Since September 11, 2001, the world as we know it ceased to exist. A new world came about—a world of confusion, paranoia, terror, and panic. Who could have guessed that the world would be as it is today? Are terrorists having it their way?

In this contemporary world of terror, the song “We Are the World” no longer makes sense because it seems like there is a strong wave of evil forces against making this world a better place. The world is filled with news of bombings almost everyday. Twice in London in two weeks, once in Egypt this week, and once in Lebanon after the Secretary of State Condoleezza got there this week. And this is just to name a few.

After September 11, 2001, everybody’s view of the world changed. The international law was affected. The laws of immigration changed even in an immigration-friendly nation such as the United States of America. Security got tightened in major airports, tunnels, bridges, and mass transit systems.

As the time pulled away from September 11, 2001, the tight security started to get progressively loose around the New York City. Checkpoints for trucks progressively disappeared from each of the city’s tunnels, soldiers virtually guarded major train stations such as Grand Central and Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, and police presence became virtually non-existent around inter-borough bridges.

After the London bombings of Thursday, July 7, 2005, security was tightened once again around the world. In New York City, for instance, they suspended the cell phone service in all of the Manhattan-bound tunnels. Once it was confirmed that the London bombings were not detonated using cellular phones, the cell phone service was reactivated in the tunnels. And not to forget, transportation system was put on high alert after the 7/7 London bombings.

After the replica of the London bombing on Thursday, July 21, 2005 in London, security was tightened once again around the world. In Paris, for instance, they meticulously started to check all planes bound for Great Britain and the United States (Le Journal—French TV News, July 21, 2005). And Friday morning, people were subjected to bag-check at every subway station right here in New York City.

As it is our habit, all this security will more likely disappear as the time pulls away from these recent London bombings. So, basically, everybody is reacting to the actions of the terrorists. Are terrorists having their cake and eating it, too?

We say that they are not affecting our daily lives. We say that they will not win. We say that we will not be afraid. At the same time, we are changing our ways of living because of the attacks that they are carrying. Are we terrorized? If we are, then the terrorists are having it their way. If we are not terrorized, then why are we changing our ways?

It can be said that we are changing our ways as a precaution. It is a way of preventing terrorists from furthering their agenda. Unfortunately, the truth is that they have somewhat accomplished their agenda by creating a panic—terror.

Terrorists can attack anytime and anywhere. Though some of their attacks will be prevented, few of their attacks may come as a surprise and succeed. The 7/7 attacks on the London’s transit system is an example.

Preventive measures are for the sake of securing the everyday balance that terrorists are trying to destroy. Terrorists will continue to find ways to create fear in average citizens. At the end, they should not have it their way. This is a psychological warfare. Needless to say, it is a spiritual warfare as well. Stronger minds will claim the victory. Let it not be terrorists. They should not have it their way.

Do what you got to do. You can make a difference.