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A Day That Changed The World
Our Opinion
Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: Commentary
Six years ago, two planes were flown into the World Trade Center, causing their collapse. On the same morning, another plane was flown into the Pentagon and a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania. The date Sept. 11 marks the anniversary of the largest terrorist attacks in the history of the United States. That day also marks a change in the world that few could have ever foreseen.
Since the attacks of Sept. 11, the foreign policy of the United States has changed dramatically. We have entered into The War on Terror, which led to the Iraq War and our foreign policy has changed based on this one issue. However, war is not the only result of Sept. 11. Since that fateful day, citizens of the U.S. have seen a debate arise over the importance of civil liberties versus the importance of our nation's security. Some of this debate has been the direct result of policy changes that have been enacted by the Bush administration. We have seen security heightened on airlines and in other areas of mass travel. Likewise, there has been a constant call for increasing the security of our borders.
Last year on the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks cities and organizations across the country marked the anniversary with vigils and speeches about the impact of the events of that day. This year, however, far fewer events have been planned across the country - and this is disheartening.
Some believe that Sept. 11 has been seized on as a cause for war and is used to instill fear in the American public. Others believe that the attacks should be remembered and that they proved, in fact, that our country is not safe. Whatever beliefs you hold about the consequences of Sept. 11, it remains that the day changed our lives significantly. We are now constantly reminded that we live in a post-Sept. 11 world. It is worth remembering Sept. 11 not only because of the lives lost, but also because of the changes that have flowed from the events of that day.
The attacks marked the beginning of a new kind of war that is as much for hearts and minds as it is for military victory. Our leaders have been pressed to find a balance between freedoms and security. New allies have been brought to the table and fresh feuds have sprung up. Sept. 11 surely changed the world.
Since the attacks of Sept. 11, the foreign policy of the United States has changed dramatically. We have entered into The War on Terror, which led to the Iraq War and our foreign policy has changed based on this one issue. However, war is not the only result of Sept. 11. Since that fateful day, citizens of the U.S. have seen a debate arise over the importance of civil liberties versus the importance of our nation's security. Some of this debate has been the direct result of policy changes that have been enacted by the Bush administration. We have seen security heightened on airlines and in other areas of mass travel. Likewise, there has been a constant call for increasing the security of our borders.
Last year on the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks cities and organizations across the country marked the anniversary with vigils and speeches about the impact of the events of that day. This year, however, far fewer events have been planned across the country - and this is disheartening.
Some believe that Sept. 11 has been seized on as a cause for war and is used to instill fear in the American public. Others believe that the attacks should be remembered and that they proved, in fact, that our country is not safe. Whatever beliefs you hold about the consequences of Sept. 11, it remains that the day changed our lives significantly. We are now constantly reminded that we live in a post-Sept. 11 world. It is worth remembering Sept. 11 not only because of the lives lost, but also because of the changes that have flowed from the events of that day.
The attacks marked the beginning of a new kind of war that is as much for hearts and minds as it is for military victory. Our leaders have been pressed to find a balance between freedoms and security. New allies have been brought to the table and fresh feuds have sprung up. Sept. 11 surely changed the world.
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