Dear future president,

With many problems within our country currently, one problem often speaks to me: terrorism. Being a junior in high school now, I wasn’t quite old enough to understand the tragedy that hit our country on September 11, 2001. I’ve been told stories of how loved ones were lost, or family members were so close to being in the terrorist attack. But now as our country is on bad terms with the Middle East, more attacks have been happening to civilians all over the world, including our country.

I live in a small city called Newbury Park, in California. Our city is our bubble and we don’t often experience the tragedies and attacks that other people are facing, we rather just hear about it and worry. We worry about the possibility of it happening in our city, or anywhere near us. I worry, especially when traveling to places that are populated and crowded, which is where the terrorists attack mainly.

After the Boston Marathon attack, I was definitely changed. At that time, I was old enough to understand what was going on and the effect it had on our country. I remember hearing on the news and seeing pictures of the aftermath. Now I can’t go out places in crowds without the worrisome feeling of a possible attack. I can’t go to concerts, shopping, sports games, or amusement parks without looking at my surroundings and making sure there is no suspicious people. I don’t feel safe. I don’t feel safe in my own country and it scares me.

So please future president, I am asking what can you contribute or do to make our country safer and make us feel safer from the people who create terror and fear towards people who live their life? Can I ever feel safe in my own environment?

Sincerely,

Gianna Longo