i live 12 miles from manhattan, and am in the city pretty often. don't dismiss my being rational because i live in middle america and am not in similar danger should there be an attack. my risk is clearly not as high as yours - but should something happen it would definately have a huge impact on my everyday life, thanks.

I think it's all just stupid.

Like they are really going to ANNOUNCE they're coming.

Cars are now being searched at the airport, as if we needed more delays to deal with.

I live in NYC and I'm not afraid of any attacks. If it happens, it happens, not much I can do about it. I'd rather die living my life than stay "safe" quaking in a closet. I find that most New Yorkers feel this way.

On the other hand, there's a 50/50 chance I'll be moving to Manhattan shortly after the first of the year.

Just won't allow these guys mess with my mind...

* raises hand *
Me too!

Poor you! My car has always gotten waived right through - I think the sorority decals and pink everywhere manage to convince them I'm not a threat. ;)

i don't know how much that holds true:) i was always searched even before 9/11. once my friend and i went to pick her boyfriend up (when they still allowed non-passengers to go to the gates) at the albuquerque airport and they tested our purses for explosive material. not kidding..the bags were seriously tiny too.

Currently, I'm at home in Florida--about 2 miles from the largest military installation in the free world. I remember how tight security was during Gulf War I. The way I see it, I'm in just as much sitting here on the Gulf as I am in my Manhattan apartment.

So I don't worry that much--here nor there.

Yikes! I've never had problems flying yet. (knocks on wood) Now that I've said this, it'll take us like 9 years to get through security in D.C., I can see it.

Just remember to be sure and use the restroom before flying to or from DCA (Washington National Airport*)! Current security requirements prohibit anyone from getting up out of their seats for 30 minutes before landing into and 30 minutes after takeoff from DCA. Get up out of your seat before the 30 minutes are up and you will automatically force the flight to be diverted to the nearest airport.

(*Sorry, not calling it by its official title - Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Same goes with Houston Intercontinental Airport - aka George Bush Houston Intercontinental. They ain't dead yet! :) )

Old habits die hard. With absolutely no disrespect to the former President, it'll probably always be "National" to me.

At least I'm not alone here! :)

I was out and about in Manhattan today. I haven't seen this many police officers since Sept. 2002. The city was the busiest I can remember in over two years. I was near Rockefeller Center and saw the Christmas tree. I walked up Fifth Avenue. The stores were decorated beautifully. There were so many people out shopping and sightseeing. I felt secure. I was afraid of pickpockets which aren't uncommon at this time of year. It took me one hour to walk 20 blocks which is a long time for me. So in summary, I am not afraid, but I am concerned. I am living my life as safely as I can. :)

Ditto!

Oh, I noticed something interesting during my commute today. I pass a truck weigh station on my way to work and another on my way home... Both were open today. Weigh stations are pretty much NEVER open. Hmmm...

According to NBC Nightly News, the major targets are Las Vegas and a small town I can't remember the name of at the moment.

I still wonder if this isn't mostly psycho-terror.