blame for not preventing 9/11, I'm only interested in how to fix the overall problem that created it in the first place, and build us the apparatus to allow us to prevent it from re-occuring, like having the different intelligence services communicate, like have police and fire radios that are interoperable ect., and getting us back to a place where the world respects and revears the US, and believes that we are a beacon to be followed.

Jack Dillon - Chicago (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:53 AM)

It is a strange question that we keep asking ourselves , knowing fully well that the answer carries no relevance. As the president as repeatedly said "we have to be right 100 percent and the terrorists have to be right just once to harm America" and therefore, the questions we must be asking are these
" If and when the terrorists do strike us again , do we have the strength , militarily and economically , to strike back decisively ?"

" Have we really avenged 9/11 when Osama Bin Laden and Al Zawahiri can still issue tapes and threats on the 5th anniversary and Mullah Omar remains at large?"

"Where has the world support and sympathy that we had after 9/11 disappeared and why has that happened?"

"Has our invasion of Iraq given a new recruiting slogan to Al-Qaeda and created new opportunities for aspiring terrorist leaders(Like Al Zarqawi)?"

"Was it worth losing thousands of our brave soldiers, 300 billion dollars and straining our military hardware and personnel to the breaking point to create a new Iraq where more than half of the people believe that it is ok to kill Americans and where one of the largest rallies was held in the recent past where thousands chanted - Death to Israel and Death to America.?"

And after asking these questions , if we are disturbed and near panic , we should say " What the hell is this administration doing"

Tejas Baxi ,Woonsocket,RI (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 11:58 AM)

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS COUNTRY!! LET US FORGET ABOUT POLITICS, AND STAND TOGETHER AS A NATION UNDER GOD!!!!

Scott Brand, Lineville, Alabama (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 12:02 PM)

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin. We act like sheep, allowing our current administration do what ever they want, whenever they want...without any over-sight. Believing everything they tell us…as if a politician wouldn’t tell a lie! Think of all the scandals that have happened and then just disappeared. "the person who leaked will lose their job" HA! "we don't condone torture" HA HA! And all the supposed planned attacks that have been thwarted…prove it! And all the money the GOP is gonna spend just to sling mud...how about spending it on telling us why YOU DESERVE THE JOB, not why your opponent doesn't. How did this happen? How did we get to this place? Are we safer? No. Are we united? HA HA HA!!! Do we even remember what a “united nation” feels like? 5 years ago for one brief and shining moment, we all stood together as Americans but then the opportunity to become the great nation that the world thought we were…the nation we should be was lost and deconstruction began and now we’re more divided than ever. What happened to all the tax dollars spent on the 911 commission? What was that for? A big fat report to use as toilet paper I guess. No, it was something to make us feel like something was being done...it was just another tree to keep us from seeing the forest. All these trees are becoming a forest in and of themselves.

frustraited American sick of "talking points" & lies (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 12:12 PM)

grow up to those of you who want to blame the u.s. for what a male-dominated society of thugs wants to let loose on the world! these are warlords who subjugate their women, have quiet down-low homeosexual sex because they're afraid of letting gay people be gay. open your eyes. you are just like chamberlain trying to appease hitler. tell me that iran is enriching uranium for peaceful purposes. tell me that north korea is not targeting japan. tell me that you believe the dictator chavez is not a demogogue in a society that is also making women second-class citizens. open your eyes. the world we live in is a world where people can either live free or be repressed. we in the u.s. and europe are free. those who are striking out at the u.s. and europe are male-dominated repressive regimes

robert chicago (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 12:22 PM)

It is ludicrous for the Bush administration to take credit for 'America being more safe'. If their 'proof' of this (as repeatedly said the last few days) is the fact that we have not had another attack in five years, then wouldn't it hold true that that the policies of Clinton were ultimately successfull in preventing an attack in 8 years (time between 1st WTC and 9/11). The bottom line is the terrorists are obviously patient in their planning and it is so arrogant of us to proclaim our 'safety' as the rest of the world suffer attack after attack. We're not safer and the world is less safe.

Carey, Richmond, VA (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 12:24 PM)

Being safe is a relative phrase. Are we safe after 9/11? Yes and no. This is because we are able to protect ourselves from the tactics that terrorists used on planes. But, the war against terror is forever changing. These terrorists are smart and come up new ways to harm us. Take the ban on liquids after the plot in London was discovered. Things that we took for granted before are not quite as safe. The only way to do that is to be one step ahead of those who pose a threat to our country. You can analyze all you want, but eventually, you reach a point where analyzation equals paranoia. There needs to be a balance where we can all get what we want.

