[Cowperson]

The paranoia of terrorism I would say is pretty high.

You think so?

In the days after 9/11, stock markets collapsed, not just for that reason but that was part of it, a fear that terrorism would be prevalant and economic activity would be disrupted. Everytime there was a terror attack somewhere in the world, the dive would happen again. Stock markets are an excellent gauge of mood, of fear and greed.

Immediately after 9/11, generational holders of New York Giant season tickets were talking about cancelling them given the prospect of a mass murder event by terrorists. There was talk of cancelling the Oscars in 2002.

In about mid-2003, we began to see that pattern disappear . . . . markets generally don't care when an attack happens, even in London and Madrid, and sport stadiums, logical targets of attack, are packed throughout the world again. Film Festivals are packed. Travel statistics are returning to pre-9/11 levels.

I'd say people are wary and attentive but the word paranoia is probably not part of the description . . . . and cynics might say that in turn is part of the reason for the declining popularity of the current American administration as well, the critics arguing the administration relied on paranoia and fear.

Lastly, America is directing about 1% of GDP towards Iraq/Afghanistan right now versus the 9% it directed at Vietnam.

America's population is about three times the size it was in the 1950's.

Cowperson