We disagree on the roll of the media in participating on the "War on Terrorism". If the media was participating in a way I felt was responsible, I'd find it most welcomed. On numerous occasions I've watched detailed reports on the news programs that told how various weapons of terrorism were built. I find this both dangerous and irresponsponsible. There can never be any assurance potential terrorists are not watching these same programs.
If the media was participating in a manner that was telling citizens what warning signs to watch for, and how to address them, that would be beneficial. As it is now, the media acts like the barometer of changes the government seeks to impose on the law abiding population. By choosing to participate in a manner that empowers potential terrorists rather than citizens, the media is an active tool used to justify further government control.
You are right about involving citizens. Citizens offer the greatest untapped defense against terrorism. They also offer the greatest potential deterrent to an imposing government. The contrasting involvement of citizens during WWII and the present mislabeled "War on Terrorism" illustrate how controlling our government has become. The modern day equivalent of Civil Defense is by government invitation only. During WWII (and the Cold War) it was primarily a volunteer force of citizens.
I'm no lover of the MSM and I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Let me pose a hypothetical. Suppose the news media had been aware that terrorists had plans to use hijack airliners as suicide weapons. Should they have let that be known?
Another hypothetical: Should the media let it be known that ammonium nitrate and fuel oil are explosive ingredients for a bomb?
You can make the case either way. If the knowledge inspires other terrorists or criminals to mischief it's a bad thing. But if good people are aware of the dangers, they have a heads up.
The way I think about it, we have two things in our favor. 1) We are smarter than they are and 2) There are more of us than there are of them. Availability of knowledge always favors the wiser and more numerous combatant.