Do you agree with the oft-repeated line that "9/11 changed everything"?

[mtp51]

Some interesting discussions here:
http://discussions.wsj.com/n/mb/message.as...es&msg=3995 (http://discussions.wsj.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=wsjvoices&nav=messages&msg=3995)

[clarkef]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mtp51 @ Sep 8 2006, 11:15 AM) 36648</div>
Some interesting discussions here:
http://discussions.wsj.com/n/mb/message.as...es&msg=3995 (http://discussions.wsj.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=wsjvoices&nav=messages&msg=3995)
[/b]
To an extent. 9/11 created a greater global awareness for many Americans, including myself. The nature of America is that we tend to be inward looking, and there are logical reasons for this.

1. We are the only true superpower left (as defined as having military and economic might)
2. We are separated by two oceans from much of the world
3. Our country is huge
4. English is the most spoken, second language, thus making it the default international language.

The results is that we tended not to be as concerned with global affairs as we might. 9/11 changed that.

What it did not change was what it means to be an American. Our core values remain intact and we are probably still the most optimistic people the world has ever seen.

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clarkef @ Sep 18 2006, 03:07 PM) 37224</div>
...What it did not change was what it means to be an American. Our core values remain intact and we are probably still the most optimistic people the world has ever seen.
[/b]
Yes

And even with the new constraints on American society we still have far more freedom to persue and make for ourselves the kind of life we want. You certainly don't see that in many places on this planet.