Complacency

Since 9/11, the United States has not experienced another direct terrorist attack upon its homeland. The blessing of several peaceful years has led many Americans to believe that the threat of a devastating terrorist attack has passed. They believe that the good work done by the American government and public has so damaged terrorist organizations that they no longer have the capability or the desire to attack the United States. Tragically, this is not true. Many experts estimate the likelihood of an attack upon the United States using weapons of mass destruction in the next ten years to be nearly seventy percent. The 2004 attacks in Madrid and the 2005 attacks in London show that there is still an active international terrorist structure, with the desire and the capabilities to confront Western democracies. The American people must realize this danger and continue to demand vigilance from their lawmakers in the face of the continuing threat.

1. Increasing Awareness

America's greatest strength has always been its people. Historically, the American people have assumed responsibility for their own destinies, through hard work, through education, and through the selection of wise leaders. In this challenge as in those that came before, the collective will and combined talents of the American people can defeat this enemy, if only we understand the danger we face. Only when the people of the United States understand who the enemy is, what his objectives are, and what methods he will employ, will we be as fully vigilant and as well prepared as possible. This is a personal responsibility. While there are sources available for honest and accurate information about the nature of this threat, there are also many sources of disinformation masquerading as fact. As Americans, we must seek to separate fact from fiction so that we may face our enemy straightforwardly and demand the utmost effort from our elected officials.

2. Increasing Participation

Improved awareness is only half of the solution. Success in this struggle demands the effort, as well as the attention, of the American people. When we fully understand the nature of this threat and the urgent danger to our way of life that it poses, we must then act upon that knowledge to help secure our nation and our neighbors. There are numerous ways in which individual Americans can help, including many detailed on the Family Security Matters website. A few examples include contacting legislators to indicate our support for specific policies, contributing to educational efforts to help further awareness, volunteering for humanitarian organizations, and helping with fundraising and organizational efforts to promote a higher profile for our nation's efforts to preserve our national security.