September 11, Hurricane Katrina, Tony Soprano, and the State of America

In the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, most Americans struggled to find meaning – meaning in what had happened, meaning in why it had happened, and meaning in what the future held. These attacks were more than a terrorist event; more, even, than a declaration of war. The attacks were the crux of an existential crisis for our nation.

In First Aid, instructors focus a good deal of time on how to treat a patient who is in shock. Symptoms include disorientation, numbness, confusion, and most often denial of the fact that they actually are in shock. As a nation, we experienced similar phenomena – denial of the fact that a new age had begun. Many of us held on to the belief that this was a small wound that a quick bandage could heal, instead of attempting to identify and eliminate the source. Michael Moore delivered this theory,

“They did not deserve to die. If someone did this to get back at Bush, then they did so by killing thousands of people who DID NOT VOTE for him! Boston, New York, DC and the plane's destination of California – these were places that voted AGAINST Bush!"

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, it was seen in a similar light, the explanation was no doubt global warming caused by gas-guzzling Chevys. Ironically, in both situations, the quick fix was to elect Al Gore.

The common explanation for these two landmark events was simple – that the United States was to blame. This rationale does not necessarily stem from unpatriotic sentiment, although there is plenty of that these days. It comes from a deeper psychological impulse that is common in most humans, that is that we feel more relieved and empowered knowing it was our fault, and that a change in behavior and actions can prevent future debacles and loss of life. It is far more terrifying and uncomfortable to wrestle with the idea that Islamic terrorism is a powerful force, motivated by a violent and totalitarian ideology with apocalyptic goals that is not willing to negotiate. That thought is as scary as being in a New Orleans house, battered down by the winds and floods, without help in sight, with the fate of your life in another power’s hands.

Since the end of the Cold War most Americans have been lulled into an illusion of control and reliance on government. The further this country moved from self-reliance and self-survival towards the eventual “nanny” state of socialism, the greater the shock that September 11 presented…and for many Americans, the first response was to go back to sleep and deny that a new and determined enemy had reared its head. Winston Churchill once said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” A more appropriate phrase today would be, “If you’re watchin hell unfold on TV, change the channel.” The response of America and its allies since the attack has been impressive in force but pathetic in will. There has been a lack of urgency to change and adapt to this new frightening world, and an overall blasé attitude. America, for all its wondrous achievements in technology and modernity, cannot last forever without the conviction and pride of its citizens. The greatest resource of our country is not a physical commodity, but a human one, the unique nature of our character.

And this is where we find our country today – an all powerful Westernized, modernized, multiculturalized, infantalized, mummified nation where control of our world has been shown to be an illusion. We are Tony Soprano, the bloated mobster who is trying desperately to hang on to the life he has grown so comfortable with. As Tony says to his therapist, “It's good to be in something from the ground floor. I came too late for that, I know. But lately I'm getting the feeling that I came in at the end. The best is over,” while she replies, “I think many Americans feel that way.” Soon we may realize that indeed the best is over – not because of our faults, but because we failed to raise ourselves to defend our strengths.