I haven't been to NYC since 2000, and we're going to see the Radio City Christmas Show. I may cancel, though, as I will constantly fear something exploding...any advice?
2007-11-16 13:35:43 · 8 answers · asked by John Sidney McCain III 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ New York City
I had the same thoughts before my first Manhattan visit after 9/11, which I believe was within three or four months. After actually being there again, now it's much easier to go in without a second thought. Just go see the show. TENS OF THOUSANDS of people have done the same, and will continue to do so.
Look around the streets of New York while you're here. You don't see people living in fear, not at all. It's as lively as ever. It's still the safest big city in the US. I love it every time I get to go into Manhattan, whether it's for work, to spend time with friends, or even to buy some video supplies.
The odds are on your side, and they're quite astronomical, if you really think about it, analyze it, and compare it with so many other things that can happen to you on any given day. More than worrying about things exploding, I'd worry about not getting into traffic crashes, not stepping through the gap while boarding a train, things like that which are MUCH more likely to happen.
If I had canceled every time I could possibly encounter any danger, I would not have gone to work on any day I worked in Manhattan. I would not have visited the Great Plains, for fear of tornadoes. I would have stayed away from the west coast for fear of earthquakes. I definitely would have stayed away from the fjords of Alaska, for fear of the ol' earthquake/tsunami double whammy! I would stay off the roads for fear of being involved in an accident. I wouldn't have crossed the Mississippi River two days after I-35W collapsed this summer. I wouldn't have played baseball, and I certainly would have stayed away from hockey! Take all of those things away from me, and I would have denied myself so many of the things that have molded and shaped my life and made me who I am.
ALL of the above, I think, are greater dangers than something exploding with you in its path on the day you're visiting this city for a few hours. I didn't stay away from those improbable dangers, and now I have 49 states and much of Canada under my belt (all by driving!), with countless great photos, videos, and memories with my family stored away. I've also spent the vast majority of my time on this planet in New York City, with MANY days in Manhattan that I'll fondly remember for the rest of my life; most of those days have been post-9/11.
Don't deny yourself this opportunity because of a tiny chance of a danger that is less likely to happen than countless other things that can happen in your everyday life. That event got the world's attention because it was such a rare thing. The biggest headlines are the most unlikely occurrences. Again, you might be more likely to be struck by lightning while getting struck by a cab while crossing the street. Maybe that's exaggerating a bit, but you get the idea.
Come visit our city again, be entertained for a few hours, walk around for a while, remind yourself of what a fun place it is. And then go back home to share the fun stories, the way millions of others have done, are doing right now, and will continue to do.
I've heard it's a great show, have a great time with it!
EDIT: I hope you went, I really do! Obviously, nothing happened, just a typical day in New York. How did it go?
2007-11-16 14:44:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
To a certain generation of New Yorker's living at Ground Zero has been a fact of life since the day that the Russians got their first nuclear bomb .New Yorkers knew full well that they would be the first target that the Russians would hit. Knowing that hasn't stopped life in this great city then and the threat of terrorism will not stop life in this great city now. If you want the bastards to win then stay home -you will not be missed
If however you refuse to let fear rule you then come to NYC and have a great time
2007-11-16 15:43:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You know, you're far more likely to die of a heart attack or cancer than of "something exploding." You're also more likely to die in a car crash or a silly accident. The only thing I fear when I visit NYC is being hit by a car while I'm crossing the street.
Go to NYC and have fun. I strongly doubt anything will happen.
2007-11-17 15:15:30 · answer #3 · answered by VeggieTart -- Let's Go Caps! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing is going to explode. If you really do have this fear, I would suggest therapy.
2007-11-16 23:45:57 · answer #4 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your life grows because you live for potential good not potential bad.
2007-11-16 13:41:22 · answer #5 · answered by Me 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Dont go to NYC because a lot of terrorists hide in NYC.
2007-11-16 15:20:05 · answer #6 · answered by Edward K 2 · 1⤊ 6⤋
Go for it, you will be fine. Have fun.
2007-11-16 13:47:54 · answer #7 · answered by That one 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you are much more likely to die in a car accident driving to work ...
don't be a chicken$#!#
2007-11-16 15:04:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