The Politics of Remembering: 9/11's Complex Legacy

As the US commemorates the 9/11 attacks, it's hard to ignore the elephant in the room - politics. Every four years, the anniversary falls in the midst of the presidential election season, and this year is no exception. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and left thousands of bereaved relatives and scarred survivors. The catastrophe also altered US foreign policy, domestic security practices, and the mindset of many Americans. The legacy of 9/11 is complex, but how have we really remembered these victims? By limiting the ceremony to relatives reading victims' names, organizers aim to keep the focus on the victims, not the politicians. But is it possible to separate politics from remembrance?What if we looked at the attacks as a turning point in American history? Did the US respond appropriately to the threat of terrorism? Did we prioritize national security over civil liberties? Did we sacrifice too much in the name of patriotism? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves as we remember the victims of 9/11. As we reflect on the past, we must also think about the present and future. How can we ensure that we remember the victims without letting politics hijack the narrative? Can we find ways to honor the fallen without compromising our values? The answer lies in engaging with the complexities of 9/11's legacy.