Emergency Drills

In school, we always have to go through emergency drills, in case there comes a day when there really is an earthquake or fire, or acid chemical spill. But, we never really take it seriously, because we know it's a drill - we expect it.

But, when I found out about the Zimbabwe plane crash being a false alarm, I wasn't really sure what to think. To be quite honest, I didn't think it was such a bad idea. People, as I've observed as of late, have become too comfortable. The threat of terrorism isn't looming over citizens of the world, as it did right after 9/11. I'm glad that the panic is gone and lives are slowly returning to normal, but 9/11 did happen. Terrorism is still there - large and active. People still want to kill and hurt Americans. Tensions haven't dissipated. And I think this plane crash drill was a small jolt to the people, possibly reminding them that anything could happen at any time.

Yes, it was a bit frightening and perhaps more officials involved could have been notified beforehand, but ultimately, the drill did its job. It tested the readiness of emergency crews and troops. The only worry I have is this: the boy who cried wolf. I just hope that these drills don't occur so often, that when something truly terrible happens, we all don't just shrug it off, thinking it's another drill.

Bottom line: wake up, people. It's not over yet.