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Terror alerts: Have your say

Blair: Asking for vigilance
Blair: Asking for vigilance

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(CNN) -- UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is warning that extra vigilance is needed in case terrorists attack Britain. The French government has also issued a warning, while in the U.S. there have been several alerts about possible al Qaeda attacks.

Are such warnings useful and effective -- or do they just spread panic? CNN's Becky Anderson asked viewers to e-mail their thoughts. These are some of your replies.

I do not think the warnings are effective because a life lived in fear is a life half lived. Eustice Kwinana, Johannesburg

The multiple warnings by the UK, U.S. and Australian governments are becoming meaningless. The entire planet knows there are general terrorist threats to everyone. These warnings seem to be most advantageous to insurance companies who pull back coverage for normal people living and working in the areas of concern. Gordy, Dubai

Unfortunately these terrorist warnings only spread fear. We never seem to be prepared at the right time anyway. Statistically, we are much more likely to die in a car accident, but that doesn't keep us from driving. Yuval, Israel

Authorities are acting in a responsible manner by announcing that possible terrorist acts may take place. This puts most people on a continuous "alert" which can end up deterring an attack. We will have to learn and accept to live with this danger otherwise we will not enjoy our lives. Alan Gilmour, Dusseldorf

There's almost no use of any warnings for possible terrorist attacks. We already saw what they do -- strike where and when we least expect. So such a warning would only make people worry and would make them be afraid of going anywhere outside home. Veneta Donova

Yes they are useful as it is better to take it seriously rather than repenting later. We all have to be geared up and eradicate this menace. Cyrus Solaina, Bombay

People need to realize that the governments of the western world are only letting us know half of the story. They are not telling us all of what they know and how they came upon the information so you can bet that there is a serious threat and that the governments are trying to not panic the public. Michael Rynish, Augsburg, Germany

They are just getting people a little bit confused about all the worries terrorism could bring. Let the various national governments put up better measures assuring civilian security. Tarh Epitime, Cameroon

Informing people of possible dangers is a good thing, whether it is factual or speculation. People should become the eyes and ears of law enforcement agencies. They should be aware at all times of what might happen and sharing information will assist all parties involved to make the best choices and take the most appropriate action. Alicia, South Africa

If the fear of terrorism threats keeps all of us from going about our daily business then the terrorists have won. Something I refuse to buy into. Every warning should be heard, however, that means we should take caution, not freeze. Kevin, Dallas

These warnings are like car alarms, everybody hears them but nobody pays any attention. Chris Johnston, Namibia

Honestly, I don't know what to believe. Here in the U.S. we are being hit with all of these "elevated" terrorist warnings and nothing happens. But after 9/11 it is hard not to believe. I only hope the governments all over will not begin crying "WOLF" too many times and deaths occur. Michael Parker-Dalton, Jonesboro, Georgia

Governments must provide warnings to their citizens if they believe they are in danger. For Australia the horror of Bali means that perhaps what would have been seen as something very vague and with no real specifics and it not being necessary to advise the public is now being given as a severe warning. Sue, Southeast Asia

Maintaining vigilance is one of the hardest and most boring duties that one has to do because over 99% of the time is spent looking at nothing. However, no job is more important because when terrorism strikes it is those guards on the front lines who are keeping watch that are going to be the first to react. Kevin M. Rose, South Korea



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