From the bloodstained battlefields of Lexington and Concord to the harrowing aftermath of 9/11, Americans have been relentlessly targeted by adversaries wielding extreme ideologies. They have been sprayed with automatic gunfire, shelled with deck guns from Japanese submarines, blown up with high explosives at sporting events, and more recently blasted with microwave energy beams. Thousands have lost their lives due to acts of terror prosecuted by both state and non-state actors in places like New York City, Oklahoma City, and at embassies in Beirut, Benghazi and elsewhere.

However everyday Americans from the city of Boston stand out as they have been slaughtered in a remarkable series of tragic massacres throughout history. The Boston Massacre of 1770, a pivotal event in the lead-up to the Revolutionary War, saw British soldiers open fire on unarmed civilians, sparking outrage and galvanizing the patriot cause. Centuries later, the city was rocked by the Boston Marathon bombing massacre in 2013, when two terrorists detonated explosives near the finish line, claiming innocent lives and shattering the sense of security. Amidst these acts of violence, Boston also grappled with massacres at the hands of notorious mobster Whitey Bulger and his syndicated crime ring, leaving a trail of bloodshed and terror in its wake. And in an act of incomprehensible horror, innocent Boston air travel passengers were unknowingly hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, killing 81 passengers, including 5 hijackers, and 11 crew members.

As we delve into the complexities of terrorism, warfare, and diplomacy, we confront pressing questions: Are we safer in Biden’s America? Has the 250 year capitalist experiment proven successful in securing our nation and its everyday people? Join us as we navigate through the annals of history, exploring the trials and triumphs of safeguarding the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The First Fight: 

At Lexington and Concord, American colonists faced the daunting challenge of confronting a superior British force, marking the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Minutemen, hastily assembled militia units, displayed remarkable courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. As the British advanced, tensions escalated, culminating in the famous “shot heard round the world” at Lexington Green. In the ensuing skirmishes, the Minutemen demonstrated their prowess in guerrilla warfare, utilizing hit-and-run tactics and leveraging knowledge of the local terrain to their advantage. Through sheer grit and determination, they managed to repel the British advance, inflicting significant casualties and striking a decisive blow for American independence. The events at Lexington and Concord galvanized colonial resistance, inspiring patriots across the fledgling nation to join the fight for liberty, self-determination and the safety of everyday Americans.

Fast forward to the dawn of the 21st century, and America found itself embroiled in a new kind of warfare, one defined by asymmetrical threats and elusive enemies. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the nation mobilized its vast resources to combat the scourge of terrorism, launching military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Yet, despite the bravado of military might, the path to victory proved elusive, as insurgency and sectarian strife threatened to unravel the fabric of American resolve. The war on terror became a defining chapter in America’s quest to protect its citizens, raising profound questions about the efficacy of military intervention and the limits of American military power to protect everyday Americans.

Enemies Within and Without 

Throughout its history, America has faced a myriad of threats from both within and without, testing the nation’s resilience and resolve. From the clandestine networks of revolutionary insurgents to the modern-day specter of global terrorism, the landscape of danger has evolved, presenting new challenges to the security of the homeland. Terror groups, fueled by extremist ideologies and fueled by hatred, have emerged as formidable adversaries, orchestrating attacks on American soil and abroad. From the shadowy corridors of Al-Qaeda to the brutal tactics of ISIS, these groups have sought to sow fear and division, exploiting the fault lines of society.

Identifying America’s top enemies requires a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical landscape, from state-sponsored threats to non-state actors operating in the shadows. From rogue regimes like Iran and North Korea to transnational criminal organizations, the spectrum of danger is vast and varied. The rise of cyber warfare has added a new dimension to the threat matrix, as adversaries seek to exploit vulnerabilities in America’s digital infrastructure. As the lines between physical and virtual warfare blur, the challenge of defending against emerging threats becomes increasingly complex.

At the heart of America’s security dilemma lies the role of conflict profiteers, often referred to as the “merchants of death.” These individuals and entities profit from the perpetuation of conflict, fueling the flames of war for personal gain. From arms manufacturers to private military contractors, the military-industrial complex has wielded considerable influence over America’s foreign policy, shaping the course of history through the prism of profit, and creating many sworn enemies in the process.

 Al-Qaeda: Founded by Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaeda remains a top anti-American terrorist organization, responsible for the 9/11 attacks. It operates globally, seeking to overthrow what it perceives as Western influence in Muslim countries through violence and extremism.

Islamic State (ISIS): ISIS emerged as a significant threat to American interests, advocating for the establishment of a global caliphate. Through brutal tactics and propaganda, it has orchestrated numerous attacks on Western targets, including the Paris and Brussels bombings.

Taliban: Originating in Afghanistan, the Taliban has waged a long-standing insurgency against American forces and the Afghan government. It continues to pose a significant threat, exploiting regional instability to advance its extremist agenda.

