Since 9/11,
The People in This Country Have Become More Security Conscious

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 will be remembered as one of the most profound events that changed America drastically. People do not feel safe when the travel as they did before the terrorist attacks. Today just about everyone is a suspect. I saw on a talk show where a 5yr old boy from Normandy Park, FL. was detained and searched by TSA all because he has the same name as a terrorist who was wanted by the Federal Government. This country has become more security conscious since 9/11 because the security at airports nationwide has been increased and reformed; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been created by the Bush Administration (the creation of DHS constituted the biggest government reorganization in American history); and America is becoming a closed border country. The type of country that the United States was before the terrorist attacks is totally different than the country that exists today.

Heightened airport security is one example of increased security consciousness in America. After the devastating terrorist attack of 9/11, airport security has been the focus of America war on terror. Trying to curtail future terrorist attacks has become just as important as hunting down those who have been responsible for terrorist attacks in the past. The increased security in airports around the country has caused many flight delays. Protecting America has become a major priority of the aviation industry. Security has become a perpetual process of innovation to stay ahead of potential terrorist. Mind reading system may be put in place as a way of profiling passengers in airports. Using this measure to prevent terrorist attack, shows that no stone will go unturned to keep America safe.
The creation of The Department of Homeland Security is another example of how security consciousness increases in America since 9/11. This Department was created by the Bush Administration to put all federal agencies under one umbrella to coordinate the defense of America homeland. However; there were some drawbacks such as the erosion of Americans’ civil liberties with the passage of the Patriot Act. Those who argued for and implemented these measures did so under the premise that it was necessary to infringe on these civil liberties to keep America safe. It is still up for debate as to whether these actions will be used to target Americans instead of potential terrorist in the future. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security sent a message around the world that Americans were fully committed to fight the war on terror and to protect their homeland.

After 9/11 the debate over illegal immigration became more intense showing that it too was evidence of security consciousness rising in America. Immigration was already a hot button topic before 9/11. But the debate has escalated since the terrorist attacks. There are those who are even suggesting that America drastically reduce immigration or even close its borders altogether. This is because many feel that the freedoms that exist in America are being exploited by the terrorists. It is relatively easy to travel in and out of the United States, which will make it easier for potential terrorist to enter the country. There is also the possibility of weapons of mass destruction being smuggled into the country through its loose borders. Even though these concerns are legitimate, we must find a way to successfully defend our country, while keeping our way of life in tack.
To say that America has become more security conscious since 9/11 is probably an understatement. The issue of security is discussed almost daily in the news and is one of the main issues that most politicians discuss when they are running for an elected office. Even though the United States has experienced a serious threat to its existence, it is important that we do not lose our identity as a nation as we confront this threat. Just as America has been a beacon of light to those all the world in the past, historians will point to the events of 9/11 as a defining moment in America’s quest to lead the world in an era of peace. Work cited:
Associated Press, My World.com, Mind-reading systems, profiling could change airport security in aftermath of Flight 253, Retrieved from, http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/01/mind-reading_systems_profiling.html
Utley, Garrick, (2002)CNN.com. /U.S., Americans has Always Adapted to New
Challenges, America, Remembers, Retrieved from http://edition.cnn.com/2002/US/09/06/ar911.changed.america/