From James Hoehlhein: Should We Forget 9/11?I am James Hoehlein, and I am a senior who is concentrating in marine biology. This is my first IR or PS class, so I am a little overwhelmed right now. However, I find the concepts fascinating, which is what lead me to this class. I consider myself up to date with current happenings in the world, but look forward to a rigorous introduction into the study of these events. Should we forget about 9/11? My response is absolutely not. However, remembering the history of it and misconstruing its importance as an excuse for aggressive foreign policy are two very different things. America has traditionally been immune from large scale attacks by her enemies due to the Atlantic and the Pacific presenting significant barriers to warfare. Although relations have been strained at times, for the better part of a century and a half terms with America’s only neighbors, Canada and Mexico, have been relatively amicable. However, increased globalization has shrunk the importance of this isolation, and 9/11 will be remembered as the first time America’s borders have failed to protect her from a large attack since the Civil War. This is significant, and has forced America to change its stance in global interactions: no longer is it the benevolent defender, swooping in from far off to save the day. 9/11 is solid proof that America is just as vulnerable as every other nation now. However, what has transpired since then has been a disaster, and unfortunately 9/11’s legacy will be tied to this bungling. Insecure for the first time in recent history, America has lashed out with grandstanding and pre-emptive strikes. Not used to this newfound vulnerability, our current foreign policy seeks to retain the former immunity the only way we can: if the enemy can reach us now, then we must reach the enemy before they get us. This logic is paranoid, because it logically concludes with America seeking out enemies where perhaps none used to exist. 9/11 played right into the hand of the Project for the New American Century, by providing its founders and members in the current Presidential administration an excuse to exercise its belief in American global domination through strong military action. 9/11 should not be forgotten, because it was a tragic reminder of how the times have changed. Unfortunately, it will be remembered as the impetus for a misguided administration to undertake various foreign policies and wars that have largely angered and alienated the global community and given fodder to America’s rhetorical and actual enemies. Posted by Matrix Admin on September 18, 2007 12:01 PM | Permalink « From Kalie Gold: Should we forget 9/11? | Main | Should we forget 9/11? How do we move beyond 9/11? » |
