I've often wondered why the terrorists don't understand that one more major attack on the United States will finally galvanize this nation, putting it on a solid, pro-war footing.

But then I remember that the terrorists are getting their cues and their hope and their belief in American softness from the mainstream media.

Then I wonder if I shouldn't move a few more miles away from Los Angeles, maybe towards Oregon or something, except then I'd be surrounded by Indymedia types. Can't win for losing, as grandma used to say.

One word - Tampa. The only thing we have are the Lightning and Bucs and a swarm of love bugs twice a year. Far enough away from Disney to avoid any damage but close enough to go whenever.

Plus you get to wear shorts around Christmas.

Yup Bill, I've gone so far as to consider that I live in the western suburbs (or is Loudoun in the exurbs? I can't keep it all straight), and considering that the prevailing winds are generally west to east. The only likely big target that could confound that reasoning is Dulles Airport.

But I know what you mean. While I don't have the same degree of concern since I'm outside the beltway, the character of the concern is the same.

But if I were really worried about it, I'd move. And I haven't. So there. :p

Marble - I'm familiar with Tampa, I'm from SW Florida. Not a bad area, but you do have the, uh, headquarters from CENTCOM in Tampa, my friend.

And I am worried, Boyd. But I'm gambling on the timing of advancing my career enough to get out of here within several years; before the big one goes off.

I go in and out of DC twice a day during my commute, right past the Capitol building at high traffic times. My girlfriend works at a military facility. So does our housemate. We're sitting in the bull's-eye, too.

I'll be damned if I'll cringe in fear, though.

Not cringing, just patiently waiting for my skin to peel off in a sarin attack.

Just call me Alfred E. Newman, I suppose.

I work a block from the White House. Although a friend in homeland security told me this is the best protected couple of square miles in America. He said, and I quote - you are safer there than at Potomac Mills.

You're right that the Metro is indefensible. Hell, we all know the city is that way. I live in the southern suburbs and have a couple of family members that work there.

When I think about it, I realize that there isn't a law enforcement agency that can really protect us. They can't keep us safe, no matter how many people they have or how vigorously they patrol.

That's up to us. I still take heart that the only plan on 9/11 that didn't successfully hit a target was thwarted by average folks like us. That's instructive, I think.

Chris, I don't think it's safe ... I work equidistant between the WH and the Capitol, and the only real protection is to not be where the terrorists decide to strike. They can't protect you from portable high explosives with small quantities of bio material, no way, no how.

Like Bill from INDCmedia, I work in a major US city, though Baltimore is a potential terrorist target for different reasons than DC. My siblings still live back home in rural Vermont. They don't really get why 9/11 has so affected my politics, and they don't get too worked up about the whole terrorist-threat thing.

Which brings me to my question: As US citizens, do my sisters and I each have equal rights to our opinions? Or, do I get to shout them down on Homeland Security topics, since my risk is greater? Sort of a chickendove (ruradove vs. menacemonger?) thing.

That's a good question. I'd say that their perspective doesn't invalidate them from making a sound judgment, but yours may add a relevant dimension to your decision, much like war arguments made by those that have served in war.

I wasn't saying I believed him! However, I see his point. If you want to put the fear of Allah into Joe American, bombing the WH will be effective. Bombing 5 suburban shopping malls will be even more effective.

Unfortunately for me (not the folks at the shopping malls), terrorists really aren't that smart, IMO.

"Not cringing, just patiently waiting for my skin to peel off in a sarin attack."

Sorry: didn't mean to imply that you were.

I know ...

I'm stealing "ruradove" and "menacemonger".

On the subject of possible attacks: the Dem convention is going to be right next to the channel where the liquified natural gas tankers dock. Can you say "floating bomb"?

Dr. Kate, I would suspect the harbor would be a restricted area, and the LPG terminal closed, during the convention.

But given the Democrats natural propensity to "talk things out" they just might invite the terrorists in for a little sit down over coffee and tea.

Well, you know. Can't be rude to tourists here in Beantown.