A time for introspection

No one in America will ever need to be reminded of the significance of today’s date. Perhaps there will be a time when the horrific events of this day eight years ago fade from the collective conscience of future generations. In fact, we’re sure of it, just as past tragedies of vast magnitude have grown hazy as the decades pass.

Some argue that the fading has already begun. Listening to the people of our nation, it’s easy to see why.

The work of 19 Muslim hijackers galvanized the American people and set our nation’s agenda. Suddenly our leaders were golden and could do no wrong. We were united by a metallic thirst for revenge and intended to hunt down mastermind Osama bin Laden with the focus of a bullet in flight.

Eight years have passed and our bullet strayed long ago. Bin Laden is still at large, and our troops have been long engaged on two bloody fronts.

During the Bush administration, a chasm grew wide between Americans of differing political philosophies.

When the administrations changed, supporters moved to new positions like football teams defending the opposing end zone after halftime. Those who defended a Republican president against criticism they saw as unpatriotic now rail against a Democratic commander-in-chief they accuse of socialism. Those who were so vocal in opposition to the last administration take great offense at criticism of their preferred president.

Had someone told us on Sept. 11, 2001, that eight years later the man responsible for the unfathomable events of the day would still elude the world’s premier military forces while the people of our nation turn on each other, no one would have believed it.

On this day, it’s time for introspection.