After 9/11 th Statue of liberty was closed due to the imposing terrorist threat. Recently the city of New York celebrated the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty, although you still aren't allowed into the statue.

Recently Spain was attacked by terrorist and gave into their request. This showed that the terrorist can change the world by murder. By closing off the statue we are surrendering part of ourselves to the terrorist.

Please post your opinions.

I don't think the Statue of Liberty should be closed for the very reason that you suggested

But keep in mind that the bombing in spain was by the ETA - a terrorist group that has been after the Spanish Government to Free Basque Homeland since 1962 (The ETA are like the Spanish version of the IRA)

This recent bombing, and the Boming of the Madrid train had nothing to do with the war in Iraq or the change in Government. My understanding is that its a seperate issue altogether - but someone please correct me if I am wrong.

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Truth is by nature self-evident, as soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear. Gandhi

Yes the bombing in Spain and the Iraq war are two separate issues. My point is that terrorist worldwide, no matter the organization, will notice that Spain surrendered to the terrorist threat. This just shows that bombings or other crimes can force a nation to its knees.

By the way, how do I make a direct quote to a response?

You can highlight the previous posters repsonse by highlighting their comments with your mouse- right click and select copy. Then all you have to do is post it in your thread (right click, select 'post'). Highlight the post again and select "Quote" (I hope that helps)


I can see where your coming from - but I wonder if Spain pulling out of Iraq was pereived as giving in to terrorist or giving in to its own people.

Now the Phillipines, on the otherhand, pulling out of Iraq to save the hostages, would have a greater impact, in my opinion, then Spain. Although I am glad that those hostages were saved, it does worry me that the Phillipines reaction would encourage more terrorists to gather more hostages.

On the other hand, it's hard to say what is the best way to handle any of these terrorists these days. Prior to 9/11, Terrorists would get hostages or hijack airplanes in an attempt to gain an end result - ie: Such as the IRA or ETA, free political prisoners, liberate a specified area etc.. but these Al Qaeda Terrorists seem to be beheading, bombing and killing just for the sake of it. Nick Berg alone, in Terrorist logic had no rhyme or reason - only to avenge the Abu Graihb incidents - if that even was their reason. They are also willing to die to make a point - which again is relatively new to the Terrorist world.

I can also tell you form experience, that as a flight attendant having had extensive training in Hijacking and terrorist negotiations - no one really knows how to handle these people anymore. I think until intelligence gets into the minds of these killers, or simply wipe these groups out completely - we will never truly know how to reduce, prevent, discourage these terrorist acts from occuring.

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Truth is by nature self-evident, as soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear. Gandhi

The fundamentalist (radical) islamist is bound by their religion, to destroy all "infidels" (non-islamics). It is OK (and actually better) for them to destroy themselves in the destruction of their enemy. As to the topic at hand, we should never empower any group, whatever their motivation, by backing down from our daily business as usual, or accomodating their wishes. However, there are certain places, and structures, of high historical, and/or economic importance. Perhaps it is thought by those who (supposedly) know more than we, that extra security is called for at the Statue of Liberty right now. Not to difficult to imagine why.

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"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
Ecclesiastes 10:2 (NIV)

That's why some blondes, like myself, should not be allowed near a computer...

Thanks Senax