tp60.xml
Title
tp60.xml
Source
born-digital
Media Type
story
Date Entered
2003-02-28
TomPaine Story: Story
"Toward A More Perfect Union",
Twelve months is barely enough time to comprehend the lessons of 9/11 and its aftermath, but some instruction may be gained with determined scrutiny. I offer three primary considerations: the most obvious, the most
difficult, and the most important.
The most obvious lesson is the realization that not even the largest and costliest military power on earth could prevent a domestic terrorist attack. The natural corollary to this--that terrorism cannot be effectively
dealt with by military means--has not been learned by our government; even though we see this truth demonstrated regularly in other parts of the world.
The most difficult lesson is a dawning apprehension of global anti-American sentiment. We have until now believed ourselves benevolent, the champions of liberty. Yet how can this self-perception be reconciled with such hate-motivated attacks and the subsequent
mass demonstrations in foreign cities? Are we failing in our responsibility to the world? There is painful understanding to be gained here, and we must summon the will and the courage to approach it.
The most important lesson is a recognition of democracy as a precious and fragile living thing--easily uprooted by ignorance or fear, constantly in danger of being trampled under by greed and ambition, especially
vulnerable in the wake of enemy attack and the presence of external or internal threat. Like any living thing it will wither or atrophy through neglect, and if subjected to enough abuse may cease to exist
altogether. It cannot be taken for granted.
To thrive, democracy must be taught and practiced, celebrated and debated, and defended, if necessary, from our leaders. We offer a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in the attacks of September 11 by
learning this last lesson and ensuring that democracy did not perish with them.
Twelve months is barely enough time to comprehend the lessons of 9/11 and its aftermath, but some instruction may be gained with determined scrutiny. I offer three primary considerations: the most obvious, the most
difficult, and the most important.
The most obvious lesson is the realization that not even the largest and costliest military power on earth could prevent a domestic terrorist attack. The natural corollary to this--that terrorism cannot be effectively
dealt with by military means--has not been learned by our government; even though we see this truth demonstrated regularly in other parts of the world.
The most difficult lesson is a dawning apprehension of global anti-American sentiment. We have until now believed ourselves benevolent, the champions of liberty. Yet how can this self-perception be reconciled with such hate-motivated attacks and the subsequent
mass demonstrations in foreign cities? Are we failing in our responsibility to the world? There is painful understanding to be gained here, and we must summon the will and the courage to approach it.
The most important lesson is a recognition of democracy as a precious and fragile living thing--easily uprooted by ignorance or fear, constantly in danger of being trampled under by greed and ambition, especially
vulnerable in the wake of enemy attack and the presence of external or internal threat. Like any living thing it will wither or atrophy through neglect, and if subjected to enough abuse may cease to exist
altogether. It cannot be taken for granted.
To thrive, democracy must be taught and practiced, celebrated and debated, and defended, if necessary, from our leaders. We offer a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in the attacks of September 11 by
learning this last lesson and ensuring that democracy did not perish with them.
Collection
Citation
“tp60.xml,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed October 7, 2024, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/636.