With this summer's terrorist bombings of London, we are reminded that while it's unfortunate the world community has to come to terms with the fact terrorism is a clear and present danger in every corner of the globe, to deny that reality would be dangerous.
We here in the United States take for granted the fact that when we climb on the Metro, we will more than likely arrive at our destination safe and sound. In a sense we're completely unexposed to daily terrorism with which other nations have become all too familiar. Understandably it was hard to continue on with everyday life following the dark days surrounding 9/11, but we managed to do so after realizing while we can't completely eliminate the threat of terrorism, there are precautions that will safeguard us from future attacks. We tend to take notice of unattended bags on street corners, are understanding when we have to take off our shoes at the airport and are relatively aware of the fact that something could happen again. But it hasn't stopped us from functioning as members of society. To be gripped by fear in such a way that would prevent us from living our lives would have been the worst possible outcome of such an attack.
While many were frightened to fly after 9/11, we must remember that to stop doing things as normal (taking trips to London in this instance) will only validate the terrorists' actions. Essentially, to suc"cumb to the fear terrorists are trying to instill within us, we are letting them win. In addition we'd be hurting London's economy, punishing them more than they already have been.
American University's study abroad program has become a model of how we must go on after these acts of terrorism. Students studying abroad in London this past summer could've abandoned their academic pursuits after the bombings and everyone would've understood, but they stayed. They refused to let the terror rule their lives. Similarly, American University must be commended for continuing on as normal in the shadow of such an unfortunate event.
