A Reflection on September 11, 2011
This blog was named, "Positive Stimuli," for the purpose of being able to express thoughts and concerns in a positive way. Sometimes, the blogs may leave one feeling uplifted. In all actuality, at other times, sad or concerned. There are times when there just are no ways to see things in a positive way. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint just covers up something that needs to be completely replaced. Hopefully, one will be able to see beyond the fresh coat of paint to the depths of the surface, the raw flesh that hides beneath and take away something to contemplate.
Ten years ago today, a tragedy occurred on U.S. soil. Nothing this major had occurred since sixty years prior, December 7 on Pearl Harbor. The similarities of the events are worth noting. A so called "foreign" entity, Japan was not taken a a creditable threat. It happened in the morning, while most were just waking up, if not already active in their morning duties, unaware of what was to shortly take place. The attack was well planned in advance of the event. There were prior warnings that were either ignored, not given enough attention or not received. Airplanes were used as weapons of mass destruction. It was a catalyst for the beginning of a very long, arduous, calamitous war, albeit wars. Many of the countrymen from the attacking nations were just as shocked as the Americans. Thousands of people died. Memorials have taken place with great pomp and circumstance just about every year since the event.
What are the differences between the two days? When the U.S. went to war with Japan, it was an actual, specific country, whereas, Al Qaeda, although having its foundations in the Middle East, has and continues to have operatives throughout the world. Thousands of Americans who were of Middle Eastern ancestry were never rounded up and placed in internment camps. Japan eventually surrendered after the massive casualties & property losses of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Though there has been much damage done to both Al Qaeda and the Taliban, with many human casualties, including their notable leaders, no one within any of these groups has dared expressed a desire to surrender, as did Japan. To date, although many weapons, including missiles, drones, and various bombs have been used in the wars with Iraq & Afghanistan, no nuclear inclusive bombs have been used. There was a consistent, united war effort that occurred worldwide after the Pearl Harbor attack. Although initially, there was mutual support of the U.S. efforts to catch whomever had planned and carried out 9/11 by entering Afghanistan, once the U.S. entered Iraq, the war lost favor with many. The once "golden boy" image that the U.S. had was tarnished worldwide. Many believed that entrance into Iraq was for reasons of personal revenge and/or greed but not for the cause of justice for the victims of 9/11.
Has anything changed? The landscape of various places certainly has changed. The once tall towers in NYC are gone. Images from movies and print are eerie reminders of what formerly occupied the space at the intersection of Liberty and Church streets. Entire companies disappeared as their locations had been on the upper floors of the World Trade Centers. The USS Arizona serves as both a memorial and a tomb for the 900 military members that were killed in Hawaii. There are many, many memorials and tributes for the fallen. Many children who were born during both events and lost parents, are now adults. Many more survivors still deal with the challenges associated with post traumatic stress. There is still an ongoing war against terrorism and anti-American acts. During World War II, the economy was supported with the war effort. Munitions were needed so U.S. factories jumped into production to make weapons, tanks, etc. Since 9/11, the U.S. economy has faltered, unable to reclaim its footing on the world scene and retake its position as super power. Its currently heavily in debited to various nations has soaring unemployment and continual dissension amongst its ranking powers. Unlike the leaders of seventy years ago, the U.S. leaders are unable to agree on most anything but are rather locked in a constant stalemate with no effort to compromise. Yet, many U.S. citizens are willing to give up their personal freedoms, i.e., being randomly searched prior to boarding an airplane and being told what can and can not be taken on such forms of transportation, as well as have their personal information monitored by various law enforcement agencies.
Did the US learn anything? After 9/11, there was mention of the commitment by all military and law enforcement agencies to ensure the sharing of information. However, to date, there are still secrets that are held within these various agencies that refuse to cooperate with one another. There are many who have promoted conspiracy theories as to who and what exactly was involved with 9/11. However, despite congressional & law enforcement investigations, these theories still remain unproven. Questions still go unanswered.
Could it happen again? In all actuality, the answer is yes, but maybe not to the same extent. There are still many who distrust and disagree with the so called "American" way of life. Their desire is to foster and encourage a hatred for not only the U.S. government, but also its citizenry and that translates into causing as much death and destruction as possible. Although, air planes might not be used again as weapons of mass destruction, countries in Europe have seen the use of subway trains and commuter rails used as arms. Until mankind has evolved to the point of rooted all forms of hatred and bigotry out of their hears, yes, this could happen again and again.
