Terrorism (Too tired for a pun): What should we do?

     I think that terrorism is a major issue in modern society and the US should take some steps to help combat terrorism. However, keep in mind that it is a balancing act when we are talking about homeland security. There most certainly should be some level of surveillance (information about terrorists isn't going to just appear on their screens), but not to the point where it infringes on people's privacy rights. While proponents of heavy screening and surveillance argue that it is not explicitly defined in the Constitution, many critics say that it is implied in the 4th Amendment, no search without a warrant. After all, the intent of this amendment was to protect privacy. I see the validity of both points, and I think that the current level of surveillance is fine, although the government should cut back on tracking individual emails and phone calls, that seems like a large waste of money. However surveillance cameras have been a huge help, and the government should really keep that up.
     When we speak about fighting terrorism abroad, then the circumstances changes. I don't think we should be involved in foreign conflicts under the label of "terrorism" when it is simply civil war i.e. the Israeli mess. Under the pretense of "terrorism" the US has planned over 3 Billion dollars worth of foreign aid to Israel (foreignassistance.gov) , and this year half of the aid sent to Israel was military aid (CNN). Now, I think that is an absurd amount of aid to be sending a country which wants to fight the "terrorism" that Palestinians are taking out, when they are really just fighting for independence. On the other hand, they shouldn't just completely withdraw from the game, they should combat terrorism when necessary, when they know exactly where the threat is, and how they will strike. For example, the famous assassination of Osama Bin Laden was a very bold step in combating terrorism abroad. Overall, I think we should try and reduce our meddling, and cut down to only what is necessary to accomplish something important.