Response by Stephen Salmore

At a time while the public has declining confidence in the ability of the federal and state government to deal with terrorist attacks, they have not increased their own preparations to deal with this problem. Perhaps the public believes that protection from terrorism is a governmental not a personal responsibility. And there is clear anxiety about the ability of government agencies to deal with this problem. Should there be another terrorist attack, the public may place the blame on President Bush and the federal government.

Comment by Fairleigh Dickinson University Research Professor of Political Science, Stephen Salmore (Ph.D., Princeton University). Steve specializes in both national and New Jersey politics and presently operates Raritan Associates, Inc. He is co-author of Parties, Elections and Campaigns and New Jersey Government and Politics. Dr. Stephen Salmore can be reached at 973-292-3633.