After 9/11

It wasn't quite what I thought it was but I still agree with you. I think that at first we were told to pull together, show our pride, prove that "they" didn't win. But then some people saw all of that as anger and a potential threat to certain minority groups here and we were told to tone it down. Certain video images were no longer shown very often and we were told it was time to move forward. While having people get on with their lives instead of dwelling is a positive thing it also caused that same complacency to surface again. And then we throw the Iraq situation in and it feels almost embarrassing to show any pride. I support the troops because they are only doing their jobs but it doesn't make any sense to me why we are still in a war that hasn't been a war since it was declared over 4 years ago. Many people have been forced to "look out for number 1" because we can't trust anyone else to look out for us. Our country is in a very sad state right now. I'm confident it is still better than many and will recover eventually but it is hard to feel as patriotic as I did 5 years ago.

I think you're being a little hard on your own country hon! It's "human" nature, not "American" nature to try to put bad things behind us. I don't know anyone who is apathetic or complacent on the subject of 9/11 or their current security. As far as looking out for #1 goes, that's been going on since we climbed out of the trees a few million years ago. I don't think that's anything new or an American-only trait. Again we're talking about human nature here. If you think all of the above is not going on in the rest of the world I think you will find you are sadly mistaken. I don't think there are any more generous, helpful, caring or compassionate people than the American public. I have a great deal of faith in my fellow Americans, wish you had the same. Perhaps you would be happier elsewhere in the world?

I do think our country does get complacent about security measures and protecting our country from terrorist attacks. I noticed the airlines are somewhat more relaxed than they were before, though they still check pretty carefully through baggage and people. With many of our troops in Iraq who is going to protect us from another attack. We do pay more attention to our personal lives more than anything. Very nice topic. :-)

Hi there Estherlou You will find that this sort of thing happens everywhere now. After a few years things like that are forgotten until the next thing happens

Since that day my outlook on life changed and I have not changed back or forgotten.

I think "apathy and complacency are the norm" with many people but not the majority. I am fortunate in that I have good friends and neighbors that show that they care about me and my family.