There are tall buildings that can be seen fully only from a distance. That was certainly true for the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, before they were destroyed by Islamist terrorists who murdered almost 3,000 innocent Americans 25 years ago today. The same might be said for historical events. But at a distance of a quarter century, how clearly do we see the cataclysmic assault of September 11, 2001? In some ways, the view is darker, murkier, and more uncertain than ever.
It is clear that the unity that Americans experienced immediately after the attacks has dissipated almost completely. We are now furiously divided over basic questions of national identity and purpose. And astonishingly, we’re even divided over who is to blame for the attacks.
Leading figures shaping the views of millions, and especially young people, have distorted the history and meaning of 9/11, making it more difficult to fully and collectively honor the dead, the sacrifice of first responders, and the courage of those willing to fight and die for our country. To take two examples who have been in the spotlight lately, that includes Hasan Piker, who once declared that “America deserved 9/11,” and has become the darling of the Democratic left, livestreaming to his fans with a framed image of the burning towers in the background. And it includes Tucker Carlson, who recycles the libelous conspiracy theories he once denounced, promulgated in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 by Hezbollah, suggesting that Israeli and American Jews were in on the plot.
Read more
