Fifty-nine percent, for instance, said the government should have
access to companies' personal information about their customers if it
might help prevent terrorism. And yet the survey found that only 27
percent of Americans strongly trust the government to use personal
information appropriately.
In a similar vein, 56 percent of respondents believe that the USA
Patriot Act -- a law that expanded government surveillance powers and
information-sharing by law enforcement agencies -- is good for the
country. However, 13 percent said the law is not working and should
expire. An additional 50 percent said there are important questions
about how the act has been implemented, which Congress should debate
before renewing it.
| ___ Guide ___ Personal Preparedness Guide
 Dirty bombs, anthrax and smallpox: an informative guide to understanding the threat and protecting you and your family.
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McGinnis said her reading of such mixed results was that Americans
are willing to increase some government powers but still want strong
government oversight and accountability. "People are willing to trade
their privacy for security, but they would like to have some sense of
ground rules and process," she said.
Pollsters say the survey shows the government can do more to reach
out to communities. Most respondents (62 percent) said they would be
willing to help with homeland security efforts. Nearly two-thirds (64
percent) said they have tried to watch out for people "who look or act
like terrorists."
But many said they were unfamiliar with local preparedness plans in
their state (18 percent), workplace (36 percent) and school (27
percent). And fewer than a third (32 percent) said they have a plan for
their family in case of a terrorist attack. Two in five, or 41 percent,
said they have stored away a kit of food, water, batteries, first aid
and other emergency supplies.
Retired Air Force Col. Randall Larsen, chief executive of the
consulting firm Homeland Security Associates, said the survey shows the
public has a "realistic assessment" that another big terrorist attack
probably will happen, but not in their own communities.
"The most fundamental step in homeland security is having a
transportation plan, a communication plan and a readiness kit for your
family," Larsen said.
As for what else government should do, respondents said officials
could bolster homeland security by improving information-sharing among
law enforcement, health and emergency agencies; tightening border
security; and creating a "terrorism hotline," similar to 911, through
which citizens could report suspicious activity to authorities.
