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CNN LIVE EVENT/SPECIAL
America Goes Back to Normal
Aired September 28, 2001 - 22:22 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
AARON BROWN, CNN ANCHOR: We have been spending a lot of time looking back at what we missed, what we should have taken more seriously, who might have seen it coming. But the latest CNN-"TIME" magazine poll shows that Americans at least are trying to move forward. While the fear is there, those surveyed say they're taking the advice of politicians around the country -- don't let terrorism stop you from living your life.
Here's CNN's Bruce Morton.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRUCE MORTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Americans are in a muddle. Yes, they tell a CNN-"TIME" poll the country is in deep and serious trouble, but not as many say that now as did during the Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal or back when Iran held American hostages in 1980.
Yes, they say in trouble, and an astounding 81 percent think another act of terrorism is very or somewhat likely in the next 12 months. Half think it will be an attack involving biological or chemical weapons, but not where they live -- 62 percent said their town or city would not be a target for terrorists, though if it were, three-quarters of our sample thinks their local police force would be unprepared for it.
How are Americans acting? Not rushing to the store to buy a gas mask or a gun. Fewer than a third even stocked up on food and water. Americans overwhelmingly aren't putting their lives on hold, aren't putting off buying a house or a car, aren't, they say, canceling travel plans. Haven't sold their stocks or planned an escape route from work.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm just going about living my normal life. I'm not letting terrorism affect my life. I try not to let it affect my family, but that's the best I can do.
MORTON: Some things they have done, two-thirds of our sample said they prayed or attended a religious service, almost as many said they cried. Most people said they were keeping in closer touch with relatives.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have a 5-year-old granddaughter, and I just adore her. I make sure I hug her every day and tell her how much I love her.
MORTON: Most said they had sung "God Bless America" more even than have sung the "Star-Spangled Banner."
Do Americans feel guilty for having fun while others have suffered? Two-thirds said no, and three out of five said their close personal relationships, ties with friends, with family, have been made stronger by the terrorist attacks. And we asked people who live in big cities, are you thinking about moving out? Overwhelmingly, they said no, they'll stay.
Bruce Morton, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
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