The United States has learned bitterly that it is no longer immune from the mad bombers who see mass destruction as the only way to advance their religious or political agendas. Our national borders are well guarded, as was recently demonstrated, and local police as well as federal law officers stand at the ready. But the ghosts of terrorists linger heavily in many people's thoughts. The worried will not venture out, but rather celebrate the changing times at home, safe in their own security. But this should not be a time of gloom.
Terrorists are successful when even their threats alter the behavior of free people.
We ought not to let that happen. There are many opportunities for witnessing the new year. Churches will be open tonight and tomorrow. Restaurants and clubs will ring in 2000 with meals and music. The mayor of Seattle cancelled his city's big New Year's Eve bash, citing terrorism.