Editorial: September 11: Think again

For years, many Americans have blindly wrapped themselves in the American Flag - this nation's symbol of democracy and justice - content in the belief that no harm would come to them. As they paraded through the world shouting the virtues of American pride and ingenuity, they took little notice of the people around them.

Then came September 11, 2001.

A radical group of people determined to ruin America - both financially and spiritually - set forth one bright and ordinary Tuesday morning and unleashed a chain of events unparalleled in United States history.

Twenty men, in the name of Allah and allegedly on the orders of their leader, Osama bin Laden, did the unthinkable: They penetrated our defenses and used our technology against us. They succeeded where no one else had, they rocked our foundation, they wounded our souls, they made us think.

Why would someone do this to us? Why didn't we see it coming? What do we do now? The questions came fast and furious, but the answers were not as easy.

We learned who attacked us - the fundamentalist Muslim group, al Qaeda, who declared a holy war against the United States. We also heard several reasons why they did it - hatred of American imperialism high on their list. However, what to do now is still left in the air.

Do we return to the way we were before the events of September 11 or do we learn from it and expand our way of thinking and living?

We were on the latter road.

On September 11 and the days after, America surprised itself. Instead of fear causing chaos and anarchy, it brought about support and understanding. Americans, who have a reputation as being obnoxious and self absorbed, banded together. In a state of confusion, people helped one another. When the world seemed like it was crumbling down around them, people selflessly gave their time, money and support.

As time went by, the shock wore off. The questions were no longer asked. It seems as though Americans have reverted to their old ways - a people engrossed with themselves, instead of the world around them.

The one-year anniversary of that tragic day is upon us. It is a perfect opportunity for everyone to reflect on the past year. Is the humanity that was so easily displayed in the days after September 11 still there? If not, how do we get it back?

America proved itself a stronger, more compassionate nation. It is in everyone's best interest to remember the lessons learned from that day. If we fail in this, the 3,105 people who perished will be in vain.