Incidents like 9/11 happen rarely, but the after effects are felt for years to come. Apart from the colossal loss of life and the emotional tragedy that followed is the immense financial burden that it has placed on the system.
Local communities are the worst hit. They are having to spend huge amounts of money on things like improved computer systems, communication equipment and things like latest bomb disposal equipment, protective gear against chemical warfare and various monitoring systems. In most cases the initial purchase of equipment has been financed by federal grants but maintaining these systems requires more money than the local councils can afford. It is feared that with the passage of time grants from the Department of Homeland Security are likely to get scarcer. Since 2003 the department has already distributed about $23 billion to local governments for equipment and training to fight terrorism.
Even if the money continues to flow, critics argue that the long term impact of the buildup in defense and security spending is huge. The danger is that it will drain the economy, hold down private investment and consumer spending and force radical choices that may destabilize domestic political peace.
On the other hand supporters of the program point out that defense spending was only 3.3% of GDP in 2006 which is well below 1980's average of 5.8% and also less than the 4.1% average of the 1990's. It is argued that advances in technology will help keep costs within manageable limits.
But governments, the world over have always underestimated the cost of fighting wars, because it is always easier to get into one than to get out, and by the time you total up the final bill it is way beyond estimates.
The fact remains that fancy technology needs expensive upgrades and costly training. Moreover one is never certain that he is spending enough on security. It may not be long before even nations are faced with the same financial difficulties which face local communities today in their fight against terror.