America's Security Post 9/11

America’s Security in a Post 9/11 World

The United States of America was founded on the principals of liberty and freedom for all. For over two hundred years America has stood as a proud example of those beliefs to the rest of the world. Citizens of the U. S. have enjoyed those freedoms and as a result flourished both economically and socially. Americans felt safe and secure in the belief that our government would protect our way of life. The events of September 11, 2001 may have changed that for some. The government’s responses to the attack included closing the countries’ boarders, grounding all air traffic, and coordinating emergency response efforts. In the days, months, and years following the attack, the government approved billions of dollars for homeland security, law enforcement agencies, and the military. The Patriot Act was passed, improvements in technology and security measures were rushed into effect and they tried to assure the nation that all necessary measures where being taken. Critics claim not enough is being done and that gaps in our nation’s security still exist. The real question, is America more secure since the attack on 9/11?
Following the attacks on 9/11 the government approved billions of dollars to fortify domestic defense. Military and intelligence agencies multiplied to include the Office of Homeland Security and the Foreign Terrorist Asset Tracking Task Force, in all nearly 263 new organizations have been created or reorganized as a response to 9/11 (Priest, Arkin 2010 p 3). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created to oversee theses organizations, DHS’ mission “is to lead the unified national effort to secure the country and preserve our freedoms. While the Department was created to secure our country against those who seek to disrupt the American Way of life, our charter also includes preparation for and response to all hazards and disasters. The citizens of the United States must have the utmost confidence that...