tp178.xml
Title
tp178.xml
Source
born-digital
Media Type
story
Date Entered
2003-03-03
TomPaine Story: Story
agenda interrupted
It is only now that the damage from last Septembers staggeringly cold-hearted attack can be assessed. Its no longer counted in lives lost, but in a wounding to the national soul with crucial domestic issues put on hold indefinitely.
Overly simplistic assessments from the administration have offered nothing to citizens who seek a deeper meaning. One year later, the President views war with Iraq (still unproven as a 9/11 conspirator) as a priority over more pressing problems, like the economy or the need for democratic reform, highlighted by the 2000 election and both parties shameless, junkie-like addiction to private campaign contributions.
Beyond the attack, 9/11 revealed a political anaemia afflicting the Democracy. Neither political party seems capable of ëcorrect action as demanded by the nation. For a Senate now bound in opposing ideological straight-jackets, any bill that survives a vote is trumpeted; indeed, compromise legislation is further diluted, resulting in legislation thats ëpossible instead of ënecessary. By comparison, the average citizen proved far more able to respond decisively to 9/11 than their government.
The State must recognize that the people have made all the sacrifices asked of them. Now its time for the elected to put their ambitions aside so they can answer the real needs of the people, for if theres a true victory to be had after 9/11, its in the survival of the national soul and a return to dealing with essential issues in an apolitical, workmanlike wayÖexactly the way fire, police & emergency officials, together with the citizens of America, responded and so triumphed.
The strength of U.S defiance does not reveal itself in acts of destructionÖit reveals itself in the collective will to survive, prosper and build upon the many triumphs of the worlds most democratic nation. The people instinctly know this, yet the tragedy seems entirely lost on their leaders.
It is only now that the damage from last Septembers staggeringly cold-hearted attack can be assessed. Its no longer counted in lives lost, but in a wounding to the national soul with crucial domestic issues put on hold indefinitely.
Overly simplistic assessments from the administration have offered nothing to citizens who seek a deeper meaning. One year later, the President views war with Iraq (still unproven as a 9/11 conspirator) as a priority over more pressing problems, like the economy or the need for democratic reform, highlighted by the 2000 election and both parties shameless, junkie-like addiction to private campaign contributions.
Beyond the attack, 9/11 revealed a political anaemia afflicting the Democracy. Neither political party seems capable of ëcorrect action as demanded by the nation. For a Senate now bound in opposing ideological straight-jackets, any bill that survives a vote is trumpeted; indeed, compromise legislation is further diluted, resulting in legislation thats ëpossible instead of ënecessary. By comparison, the average citizen proved far more able to respond decisively to 9/11 than their government.
The State must recognize that the people have made all the sacrifices asked of them. Now its time for the elected to put their ambitions aside so they can answer the real needs of the people, for if theres a true victory to be had after 9/11, its in the survival of the national soul and a return to dealing with essential issues in an apolitical, workmanlike wayÖexactly the way fire, police & emergency officials, together with the citizens of America, responded and so triumphed.
The strength of U.S defiance does not reveal itself in acts of destructionÖit reveals itself in the collective will to survive, prosper and build upon the many triumphs of the worlds most democratic nation. The people instinctly know this, yet the tragedy seems entirely lost on their leaders.
Collection
Citation
“tp178.xml,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed December 23, 2024, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/666.