How safe are we here in the U.S.? For several months, the world had to cope with daily fears of a nuclear attack by North Korea. Suddenly, those threats stopped and the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon became a horrifying bloodbath.

Patriots Day, April 15, reminded people once again that evil is all too real and present. The Boston Marathon bombing was not another 9/11; not close. The order of magnitude speaks for itself, 3 dead in Boston, and nearly 3,000 in New York City.

Still, the aftermath of the tragedy in Boston, with links to conflicts half a world away, has me wondering about just how safe are we in our homes, in our workplaces, on our streets and at our celebrations?

Was there a connection between North Korea stopping nuclear threats shortly before the attack at the Boston Marathon? I wonder.

President Barack Obama has encouraged the public to move on from 9/11. Since coming into office, he has pushed the idea that terrorism be de-emphasized in public discourse. Yet, as he knows, and anyone in counter-terrorism operations learns, the core objective of terrorists is not to conquer territory, but to conquer the psyche of average citizens.

An enhancement of U.S. security programs is a must. And Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano should be replaced by someone with comprehensive knowledge of procedures and a solid background in terrorism.

Robert Lacombe, Sabattus