As most people who exercise cerebral activity realize, the U.S. has been gradually embracing a socialism much like that of the former Soviet Union for nearly a century. However, this week's events may finally give the U.S. government the legitimacy required to make that final jump. Simply stated, if people desire protection over freedom, they will soon have neither!
Or, to quote Benjamin Franklin, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." (Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759)
If the American people continue to cry, "Give us more protection!", the terrorists have already won!