Don’t let fear blind you to America.

This is despite the deadly terror attack that left at least 10 people dead on Bourbon Street in New Orleans in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. Sugar Bowl College football playoff games continue tonight at the city’s Superdome. It was less than two miles from the massacre.

This is the correct approach. Responses to terror or violent attacks must depend on the specifics of the event. But the default should always be open. A nation must have the ability to mourn and move forward at the same time.

The question is not whether proceeding as scheduled would be disrespectful to those directly affected by terror. Obviously so; The Sugar Bowl is only a college football game. But decisions should be based less on emotion. And it depends on the level of risk being taken. and existing safety For those who are being asked to move on with their lives.

First, can the situation be legally described as no longer causing continuing harm? In 2015, in Paris, a series of terror attacks over a long night resulted in the deaths of 130 people. The entire country was put under a three-month lockdown, with most public events cancelled. That makes sense. Given the sophistication and planning behind such attacks, and the fact that concert halls and sports venues were targeted. At the time of writing this article New Orleans and federal officials maintain that they believe the immediate threat has passed.

In the statementThe FBI identified the suspect as Shamsud Din-Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas. He was killed at the scene by law enforcement officers. The FBI said an ISIS flag was in the vehicle. And law enforcement agencies are working to determine the suspect’s involvement. Although it’s unclear what additional information the FBI may have. But the centralized message suggests they are not overly concerned. Continuous risk–

Second, if a city chooses to close or delay activities. Does the city have clear standards on what will allow it to reopen? This was the dilemma following Monday’s 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, when the two terrorists initially eluded law enforcement when the Tsarnaev brothers, the perpetrators of the attack, killed an MIT police officer while fleeing. The governor asked the villagers. Nearby cities are required to remain indoors while the search is conducted. of the provincial governor pleaseThis was accepted by a fearful public rather than being enforced. and ceased to exist sustainably when the search dragged on throughout the day. European cities such as Brussels Had the same problem after a major attack. Shutting down is easy. But it is more difficult to have a unit of measure for what is perfectly safe. Because that is an impossible standard.

Third, can public safety resources and planning be repurposed or reevaluated in light of terror attacks without forcing cities to a standstill? Pre-planned sporting events, such as the Sugar Bowl, have safety and security protocols in place. This can be fixed in just a few hours. To obtain additional resources from other jurisdictions and the change in vehicle access, in fact, just one day after Boston’s lockdown. The Red Sox also played at Fenway with increased public safety, Hall of Fame slugger David Ortiz memorably. welcome The anxious crowd said. “This is our crazy city,” he echoed the sentiment that terrorists elevate their cause if they can affect the entire population. And the best response may be an insistent normalcy.

There is no perfect answer to the challenges posed by attacks. But asking the public to remain silent may not be necessary in Maine in 2023, after the tragic shooting of 18 victims by a lone gunman. The city of Lewiston and much of southern Maine also went into shelter-in-place mode for several days until it was discovered that he had died of an apparent suicide. fear and loneliness This may be extended unnecessarily by the lockdown. which was originally issued for an indefinite period

After the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, President George W. Bush tried to calm a grieving nation by telling people to remain “Go shopping for their family.” This statement was mocked as falling on deaf ears (the words “consumer patriotism” was coined) and emotionless, but for It is often forgotten in recounts. No matter how bad the attack is We still have to be there. for With each other—whether gathering, mourning, or just watching football.