9 Years Later - Unity and Division over 9/11

On the nine year anniversary of the September 11^th attacks, the nation’s divisive trend seemed to have hit a boiling point. The highly-politicized debate over the proposed “Ground Zero Mosque” spilled out into the rest of the country and the world. The pastor of a small church in Florida attracted global attention behind his proposed Qur’an burning event and counter protests in the Middle East. In stark contrast to the overwhelming sense of unity we felt as Americans nine years ago, opposing protests and demonstrations were planned near ground zero in New York. Fortunately, top political figures including the President, Vice President, the Mayor of New York, and others collectively issued a call for unity and tolerance. CNN covered some of the addresses and demonstrations here

Rev. Terry Jones, who spearheaded the “Burn the Qur’an Day” campaign, seemed hell-bent on moving forward with the event, despite intense political pressure and threats of violence against US troops. Initially claiming to be a message directed at extremists, it soon became apparent that it was really in response to the idea of the “Ground Zero Mosque”. Though I’m more inclined to believe that his arm was twisted in some way (by the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, or other official), the pastor had a “change of heart and decided they would “definitely not burn the Quran. Not today, not ever.” And not a moment too soon – protests were expected to become violent, with numerous potential casualties for US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan amid footage of the Qur’ans being burned.

Most importantly, as a symbol of unity between the left and the right, the first lady and former first lady came together to commemorate the victims of Flight 93 in Shanksville. They underscored the resilience of the American people to unify in the face of threats, terrorist or otherwise - citing the will of the passengers to sacrifice their lives to save thousands of others. And that's the ultimate lesson and reason we observe the tragedy on September 11^th; to remind ourselves of what makes us the same, instead of using it as a wedge to drive ourselves apart and hate and fear those that aren't like us.