The Blog Less Traveled

Like most of you, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the 9/11 attack occurred. For those of us old enough, there is one other event that we can probably remember as vividly – President Kennedy’s assassination. I remember exactly where I was in the hallway when the principal came on the intercom system and announced the tragedy. Few events in our recent history have had as unifying an effect on our country. Regardless of our political affiliation, religion or ethnic group, we were Americans first and foremost.

Unfortunately, as time passes, we lose that galvanizing effect. The immediacy and importance of the event fades into our past. Other events take over and the priority it once had is gone. However, in the case of 9/11, many of the things we now see as priorities, are a direct result of this event. The war on terror, our economy, oil prices, and the airline industry – almost everything today has been impacted.
So, what have we learned and what have we forgotten? Fighting terror and evil in this world is hard – and expensive. We can debate the path we’ve taken on how we’ve conducted the fight to this point. It’s easy to armchair quarterback the steps taken thus far. It’s been far from perfect and mistakes were made. However, I think the President made the most difficult decision imaginable with the best interests of the United States in mind. To think otherwise is just plain wrong. I think few of us would have thought that we would go this long without another terrorist attack on our land. The President should receive some of the credit for this success. Statements from sitting Congressman calling the President a liar or saying the war is lost are disgraceful. It borders on treasonous and is just encouragement for our enemy. Public discourse is fine and part of our rights as Americans. However, personal attacks and blatant lies should not be tolerated. To not hold those accountable for these actions is a failure on our part as American voters.

Right now, the TV is on and I’m watching Senator McCain and Senator Obama at the former World Trade Center site. It’s a powerful image showing America at its finest. Even with the hotly contested Presidential election in full swing, both parties can put aside their differences and can come together long enough to remember and honor the lives lost seven years ago.

Let’s not forget we’re Americans first and Democrats/Republicans second. Our country can’t afford to be divided at this time in our history. The stakes are too high.