Why don't we protect America?

Question

I am wondering what people's thought are on why we are sinking so much money into a war that is supposedly fighting terrorism instead of spending the money to secure our boders and harbors and make it more idfficult for terrorists to pull off another attack. Surely nobody on here thinks that we can wipe every person that hates America off the map (Good luck with the North Korean army). Wouldn't all this money be better spent on protecting Americans rather than chasing terrorists across the globe? It seems sort of self-defeating, as for every terrorist we kill, there are two more to take his place.

Johnny, not as expensive as a war that never ends.

Answer 1

Good, valid points. Unfortunately this place is filled with nitwits, so you will be getting all kinds of responses hating on your question.

Answer 2

Most people think very simplistically. They seem to be under the impression that there are a set number of terrorists...and if we eliminate them, all will be well.
You're right. All terrorists have family and friends. And for every one we kill, more will be inspired to take his/her place.
The solution? I really don't have one. We can't continue trying to eliminate every one in the world that hates us. These days that would entail eliminating most of the world.
Securing the borders and harbors is a costly solution, but no more expensive than what would amount to an ongoing, never-ending war. I don't think war is going to fix this particular problem.
You're not dealing with government entities that can be overthrown and brought into line.
You're dealing with particular groups of idealistic (and unrealistic) people who see everyone else as being in the wrong. And, yes, we have groups of those in the U.S. as well.
Obviously, the tactics used to date have been proven to be ineffective against this particular problem, and new measures need to be looked into, to secure peace not just here, but around the world.
We are not the only ones dealing with these fools. Let's hope some very smart person, very soon, comes up with the answer.

And for anyone who wants to point out that there has been no attack here since 9/11....my answer to that is...yet.

Answer 3

Do you really want a wall around this country? I agree we need to secure our southern border, from the Mexican invaders, but do you also want to build a fence against Canada? What about air travel? If we limit our enemies from coming in, how does that limit our citizens from going out and coming back? You don't win anything by isolating yourself, you have to take the fight to the enemy. Our soldiers are in Iraq and our nation has been free from attacks, is there no corallary? We are fighting them on our terms in their land not in our own. It probably isn't a war than can be won, but we can make it so damaging to them that they change their tactics or best case, give up. We are not fighting this war effectively, mostly because of public opinion. In both World Wars the American people made sacrafices in the war effort, rationing, war bonds, drafts. We have made no sacrifices in this war, none. You might talk about loss of civil liberties, wire-tapping etc, but people claim the NSA has been listening to our communications since the 60's. Our people listen to extreme liberals and celebrities that are all anti-war to form their opinions, but the Islamic Jihadists have been striking us since the 70's we didn't start the fight. You may blame our foreign policy, as the reason they are attacking us, but a country owes nothing to anyone except its people, our foeign policy has always been in the best interest of the US, that is what internal foreign policy is about. If that has stepped on a few toes, that is a byproduct of looking out for your own self-interest. We are also the largest economic supporter of other countries in the world, we do feed other nation's poor more than anyone else, we do give medical aid and supplies more than any other nation.

We cannot fight this fight on their terms, we cannot fight it on our soil. The best defense is a good offense. We protect our citizens by staging the battle on someone elses turf.

Answer 4

I will agree that more needs to be done on our ports and borders to protect us from terrorist but all bases must be covered as well as possible. Taking down king pins and training areas as well as terrorist support networks weakens their ability to carry out acts of terror here. Your statement has some merit but I think a wide approach will have the best results. Just one mans opinion.

Answer 5

Do you realize how expensive it would be to shut down the borders to check everything and everyone coming and going?

You think this war is expensive? Better think again.

Actually Steve, checking everything that comes in or goes out would shut down our economy. That would be immeasurably more costly than a war that never ends.

Answer 6

Your right Steve I think some of those people are becomeing terrorist so they can get on BBC

Answer 7

no one wants to work on securing our homefront. its easier to 'fight them over there' and to make people feel safe that way.
plus people were/are to angry to think rationally and understand that war might help, but making sure we have tight security will work for sure

Answer 8

but we will be chasing and killing them outside america....my problem is all the anti america bashers that live right in our own country...if we presented a united front..do you really think the challenges would be as extreme or as many...???

Answer 9

You know, everybody seems to agree with what you are saying EXCEPT George W. Bush.

Answer 10

We are trying to secure Oil.