Venkat, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 12:39 PM)

How can anyone say we are much safer now if passengers are not even allowed to bring something so trivial as toothpaste, perfume, or gel on board an aircraft? All the Bush administration has done is strengthen the terrorists' resolve to go to any extent to cause major destruction in our country.

I.N. (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 1:06 PM)

I can't imagine a time when this nation has been more divided, non-self reliant, and full of "it's all about me" attitudes. If you want to know how we got here take this into consideration, look at polls taken from only 800 to 1000 people for a population of 200+ million trying to show what we think, the news media that will sensationalize anything to "make" a story including telling untruths and trying to make everyone pick leaders based on the medias pick, and people so greedy about money that they try to make fame and fortunate off of those who died fighting for us, or victums of a tragedy. But I never hear any reporter say.. 19 men were murders and caused 3000 to die and they and only they are responsible and to blame. I never hear a terrorist regime SHOULD NOT GET AIR TIME! I never hear "what are we doing to "aid" those who are trying to dismantle the US". Has anyone wondered if the terrorists number one goal is to divide this nation so it will fall? So how much are you aiding them to reach their goal? Don't you think its about time for all of us to put up and shut up and work together to get this done and stop giving air time to terrorists and stand on our own two feet, stopped whining, and protected ourselves and our neighbors? Instead of blaming everyone in the White House (I mean you can't blame George Bush for your coffee being cold this morning but I am sure if you work at it long enough you will find an angle), don't you think it's time we all shared in the blame. I mean did you vote in Bill Clinton? He had time to take out the regime. Gracious years ago during WW2 you wouldn't have heard such garbage. If you want to know what caused us to lose Vietnam your looking at it. It was ALL of us. It's time Americans stopped being greedy, selfish and corrupt. It's time to clean up our own houses!

R Rodgers, Paducah Kentucky (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 1:07 PM)

We are safer because the government now acts proactively instead of reactively. Proactive treats the threat as a war, while reactive, as in the past, treats terrorism as a criminal act. We can nolonger wait to be attacked before acting. How could we proceed any other way with the threats so great(ie: nuclear, chemical, etc.)

Joseph Knapp, Oneonta, N.Y. (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 1:25 PM)

I think our country is about as safe as it can be considering there are terriorist hell-bend on destroying us. That kind of threat does not go away overnight. George Bush has tried since 9-11-01 to protect our country and all you morons do is stand around criticzing him. If you think you can protect our entire country by "getting back to normal" and just don't talk about it anymore, go ahead and try. Frankly, I am very proud of our President. He is a very compassionate man who is truly trying to make us safer. If he does not succeed, it will only be because of people like all of you, who refuse to encourage our administration instead of stabbing them every chance you get. And don't forget also, the President and his administration can only do so much, our untimate protection only comes from God almighty.

Brenda (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 1:27 PM)

Thank you for the invitation to use a few words to offer my thoughts. The few words of a Patriot - volunteer Serviceman - somewhat traveled performing assigned duties - Honorably Discharged. Simply put by me; and I did read all of the above; bottom line; quite an array of opinions, as it should be! America is safe and will always be so simply because of the Freedom Loving People of the Constitution. It is the Governments of the People who are the targets; they treaded where the Brave Dare Not Go; the result is evident - Bin Laden is not kidding! He is after his worlds most wanted man at the White House; He may accomplish his mission; in the meantime changing America into a Police Nation and destroying its' economy. As it is written - so shall it be done during and after His Lifetime - all is in place. He is mad at The Guv - not the people who have their beliefs - dreams - a Home and Family. 2500 years of cultures in His Land is not to be tampered with. His lands were treaded on - the Price will be paid. God Bless America and Our Troops - protect them; for they truly know not what they do.

Donald Andrews (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 1:32 PM)

A truly unfortunate and misleading headline considering the "more safe" respondents jumped only 1% in the last year.

Russert also quote a poll in yesterdays MTP which showed a large majority of Americans believe that the war in Iraq has created MORE terrorists!

America "more safe" indeed!

David H. (Sent Monday, September 11, 2006 1:38 PM)

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