The Statistics Speak
When looking at the numbers, the threat from terrorism pales in comparison to other dangers. In 2016, the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history occurred at an Orlando nightclub, claiming 49 lives, while gun violence overall took the lives of 15,000 Americans that same year. The risk of dying from a firearm is significantly higher than that posed by a radicalized individual.
Flu season also poses a far greater threat. According to the CDC, there were 85 pediatric deaths from influenza by mid-September 2016. While numbers for adult fatalities aren’t as precise, estimates suggest that between 12,000 and 56,000 adults die from the flu each year. In comparison, the 9/11 attacks resulted in 2,996 deaths, which is dwarfed by even the lower estimate of annual flu fatalities.
Other Risks We Face
Moreover, the police themselves are a greater risk. In 2016, police-related fatalities reached 957, with a disproportionate number of those being black men. To further emphasize the point, last year saw 64 police officers die in the line of duty, outnumbering the American lives lost to terrorism.
Accidental deaths should also be a concern, with the CDC reporting over 136,000 fatalities from accidents in 2016. Motor vehicle accidents, in particular, were at their deadliest in nearly a decade, with around 40,000 deaths. This far exceeds the number of injuries caused by terrorist acts.
Focusing on Our Children
As parents, our greatest fears often revolve around our children. The CDC reported 23,215 infant deaths in 2014, along with 3,468 child fatalities attributed to cancer, emphasizing that our worries should focus more on health and safety than potential terrorist threats.
Mental Health Matters
Mental health remains a critical area of concern that deserves attention. In 2013, the CDC indicated that suicide was the 10th leading cause of death, with over 41,000 lives lost—far surpassing the toll of terrorism.
Even man’s best friend poses a risk, with dogs responsible for 31 deaths in the past year and millions more injured. Lightning strikes also took 38 lives, though they’re still a safer bet than domestic terrorism.
Conclusion
In summary, there is a vast world of dangers out there that we should be focused on: car accidents, mental health issues, and health-related fatalities. If we want to truly safeguard our loved ones, we should advocate for policies that address these real threats rather than directing attention toward unfounded fears about immigrants or refugees.
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