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Lessons of 9/11

Since 9/11 is fast approaching, there is lot of talk about anniversary programs in TV, anniversory trauma and handling etc. Dave Winer has written an excellent piece on this. It is an enlightening essay and I simply wish it is read by as many Americans as possible.

Here are some of Dave’s observations that caught my attention.

• What kind of a country is so selfish that it doesn’t see that 9-11 was tiniest big tragedy viewed from a global perspective? I wouldn’t say it was tiniest big tragedy. But compared to the human sufferings going on in rest of the world, it is does diminish a bit.
• That we got so much sympathy says how big the human heart is. That there wasn’t more celebrating in the streets of world capitals says that they forgive us for our selfish attitude, which is back in force as if 9-11 never happened.. I think this was a little too harsh. But it has real good truth to it. As the world’s only superpower, United States can simply force its will on other communities for the sake of “American Interests”. Problem with this is that, you can’t force other people to like you too, if you don’t pay attention to their interests.
• I think it’s that God doesn’t think we’re as important as we do. Amen. When a US Senator goes to a third world country and lectures them on how their country should be done, *without* listening or giving opportunity for them to speak up, his/her popularity in that country takes a nose dive. They don’t care anymore when you pompously declare "I’m a United States senator". It is all about getting respect, not about taking it by force.

Most people in the world just want to get on with their lives and have something to live for. United States is in a very strong position to spread the wings of democracy around the world. Do that. Make regimes change - especially in the oil tub of Middle East that are ruled by royal families - to govern based on the will of common people. Let them have a feeling that their will have an impact too.

I hope Dave doesn’t get flamed and accused of being a communist or unpatriotic.