Everyone knows what today is. I didn't intend for my first real post to be on 9/11, but in a way that is appropriate - I will have to save the stuff that's all about me for a later time and devote my attention now to the honorable fallen of this day six years ago and since.
I had a conversation today with a Korean national who has been living in the US for the past 6 or 7 years. He noted that in South Korea, home to approximately 45 million, national events hold the attention of everyone for a long time. The place just isn't that big so important events are more personal to people there. He contrasted this to his observations of Americans, the 300 million or so of us, that many have apparently lost all interest in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. I had to agree that, lamentably, many (hopefully not a majority) don't seem to follow the military and political developments from our anti-terror campaigns with much interest or sense of personal involvement. The conversation ended there, but I was left thinking about his observations in the larger context of September 11th.
Americans are a free people and it is their prerogative to ignore what happens in the world around them, although this is not, in this humble bloggers opinion, a health prescription for republican (small "r") government and society. In fact, in times of national crisis and war, everyone should feel that they have a personal stake in it because our freedoms and polity are based on the concept that what affects one citizen is reflected in and naturally transferable to all citizens; i.e., we all have the same rights and to take away my rights is precedent for taking away yours, or certain benefits are available to me and you regardless of race, sex, religion, etc. That's essentially what I mean. I suspect that reasons vary for not paying attention to the war, but general prosperity and calm at home are probably the most prevalent. By and large, American do not feel the sting of lost blood and treasure; no significant tax increases to pay; no rationing; no large scale mobilization a la WWII. And as a percentage of the total population, the military is a small slice. I bet some Americans do not even personally know anybody in the service. Compare this the to endless supplies of entertainment distractions and work/family obligations and it's easier to understand the lack of personal involvement and focus.
Here's the bottom line. We need a national mission, a goal. Something around which we can rally and direct our energies toward. Preventing the next 9/11 is great for the federal government - that is their job. But John and Jane Q. Citizen need something more definitive and motivating. I think we can all agree that the Administration has failed to coherently and consistently articulate a national goal. This failure has left a space for partisan bickering, conspiracy theories, and general apathy. It has also allowed for the continuation of paralysis in many institutions. Unfortunately, one lesson that we as a nation have apparently not learned from that tragic day in 2001 is the dangers and malignancy of hyper-litigation as an acceptable status quo. Because of our tacit acceptance of endless lawsuits and court proceedings for so long and a lack of a national mission, Ground Zero remains a hole and captured non-state combatants enjoy privileges not extended to uniformed personnel, among other staggering failures of rebuilding and security improvements. The squeaky wheel has to once again become the American people united with a grand mission so that the next generation might know peace and be ignorant of fear.
I don't mean to preach (although there are a million more points I could offer) so I will end with this suggestion. Donate to charities and good works. Operation A/C and Operation Helmet are excellent groups who are sending care packages and armor to our troops overseas. Of course there is always the Red Cross and the funds for the relatives of 9/11 victims. The generosity and economic might of the United States is unrivaled. It's high time that we have a specific and meaningful purpose towards which to direct our industriousness and strength of character.
May Providence guide us in our noble endeavors and protect us from evil and indifference. May it be with our defenders under arms and bless our fallen.
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