al-Qaida Won
"... they hate us because of our way of life..." Thus spoke George W. Bush referring to why al-Qaida perpetrated their acts of violence upon the United States. George W. Bush went on to infer that the attacks were designed to change our way of life. Based on George W. Bushe's own assertions al-Qaida won.
Why? Well, lets see: Prior to the 9/11 attacks an American citizen could board a plane within the United States without being searched by law enforcement officers. Now, not only are we searched, but we can be ordered to disrobe. After 9/11 travel is a fearful thing. Not because of "Terrorism" or al-Qaida but because of the arbitrary conduct of TSA workers. Simply wanting to travel by plane subjects an American citizen to an intimidating, humiliating and dehumanizing experience.
Before 9/11 Americans could enjoy recreating in American waters without interdiction by armed government law enforcement agents. Now after 9/11, it is common for recreational boaters to be hailed by a US Coast Guard Vessel, sporting a 50 cal. machine gun and boarded. Not only are recreational boaters subject to arbitrary searches, but now anyone near the US border can be stopped and searched by US governmental law enforcement. You no longer have the right to go about you business without interference from a US government law enforcement agent.
Prior to 9/11 Americans could leave their homes and go about their business reasonably confident of their "rights". After 9/11, no one is sure what limits are placed on law enforcement. The Bush II administration has overseen a complete militarizing of police departments. Police officers now interdict citizens fully confident that their actions will be fully protected. Even acts of murder, Sean Bell is just one example, go unpunished.
Prior to 9/11 Americans were not overly fearful people. Now, whenever a tragic event occurs, there are our leaders, crying havoc and requesting more executive authority and police powers. There is now a willingness on the part of a large and growing segment of the American people to accept dictatorship. Before 9/11 Americans knew the world was a dangerous place but still cherished their liberty. Now, law enforcement can spy on any American for any reason without probable cause or judicial review. The three branches of government were a check on each others power over the American people. The Congress and the courts now rubber stamp the Executive Branches most egregious infringements upon our civil liberties.
Prior to 9/11 only a fringe group of sadistic Americans would have thought torture would become a legitimate tool of its government. Not now. George Bush II extols its benefits and encourages its use. He has placed the moral authority of the United States on the same level as Cuba, North Korea, Iran, China and Russia. The US government is now a beacon for the sadistic and dehumanizing treatment of the detained and incarcerated.
Prior to 9/11 Osama bin Laden must have had a good understanding of George Bush, II's immature and childish temperament. He must have rightly known that his arrogant contemptuous attitude and ignorant disrespect for the American Spirit would lead him to destroy America's Constitution and its citizens right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
So, here we are, beginning the year 2009, more than seven years after 9/11. Our constitutional protections have all but disappeared; Our economy is in free fall, the US Treasury is bailing out billionaires at the expense of all hard working tax paying Americans; it is also handing out IOU's to foreign central banks faster then George Bush, II can bomb the people of third world countries, while preparing to send an additional 20,000 troops to Afghanistan.
Osama bin Laden was not the only one who hated our way of life. So, yes al-Qaida won.
Why? Well, lets see: Prior to the 9/11 attacks an American citizen could board a plane within the United States without being searched by law enforcement officers. Now, not only are we searched, but we can be ordered to disrobe. After 9/11 travel is a fearful thing. Not because of "Terrorism" or al-Qaida but because of the arbitrary conduct of TSA workers. Simply wanting to travel by plane subjects an American citizen to an intimidating, humiliating and dehumanizing experience.
Before 9/11 Americans could enjoy recreating in American waters without interdiction by armed government law enforcement agents. Now after 9/11, it is common for recreational boaters to be hailed by a US Coast Guard Vessel, sporting a 50 cal. machine gun and boarded. Not only are recreational boaters subject to arbitrary searches, but now anyone near the US border can be stopped and searched by US governmental law enforcement. You no longer have the right to go about you business without interference from a US government law enforcement agent.
Prior to 9/11 Americans could leave their homes and go about their business reasonably confident of their "rights". After 9/11, no one is sure what limits are placed on law enforcement. The Bush II administration has overseen a complete militarizing of police departments. Police officers now interdict citizens fully confident that their actions will be fully protected. Even acts of murder, Sean Bell is just one example, go unpunished.
Prior to 9/11 Americans were not overly fearful people. Now, whenever a tragic event occurs, there are our leaders, crying havoc and requesting more executive authority and police powers. There is now a willingness on the part of a large and growing segment of the American people to accept dictatorship. Before 9/11 Americans knew the world was a dangerous place but still cherished their liberty. Now, law enforcement can spy on any American for any reason without probable cause or judicial review. The three branches of government were a check on each others power over the American people. The Congress and the courts now rubber stamp the Executive Branches most egregious infringements upon our civil liberties.
Prior to 9/11 only a fringe group of sadistic Americans would have thought torture would become a legitimate tool of its government. Not now. George Bush II extols its benefits and encourages its use. He has placed the moral authority of the United States on the same level as Cuba, North Korea, Iran, China and Russia. The US government is now a beacon for the sadistic and dehumanizing treatment of the detained and incarcerated.
Prior to 9/11 Osama bin Laden must have had a good understanding of George Bush, II's immature and childish temperament. He must have rightly known that his arrogant contemptuous attitude and ignorant disrespect for the American Spirit would lead him to destroy America's Constitution and its citizens right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
So, here we are, beginning the year 2009, more than seven years after 9/11. Our constitutional protections have all but disappeared; Our economy is in free fall, the US Treasury is bailing out billionaires at the expense of all hard working tax paying Americans; it is also handing out IOU's to foreign central banks faster then George Bush, II can bomb the people of third world countries, while preparing to send an additional 20,000 troops to Afghanistan.
Osama bin Laden was not the only one who hated our way of life. So, yes al-Qaida won.
