There's less people getting killed by extremists than people dying from tangling in their bed sheets (or something similar).
Not only is it a a bad trade. Camera's and surveillance don't stop well planned terrorists attacks. At a certain 'level' of terrorism, or any combative action in enemy territory, you operate under the assumption that you'll get caught and/or killed.
If you truly cared about the loss of life you'd be campaigning against the current speedlimit for cars, and the fact that there's no mandatory alcohol locks for starting your car.
How many people killed by extremists in the US last year? Are you suggesting that US should increase their security to the same level as China (and implement a police state) to avoid more extremists death?
You can talk shit about your government, legitimately criticize them, read papers discussing news from different sides even they all biased but they still offer angles, express your opinion freely and perform your citizen duties in NY LA or Chicago.
Tell me about all these in China.
The gross mismanagement of the Iraq war and its aftermath does not demonstrate that security and freedom are incompatible. Yes, it's much more difficult in some places than others, and a despotic leader is all too happy to point out the failures in order to justify their own tyranny. What really sucks is that so many people fall for it.
How about you?
It is inevitable; before 911 there was almost no security check in airports. Boarding was not too much difference than shopping in Walmart.
This is one kind of insurance: most time accident is not happening, but when it happens it can be deadly.
Life consists of compromises. Some are unavoidable.