American Amnesia Over 9/11 Attacks

In recent weeks, the mainstream media hyperventilated over the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, regurgitating remembrances of the horrific attacks. A plethora of newscasts, newspaper reports and magazine perspectives focused on healing, forgiveness and profound personal stories about the deliberate assault on America.

However, the untold story of 9/11 in the intervening years is how many Americans have forgotten the lessons of that fateful day that changed the country forever. Too many citizens believe luck, religious outreach and coddling our enemies will keep us safe from another attack.

In fact, a recent Pew Research Center poll found that 43 percent of Americans think U.S. "wrongdoing" motivated the attacks. The research should come as no surprise because the media and many politicians have spent the last ten years blaming their country instead of the terrorists for the attacks.

Overall, most Americans believe that we are no safer today than we were a decade ago. Pew found that 62 percent of those polled think terrorists have either the same or a greater ability to launch another major attack.

It is understandable why people feel that way. The public is deeply divided over the anti-terrorism policies and tactics undertaken by its government. Many are convinced their leaders have gone too far in trying to stave off another attack.

Likewise, a majority of Americans believe the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have either increased the risk of attacks or made no difference. This is a somber reminder to the U.S. military and their families of the fickle nation they serve. No soldier should ever be put in harm's way if its citizens do no support the mission.

The Pew research stands in stark contrast to a united nation that faced events on the day after September 11th. Americans demanded punishment for the perpetrators. They insisted the government beef up its intelligence apparatus. They wanted to travel without fear. They called for tighter borders.

Soon after the American military unleashed its might, politicians and the media began expressing a different sentiment. They wanted to engage our enemies in dialogue. They preached religious tolerance. They chafed at security measures. Amnesia set in as Americans bought into the idea that our safety could be purchased with rhetoric and an extended hand of friendship.

In Pew's poll, less than half of Americans say the main reason the country has remained safe is because their government is doing a good job of protecting its citizens. A full 35 percent think America has been just plain lucky.

Clear majorities of Americans now oppose data gathering to prevent a terrorist threat, according to Pew's research. Most reject the idea of government monitoring of telephone calls and emails of suspected terrorists, which majorities had previously supported.

Politics have clearly shaped American opinions. Pew reports that from 2001 through 2008, Democrats offered "decidedly more critical views of the government performance on terrorism." After Barrack Obama became president, Democrat voters' views have turned more positive, Pew reports.

Political pandering as well as the Pew research offer a sad commentary on American resolve to fight terrorism. While the nation contemplates the events of 9/11, many of its citizens and political leaders have forgotten the painful lessons the attacks taught us.

The country must be vigilant, prepared, united in purpose and militarily strong to protect itself from terrorism. Ten years ago Americans would not have needed to be reminded.