Reader IVQ offers a salient point: “The news that one of our Naval ships was targeted today is a huge event. Yet, because the terrorists had bad aim, coverage of the actual attack has been somewhat muted.

Compare the Millennium plot, that failed, and the actual events of 9/11. The only difference, really, is that 9/11 happened and the millennium plot did not. In scope and audacity the tow events are remarkably similar. Same with today when compared to the Cole. Why should the fact that the attack failed change how it should be interpreted by the media and by the public?”