Hamas: Operating primarily in the Gaza Strip, Hamas is a designated terrorist organization that opposes American support for Israel. It has carried out numerous attacks against Israeli and American targets, seeking to undermine peace efforts in the region.

Hezbollah: Based in Lebanon, Hezbollah is a Shiite militant group with a history of anti-American activities. It receives support from Iran and has targeted American interests, including bombings of U.S. embassies and military barracks.

Boko Haram: Operating in Nigeria and neighboring countries, Boko Haram has pledged allegiance to ISIS and conducts attacks against Western interests in the region. It is known for its brutal tactics, including kidnappings and mass killings.

Haqqani Network: Based in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Haqqani Network is a key player in the Afghan insurgency and maintains close ties to the Taliban. It has targeted American and coalition forces, as well as Afghan civilians and government officials.

Al-Shabaab: Active primarily in Somalia, Al-Shabaab seeks to establish an Islamic state and opposes Western influence in the region. It has carried out numerous attacks, including the deadly assault on the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP): Operating in Yemen, AQAP has targeted American interests in the region and abroad. It is known for its sophisticated bomb-making capabilities and has attempted several attacks against the United States.

Islamic Jihad Union (IJU): An offshoot of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the IJU operates in Central Asia and Afghanistan. It has targeted American forces in Afghanistan and aims to establish Islamic rule in the region.

Killing Americas Leaders

Amidst the turmoil of war and controversy, missile attacks against U.S. bases serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by American forces deployed abroad. From the deadly rocket attacks in Iraq to the brazen assaults on military installations and warships like the USS Cole in the Middle East, these incidents underscore the persistent dangers posed by hostile actors seeking to kill Americans serving the country abroad.

The Havana syndrome attacks refer to a series of mysterious health incidents reported by U.S. and Canadian diplomats, intelligence officers, and personnel stationed in Cuba and other locations around the world. Beginning in late 2016, victims reported experiencing a range of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and cognitive impairment, often after hearing strange sounds or feeling unusual sensations. Experts speculate that they may be the result of targeted microwave or sonic attacks, while others suggest psychological or environmental factors. The Havana syndrome attacks have raised concerns about the safety and security of diplomatic personnel and have strained diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, as well as other countries where similar incidents have been reported. Efforts to investigate and address these incidents continue, but the true nature and source of the attacks remain shrouded in mystery.

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The killing of Presidents and other world leaders has been quite commonplace throughout history, and goes back as far as Ramsses III, an Egyptian Pharoh killed in an assassination plot instigated by a secondary wife and one of his sons. On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated while riding in a presidential motorcade through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. Use the image slider to see the moment a second bullet ripped into his motorcade and ended his Presidency.

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The recruitment of escaped criminals from Central and South America by Russian and Chinese foreign intelligence agencies to target members of the US government, including ex-presidents like George W. Bush, and Senator Mitch McConnel, represents a concerning escalation in international espionage and covert operations. These criminals, often with extensive networks and experience evading law enforcement, are exploited for their skills in surveillance, infiltration, and assassination.

With the backing of well-resourced foreign intelligence agencies, they pose a significant threat to the security of US officials and institutions. This tactic underscores the willingness of hostile foreign powers to employ unconventional means to achieve their objectives, highlighting the importance of robust counterintelligence efforts and cooperation among international partners to detect and neutralize such threats.

Conclusion:

As the conflicts intensify in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and everywhere terrorists find safe haven, America finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with existential questions about the efficacy of its security apparatus and the sustainability of its capitalist experiment. In the aftermath of 9/11, the nation embarked on a journey to safeguard its citizens, deploying military might and intelligence resources in pursuit of elusive enemies. Yet, two decades later, the specter of terrorism still looms large, raising doubts about the effectiveness of America’s security policies and the resilience of its homeland defenses.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the modern world, the question of whether Americans are safer under President Biden’s leadership remains a subject of intense debate. While strides have been made in dismantling terrorist networks and strengthening homeland security measures, the threat landscape continues to evolve, presenting new challenges and vulnerabilities. From cyber-attacks to lone wolf extremists, the specter of violence persists.

The killing of Americans, whether in acts of terror, warfare, or criminal violence, underscores the enduring struggle for safety and security in a world fraught with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). As we honor the memory of those who have fallen, we are reminded that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

Image Credits and Acknowledgements

{1} September 11, 2001. Smoke billows across the New York City skyline from the attacks on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The attacks killed 2,977 people, including 19 hijackers who committed murder-suicide. The attacks also injured more than 6,000 everyday Americans.

{2} Living history actors form up a firing line on the Lexington Battle Green, April 18, 2018. Photo by David Tashji

{3} Anti-American Poster from North Korea state media in Pyongyang.

{4} Flag of the Islamic State Union

{5} President John F. Kennedy kill shot sequence. Source: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Boston Massachusetts.

{6} The ISIS plot against President George W. Bush. Source NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.