9/11, Eight Years Later: What Has Changed?

I can't believe the time has flied on this event. It seems like it was only yesterday that the horror took place. I remember very distinctly on 911, everyone gathering around a mini-TV or in the break rooms at work. All the cell towers were busy and everyone had a slight state of panic across the country. Since then, we are still on the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and have changed to a new administration. They are rebuilding the new towers and every airport has security measures that will delay your trip or make it very unpleasant if not prepared for the checks.

One thing I thought would permanently change after 911, is how we treat each other in this society. Apparently, in my onion, it is has all gone back to the same old, taking each other for granted. After 911, in past encounters with people they seemed so much more caring. I remember going into the grocery store and other shopping centers and everywhere I turned people were so polite saying "excuse me" or even allowing me to get in the front of the line. Now, your lucky to not get into a disagreement or worse, in a line or in the parking lot. How much more gracious and compassionate for the next fellow we were. Since 911, have we felt this superior sense of safety to where it doesn't matter what happens at the end of the day anymore or what were the last words spoken to a loved one were. I know I couldn't bare the thought of losing any body I love any which way, whether by terrorist attack or car accident. I want to share words of love and encouragement to my loved ones. Why has our society seemingly forgotten what it felt like to love again and just be plain old friendly? In no way am I stating what happened on 911 was good on any measure, but something welcomed came from it. We have better security; we have more firm beliefs on war and how we really think of getting involved with another countries problems. Now after 911, people have become more aware of their surroundings, but what happened to having patience and mercy on the cashier while we are waiting in the long lines. Especially the holiday seasons, stories of raging people in stores surfaced not too long after 911.

Now we have our 24-7 news coverage, now we are all connected through the web and cell phones, but what happened to the intimate connection we all experienced on that horrible day that ultimately brought us together as a nation. I hope it does not take another 911, act of terrorists, or even something worse to bring us all together again as a nation and have brotherly love towards each other in a manner that makes us all stronger and does bring the best out in people. 911 created mayhem, but it also gave us recognition of what is truly important in life, and that is loving other people to the end!