The 9/11 Excuse

On September 11, 2001, the world was shocked when two planes crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center, another plane hit the Pentagon and a third exploded over a field in Pennsylvania. Three thousand are estimated to have died in the combined attacks. Nearly one-third of the dead were not Americans. The world came together in support of the United States.

It was a tragic day, and one we never hope to repeat. In the days and weeks to follow, Americans lived under a cloud of suspicion, anger and fear.

It has been nearly five years now, and the White House is still using the 9/11 attacks as rationalization for its assault on our personal freedoms. First the Patriot Act, passed and then renewed. Then the admission of listening in on overseas calls. Most recently, the disclosure of the collection of the phone records of thousands of American citizens.

Because of 9/11, we must sacrifice our freedoms. Shredding of the Constitution? Safety is more important. Because of 9/11, we must invade Afghanistan. Increase in the drug trade? Unfortunate consequence. Because of 9/11, we must launch an attack in Iraq. No weapons? At least the people of Iraq are free. (Free of their homes, their familes and often their lives.)

The building of a massive monument is underway on the former site of the World Trade Center. A tribute to those who died. Wouldn't a better tribute be the pursuit of peace?

How long will it be before Americans say enough? Restore our Constitution. Bring back our rights. Return our soldiers to their families. Return Iraq and Afghanistan to the people who live there, the ones who have the most to lose.

I won't hold my breath. It won't happen soon. After all, we must remember 9/11.