On Sept. 11, 2001, people stopped what they were doing as events unfolded throughout the day. As we all sat in front of our television screens we were never more scared for our safety.

The attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. were unforgettable events that took many lives, and we could never forget what occurred. Every time we saw the two towers go down and the destruction that was caused to the Pentagon, it made our hearts sink. It was an utterly depressing time that caused a lot of us to reflect on the loss of life and the threat of our safety.

More importantly, it was frightening that something of this magnitude had occurred because it was unlike any other tragedy we had seen. During the events that followed, airports were closed for a brief period of time. When flights resumed there were timely security checks, but, while airport personnel can go to great lengths to follow procedures, there is still the chance that someone can slip something by them. The government was trying to make sure people felt safe while flying, but it wasn’t that simple because our deepest fears had been shaken to the core and the images from 9/11 were fresh in our minds.

Airport security rules were tightened and there were numerous rules about what people could not bring on flights, such as nail clippers and tweezers. The regulations continued for about a year, then things became relaxed and travelers were allowed to bring certain items back on airplanes. However, throughout the new security procedures there has been the question of whether or not the money invested by Homeland Security really made people feel safe.

Billions have been spent by the government to increase border patrol, airport
security, and the military. It is nearly impossible to be prepared for every kind of attack. The government can spend all the money in the world buying high tech devices to help track down terrorists, but the methods and technology are not foolproof.

The money invested could have been better distributed to programs that would help inform people of how they can make themselves feel safe and less isolated. Part of the security investment problem is that people don’t really know what’s going on and where their tax dollars are going. If they knew about the current security procedures, then perhaps they would feel more of a connection to their government rather than being told what would be best for them. The government has a way of underestimating the public and making decisions for it instead of with it.

After September 11th, Noam Chomsky wrote a book titled “9-11,” in which he described the event and the potential consequences from our government and the “hope” that they were trying to rebuild.
“We should also remember that one exalted task of intellectuals is to proclaim every few years that we have ‘changed course,’ the past is behind us and can be forgotten as we march on towards a glorious future. That is a highly convenient stance, though hardly an admirable or sensible one.”

What he is saying may very well be true. We are always being told to leave the past behind and look to the future, but who is to say that another attack could not occur? This is not about being paranoid of our safety or remaining overly positive that events like 9/11 will not happen again because it is in the past. Sept. 11 should be a reminder about facing reality and being aware of not only what is going on in our country, but our world.