"The US economy is also extremely resilient." I agree that the economy is resilient, but it should be more resistant. THere was no need for the decline after 9-11 as was proved by the return to normalcy--but resistance requires educationa dn courage not fear. Your second point speaks to that "The 9/11 surprise attack was meant to destroy the symbol of our economy and the economy with it. But it didn't." It does not matter what it was meant to do. THere is a real limit to what they can do based, partly, on how we respond to attacks, threats and extremes. So, just because my son build a rocket ship in the back yard to go to the moon, doesn't mean he can do it. Just because AQ intended to destroy our economy doesn't mean they could. But, if my son continues to learn and maintain his interest in going to the moon--he just might do it in twenty years.