The terrorists seem to be winning the war against the American way of life, one catastrophe at a time.

Following the horrible 9-11 attacks, we cued up in airport security lines, having our luggage scanned, packing lotions and shampoos in Ziploc bags and leaving our pocket knives at home.

When a self-proclaimed al-Qaida operative fashioned a bomb in a shoe and tried to ignite it on a flight, we began removing our shoes for inspection in those airport lines. (I was relieved when, after the thwarted attempt by the "underwear bomber," we were allowed to keep our skivvies on.)

So, when terrorists struck again at the Boston Marathon in April, it was only a matter of time before sports fans were the next lifestyle victims.

Last week, National Football League fans took the hit as league officials decided to ban purses, backpacks and other totes at professional football games.

This will put a match to any plans I might have had to go to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to enjoy an Eagles football game in the fall. Why? For me, just attending a summertime IronPigs' game in Allentown requires a well-stocked backpack, as I like my sporting events to have all the comforts of home – padded seat, a Windbreaker and a blanket in case of rain or a drop in temperature after sundown, my camera and cellphone, some tissues, lip balm and sun block and, sometimes, a portable radio and headphones so I can listen to commentary on the game. Oh, and my wallet which, by the way, is the size of a clutch purse.

Apparently now, to attend an Eagles' game, I will be able to take only a gallon-size Ziploc bag and a clutch bag the size of my hand. No purse, seat cushion, cooler, fanny pack or camera bag will get past the gate.

How many diaper bag items can you get in a resealable plastic bag, I wonder? Perhaps only enough things to get a family of four through until halftime, on a good day. Does this mean parents who want to bring their small children to one of the 36 NFL stadiums will have to give up on the notion?

Perhaps in the way-of-life conflict, the biggest losers in this NFL decision are the fans who have to put on hold a tradition of attending football games as a family.

It feels like the terrorists have won another battle.

I am not trying to say a crimp in the habits of sports fans is as devastating for us as the loss of family members have been for survivors of the bombings and plane crashes. I am just saying it is disappointing when we react to terrorism with extreme measures because it seems like the terrorists have struck yet another target.

There is only so much you can do to promote safety when people gather in large numbers, so despite regulatory efforts, I imagine this will not be the last salvo in this undeclared war. Horrible incidents of terrorism will continue despite all efforts to keep us safe.

And that is the saddest thing of all.

Linda

Wojciechowski

associate editor

Catasauqua Press