We have NEVER been safe, not completely, because it's not something we or anyone else have any control of.
Living things die. They always will.
I think part of the reason why you weren't understood is that you're mixing up several issues. There's the issue of relative risk. There's the issue of personal awareness of one's environment. There's the issue of our government's actions and inactions. Lumping them all in a discussion of whether one is "safe" invites misunderstanding.
I don't think that 9/11 or Katrina made most of us change our thinking about personal safety too much.
Here's my example: I fell down the basement stairs twice in the dark during the St. Louis Blackout. Luckily, I wasn't hurt too badly. However, I learned from that experience, and we found a flashlight that I can wear around my neck now when I have to carry things down the stairs in a blackout, that points at the stairs so I can see them.
Something else that you might want to look into is some [link|http://electrical.hardwarestore.com/13-41-night-lights/moon-light-5-1-2--620668.aspx|Moon Lights] - they're battery operated, and you won't need to remember to have a flashlight with you.
Cheers,
Scott.