[FairOpinion]

Oh, and as for the cost. People always ignore the right comparison: how much does just one terrorist attack cost us vs. the cost of preventing it.

The cost of prevention doesn't even compare to the cost of attacks, especially if we include the direct and indirect costs. I think the 9-11 attacks cost us over $80 B in direct cost and much more in cost to the economy, the airlines, lost travel, and so on.

[fooman]

NRO? What dat?

[Paleo Conservative]

I think the 9-11 attacks cost us over $80 B in direct cost and much more in cost to the economy, the airlines, lost travel, and so on.

I've seen estimates of well over a trillion dollars.