|
|
As we memorialize the 20th anniversary of 9/11, it seems appropriate to assess the effect that attack had on American life. The killing of Bin Laden was accomplished, but the damage inflicted on our country is still being felt. The death and injury to many thousands of combatants and non-combatants alike was monumentally tragic. The trillions spent on Homeland Security, the TSA, drones and weapon development, military sub-contractors and CIA operations will continue well into the years ahead. Spending which was diverted from public projects and social programs over the past twenty years and the effect inflicted on the psyche of America was the real damage done…not the toppling of the towers or death count. Isn’t fear and paranoia the intent of any terrorist attack? The terrorist community has not been diminished, now controls the government Afghanistan and terrorist activity is now based worldwide. It certainly could be argued that the 9/11 attack was a resounding victory for the terrorist community. Respect for the United States has been diminished considerably and the globe is less safe from terrorism because of our campaign of retaliation. The United States war against terrorism has not been understood by our political leaders from the start. This conflict, like most others since before the Crusades, is primarily religious in nature, a battle of one set of beliefs against another. The fundamentalist
Moslem world in their mindset is battling the depravity of our Christian culture. Not being able to challenge us with conventional military means, they use suicide bombs to cause havoc and paranoia. Just as the US misunderstood the Viet Nam conflict, not as a civil war, but concern over the rise of Communism vs bringing Capitalism to the underdeveloped world. There was an underlying reason for the 9/11 attack beyond a simple act of terror. Wars have always been about one nation challenging the beliefs of another. Differing religious ideals have been responsible for more pain, suffering and loss of life than any other reason.
Bob LaMettry,
Grand Marais
Leave a Reply