By Hector Flores and Scott Brinton
The communities, which lost 29 people when terrorists slammed two jetliners into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, felt England's pain. Commuters who spoke with the Herald at the Merrick and Bellmore train stations also said they felt a tinge of fear return to their spines on learning of the apparently coordinated London attacks, which ripped apart three subway trains and one double-decker bus.
Great Britain's prime minister, Tony Blair, immediately issued a reply to the terrorists: England would not bend in its partnership with the U.S. in the war on terrorism. From the G-8 summit, President Bush offered the U.S.'s support to the British people and denounced the attacks. And in New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg visited the British consulate to sign its condolence book.
The atmosphere at the Merrick and Bellmore stations was one of subdued resignation in the days after the London attacks, with commuters standing silently while waiting for Long Island Rail Road trains to take them into New York City. Most people said they worried about another possible attack in the metropolitan area but could do nothing about it. They had to continue commuting, because they had to work to live.
At the Merrick station in the early morning on Monday, Joe Salamo of Merrick said authorities appear better prepared for the worst than they were in 2001. "There is a big police presence, and I feel safe. I think after Sept. 11, there is more understanding now and less panic," Salamo said.
Merokean Lisa Esposito said, "I have seen more police action, but it will not deter someone from leaving a bomb. No matter how many police you have, it will not stop an attack."
Esposito believes that a system to keep better track of people is needed. "Coordinated terrorist attacks will only stop through fingerprinting," she said. "Everyone should be fingerprinted or have a DNA sample taken at birth so they can be tracked. We are free, but in order to be safe, that is what you have to do."
Dan Fallon of Merrick said, "I feel safe now, but it's impossible to patrol all stations. You go on an amount of faith. When we heard about the bombing in London, you would think everyone would be hesitant to go into the city, but you shut that down. You definitely can't shut down the city. You just compartmentalize."
At the Bellmore station, Ron Fleming of Wantagh said, "I've been commuting into the city for the last 15 years, and I don't feel there is a threat to the Long Island Rail Road piece of it."
Fleming quickly added, "Every time you go to Penn Station, there is a military and police presence reminding you that it's a target. They have done basic things to make us feel safer, like getting rid of garbage cans. There is definitely the impression that they are doing the most they can to protect us."
Omar Loyd, of Jamaica, Queens, suggested that metal detectors be installed at train stations. "There were definitely more cops at the train station this morning," he said. "But honestly, there is no way of preventing a terrorist" attack.
One North Massapequa man, who declined to give his name, said, "There is no way of knowing when an attack will take place. You can have a terrorist dress up as a police officer or soldier, and you wouldn't know the difference. They can disguise themselves and do damage.
"I do feel safer, but an attack will happen, no matter what," the man continued. "You have to be vigilant, but if someone is planning to do something, they are bound to do it, and they will do it."
Ralph Formica of Bellmore said, "I feel safe as can be. If [a terrorist attack] is going to happen, it's going to happen. Just try to be aware of what is going on around you."
Comments about this story? HFlores@liherald.com or SBrinton@liherald.com, or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236 or 203.
