September 11, 2001 Effects on America

September 11, 2001 Effects on America

The date, September 11, 2001, will remain in American history as one of the most tragic days ever experienced by this nation. According to The Online Rocket, "There were 2,977 American flags placed in the ground to honor each person who lost their lives in the attacks" (Glazier 1). Terrorism came to America killing 2.996 people including the 19 hijackers. The terrorist group al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for this horrific act against humanity. A nation watched in horror as the events were televised.

This attack, although on American soil, included representatives from 90 countries according to Wikipedia. Al-Qaeda terrorists targeted the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175. The attack resulted in a tragedy on an international scale. The aftermath of these attacks resulted in both personal and national changes in lifestyles and business practices.

From a personal perspective, my life was not drastically changed by the attacks. The changes to my life were mere inconveniences. These included long lines, security checks and flight delays associated with travel. I travel extensively and my wife is fearful every time I am on a trip. She is concerned the airplane hijackings will be repeated. My wife shows the most concern for my well-being. I felt remorse for the victims, the victims' families, and the people providing aid at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the airplane crash sites. My most vivid remembrance is the victims leaping to their death.

The United States economic and antiterrorism policies have been scrutinized and forced to change dramatically. The Federal Government created a new organization called The Department of Homeland Security. News Batch (2004) states President Bush authorized the Homeland Security Agency to coordinate anti-terrorist efforts and increase funding for anti-terrorism activities. The Department of Homeland Security is a reorganization of several agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency and branches of the armed forces. The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for counterterrorism, border security, national emergency preparedness, response, recovery, immigration and cybersecurity.

The United States has started new policies to combat terrorism since the attacks of September 11, 2001. The policies include economic sanctions, preemptive military strikes, preparedness and security measures, and intelligence gathering. News Batch discussed additional measures under consideration; these include international coalitions, response to anti-American propaganda, improved "Failed States", and improved relations with the Mideast.

The United States has economic sanctions on countries that support terrorism. These countries include Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Cuba and North Korea. Besides economic sanctions, preemptive military strikes might be required. Preemptive military strikes have been taken against, Libya, Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Afghanistan. Afghanistan has since become a war. Security measures across the United States have improved significantly. One of the most successful measures is the security at airports. The last policy is gaining intelligence on the terrorist organization through infiltration, intercepting communications, and anticipating future terrorist activity. Of these new policies, the intelligence gathering is the most difficult.

The additional measures that News Batch discussed are currently in use. The United States and the United Nations have forged new relations across Europe in efforts of establishing international coalitions. A policy the United States has applied to all conflicts is winning the hearts and minds of the civilian population. By winning the public trust assists in ceasing anti-American propaganda. In spite of America's war with Afghanistan and Iraq, efforts for improving the living conditions, the education and the well-being of the public are enforced. News Batch states that improving the economic and governmental conditions of impoverished countries could assist in the decrease of terrorism. The last measure is to improve economic and political conditions in the Mideast. The United States is working this effort in Afghanistan and Iraq; this measure can run parallel with the anti-American propaganda.

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, numerous polls have indicated an increase in the vulnerability of Americans. According to a poll administered by Suzanne Thompson (2003), seventy-three percent of the individuals polled focused on the feeling of distress (anxiety, loss of control, personal vulnerability) and fear of flying. The study lasted from September 2002 to July 2003. Near the end of the survey, the percentage of anxiety decreased and a feeling of understanding the