You raise some very important questions, Avatarian, which unfortunately can’t be predicted very well.
I, for one, am concerned for my job security and the stability of my company. We sell tickets to shows, concerts and sporting events across the nation. The heart of our business depends upon Las Vegas tourism. With these events, it’s very possible that there will be a major drop in travel.
In addition, the U.S. economy really is in sad shape, and the stock market is just a part of that. Consider things as fundamental as mail and FedEx – how will their slowdown impact companies that depend upon their timely service? That’s just for starters. A slowdown in tourism, alone would affect not just Las Vegas but a significant percentage of other cities throughout the country. If the tourist industry has to start scaling back due to decreased demand, on top of all of the other industries that are doing so, then how many more people out there will be without jobs or tightening their belts because of job worries? The single most powerful factor that has kept the economy afloat for as long as it has, was the fact that the average American spent over 100% of their income. A reversal of this trend is necessary, obviously. But an overnight reversal would be devastating, and trigger a downward spiral of layoffs-lower spending-lower demand-less production-more layoffs.
As for retaliation, that is an even worse mess. Obviously, something must be done to send a very clear message. But when we are dealing with fanatics such as these, will the message even be comprehended or heeded? And where does the retaliation go too far? The rest of the world is aghast with what has happened, but how understanding will they be of the inevitable strike? Especially if it turns out that Middle Eastern parties were indeed responsible? With that whole region such a hot bed right now, I’m very concerned that even a spark could ignite a wildfire – and what happened today could lead to a whole torch being thrown into the mix!
Just a bunch of thoughts/ramblings on my part. It’s going to take a while to really get my mind around the sheer scope of this tragedy. But no matter what, today is truly a day that history will look back upon as having changed the world.
To all of my friends out there in this community, please be careful. The pattern of major, well-calculated terrorist actions is to make an attack, diverting the target’s attention and resources, then follow it up with an equal or worse attack elsewhere a few days later. Let’s pray that this proves not to be the case here! But again, please be careful.
In sadness,
aurick