The only thing we have to fear...

We're currently under an "orange" alert, meaning that the risk of a terrorist attack is heightened, though no one can yet say when it might happen, where, what kind of attack it might be or anything else useful.  Granted, we need to be aware to be on alert, but the vagueness of it all tends to make me feel more helpless than secure.

Of course, sometimes I think the attack is already underway - and that rather than a biological, chemical, nuclear or physical attack, we're being attacked through our news media.  The news these last few days has been filled with news of one new potential threat after another.  India test-launching a missle that can reach Pakistan.  Iran reprocessing spent uranium fuel and mining uranium in their pursuit of nuclear weapons.  North Korea having an untested missle that could reach the US.  Saddam using his civilians as "human shields" so he can blame us for the massive casualties that will result and get more people mad at us. The military being concerned enough about the possiblity of a biological or chemical attack against our troops in Iraq that they're talking about making arrangements to cremate soldiers who are killed in such an attack (to prevent the further spread of whatever agent they're attacked with), rather than returning them home in flag-draped coffins. The government telling us to put together "disaster kits", including plastic sheeting and duct tape to help seal up our windows in the event of a chemical or biological attack.

Yeah, I'd have to say I'm feeling pretty terrorized right now.