Ten years ago today, a tragedy occurred on U.S. soil. Nothing this major had occurred since sixty years prior, December 7 on Pearl Harbor. The similarities of the events are worth noting. A so called "foreign" entity, Japan was not taken a a creditable threat. It happened in the morning, while most were just waking up, if not already active in their morning duties, unaware of what was to shortly take place. The attack was well planned in advance of the event. There were prior warnings that were either ignored, not given enough attention or not received. Airplanes were used as weapons of mass destruction. It was a catalyst for the beginning of a very long, arduous, calamitous war, albeit wars. Many of the countrymen from the attacking nations were just as shocked as the Americans. Thousands of people died. Memorials have taken place with great pomp and circumstance just about every year since the event.
What are the differences between the two days? When the U.S. went to war with Japan, it was an actual, specific country, whereas, Al Qaeda, although having its foundations in the Middle East, has and continues to have operatives throughout the world. Thousands of Americans who were of Middle Eastern ancestry were never rounded up and placed in internment camps. Japan eventually surrendered after the massive casualties & property losses of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Though there has been much damage done to both Al Qaeda and the Taliban, with many human casualties, including their notable leaders, no one within any of these groups has dared expressed a desire to surrender, as did Japan. To date, although many weapons, including missiles, drones, and various bombs have been used in the wars with Iraq & Afghanistan, no nuclear inclusive bombs have been used. There was a consistent, united war effort that occurred worldwide after the Pearl Harbor attack. Although initially, there was mutual support of the U.S. efforts to catch whomever had planned and carried out 9/11 by entering Afghanistan, once the U.S. entered Iraq, the war lost favor with many. The once "golden boy" image that the U.S. had was tarnished worldwide. Many believed that entrance into Iraq was for reasons of personal revenge and/or greed but not for the cause of justice for the victims of 9/11.
Has anything changed? The landscape of various places certainly has changed. The once tall towers in NYC are gone. Images from movies and print are eerie reminders of what formerly occupied the space at the intersection of Liberty and Church streets. Entire companies disappeared as their locations had been on the upper floors of the World Trade Centers. The USS Arizona serves as both a memorial and a tomb for the 900 military members that were killed in Hawaii. There are many, many memorials and tributes for the fallen. Many children who were born during both events and lost parents, are now adults. Many more survivors still deal with the challenges associated with post traumatic stress. There is still an ongoing war against terrorism and anti-American acts. During World War II, the economy was supported with the war effort. Munitions were needed so U.S. factories jumped into production to make weapons, tanks, etc. Since 9/11, the U.S. economy has faltered, unable to reclaim its footing on the world scene and retake its position as super power. Its currently heavily in debited to various nations has soaring unemployment and continual dissension amongst its ranking powers. Unlike the leaders of seventy years ago, the U.S. leaders are unable to agree on most anything but are rather locked in a constant stalemate with no effort to compromise. Yet, many U.S. citizens are willing to give up their personal freedoms, i.e., being randomly searched prior to boarding an airplane and being told what can and can not be taken on such forms of transportation, as well as have their personal information monitored by various law enforcement agencies.
Did the US learn anything? After 9/11, there was mention of the commitment by all military and law enforcement agencies to ensure the sharing of information. However, to date, there are still secrets that are held within these various agencies that refuse to cooperate with one another. There are many who have promoted conspiracy theories as to who and what exactly was involved with 9/11. However, despite congressional & law enforcement investigations, these theories still remain unproven. Questions still go unanswered.
Could it happen again? In all actuality, the answer is yes, but maybe not to the same extent. There are still many who distrust and disagree with the so called "American" way of life. Their desire is to foster and encourage a hatred for not only the U.S. government, but also its citizenry and that translates into causing as much death and destruction as possible. Although, air planes might not be used again as weapons of mass destruction, countries in Europe have seen the use of subway trains and commuter rails used as arms. Until mankind has evolved to the point of rooted all forms of hatred and bigotry out of their hears, yes, this could happen again and again.
I'd say you got to the basic question which has been with us for centuries: When are we going to stop fighting? Here's your last sentence, which I totally support: "Until mankind has evolved to the point of rooted all forms of hatred and bigotry out of their hears, yes, this could happen again and again," As with the last post, we have to do our own small parts where we are. Thanks to you
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