The 411 on 911

So we have a bit of an anniversary today, the anniversary of the day, ten years ago, when Arab, mostly Saudi Arabian, terrorists hijacked 4 jets and flew three of them into buildings, killing over 3000 people.

Thus began what was to be called the Global War On Terror.

And in the intervening 10 years life has changed for Americans.

Like the billions of dollars that were lost on the stock market that very week, one of Osama bin Laden’s stated objectives. He knew it is all about the money.

Like the trillions of dollars that were flushed down the toilet in an unnecessary Iraq War.

Like the tens of thousands of Iraqi lives lost merely be being in the crossfire.

Like going through airport metal detectors in your stocking feet.

Like full body scans and aggressive pat downs.

Like the Patriot Act, an act that was and is a singular attack on American constitutional rights.

Like state-sanctioned eavesdropping on any and all communications.

Like mindless attacks on anyone who looks like they might be from the Middle East (or even India), or who might be a Muslim.

Like the thousands of young American and British lives lost in a war started for no existing rhyme or reason, and the tens of thousands physically and mentally scarred.

911 was an event that caused Americans to rally around a president who then took that support and ran America over a cliff. Osama bin Laden might be fish bait now, or worse, but there is no doubt in my mind that the plans that were hatched 10 years ago today were wildly successful in their ultimate effect.

It changed America and Americans, probably forever.