E-MAILS

E-MAILS
Last month, The Vindicator asked hundreds of its News Contacts this question: How has Sept. 11 changed your outlook on the future? For example, how worried are you about more terrorist attacks in the United States?
Sept. 11th has caused me to change my focus from Social Security problems to national security problems. Social Security can be fixed by a vote, but national security can only be achieved by the government and people all uniting together against terrorism worldwide.
BENJAMIN S. BLOWERS
Salem
I feel certain terrorist attacks will continue. Terrorists do not accept defeat. Even in death they claim to be a martyr. Terrorists do not accept loss even after losing everything.
BOB MELLINGER
Columbiana
Having grandchildren, I want them to be able to have the freedom we have always known and not to have the fear that someone is about to take that away.
DONNA MCCONNELL
East Palestine
I am very worried because today's technology makes it relatively easy for terrorists to strike. It is very difficult to fight an enemy that is not afraid to die, such as the Japanese in WWII.
NICHOLAS DUBOS
Pittsburgh, formerly of Campbell
I believe there will be more terrorist attacks, but not soon; when our security wanes: next week, month or year. The government can't do everything as some may think.
RICHARD L. HUGHES
New Middletown
I am extremely worried about more terrorist attacks in the U.S. now. It has been proved that we are not impenetrable to terrorism, and it has also been proven over time that when one tragic situation arises, there are always copycats and those who feel that if one person or country can do it, so can the rest.
THE REV. ALLYSON L. KRIST
Girard
I think even with all the U.S. has done, if someone is as determined as the Al-Qaida, they ... could cause much harm and panic by striking anywhere.
JEFF CATALINE
Hubbard
I am concerned that there will be another attack, but I do not worry. If we begin to live in fear, then the terrorists succeed.
JULIE HOOPES
Cortland
There will be more attacks on us because the law enforcement agencies have too many restrictions on them to search out the terrorists in the U.S.
RICH BULMER
Hubbard
My future is different. I now realize that I must enjoy my life now -- I have no idea when it will end. Now, my days are cherished and I do my best everyday.
KAREN PERKINS
Youngstown
There is a new vulnerability and a new awareness to my thinking about the future. I think the United States needs to reassess how our consumerism and need for power are working against our commitment to world peace.
SUSAN M. SAVASTUK
Youngstown
The events of Sept. 11th have not changed my outlook on the future, but raised my awareness of issues which I wasn't too concerned with prior. I am not worried about future attacks, but I am mentally prepared for an almost certain retaliation. These people are not afraid to die for their beliefs and we should be for ours as well.
MICHAEL JOHNSTON
Youngstown
My outlook for the future is mixed. Technology played a large part in what allowed Sept. 11th to happen. Should we suspend technological advancement? I hope not, however, there is the distinct possibility we will become prisoners in our country, attempting to protect what we have.
JACK HALL
Canfield
The objective of terrorism is to terrorize, to create a climate of fear. I refuse to give them that victory, so I don't spend my time fretting over possible future attacks.
CAROL MCCOY
Poland
I will be surprised if other attempts do not occur. Hate is a very strong motivator!
GEORGE E. SUTTON
Poland
My real concern is for my five grandchildren who will have to grow up in this type of atmosphere. I can only pray that some day this will all be resolved and they will be able to live their lives in peace and enjoyment.
GEORGE M. KESNER
Boardman
I absolutely am concerned and frightened about more terrorist attacks. I think it is a given there will be more, and we are helpless to stop them. 9/11 has changed the United States forever.
ALENE WILKINS
Boardman
I do hope that we do not trounce on the Constitution in the name of security. We must use our heads on this rather than feelings.
TOM LAMB
Boardman
I'm sure there will be more terrorist attacks, but I don't feel as threatened by violence here in the Mahoning Valley as I would living in a large metro area.
RONALD DIPILLO
Boardman
If you have an e-mail address and would like to become a Vindicator News Contact, let us know.
We'll periodically send e-mails asking our contacts for their thoughts. The topic might be an issue we plan to address in the future or news events as they occur.
To become a contact, please type "Contact" into the subject line and send us your e-mail address, name, the town where you live and a daytime telephone number for verification purposes to newscontacts@vindy.com.