Images such as these became horrifically familiar to all of us and, in a bit over a week from now, we’ll see the 10th anniversary of this tragedy. There are some who have suggested that it was all a “put up” job by the US Government, to incite a war in Iraq, which led to a war in Afghanistan. If that was indeed the case, it would seem that a lot of people would have to have known about it and, sooner or later, the story would’ve leaked out. Quite simply, it hasn’t.
Dare we live in hope of some sort of “deathbed confession” by someone? I doubt it because I’ve joined the ranks of those who, now, do not believe that a government “of the people, by the people and FOR the people” could ever carry out such a despicable act against its own people.
But where does that leave us? Was it really all about terrorists? If so, was it solely committed by Al-Qaeda? Perhaps so, because they were quick to claim responsibility and it seems that the people identified as being a part of this heinous plot had Al-Qaeda connections.
So what has really changed in the (almost) 10 years since this barbarous atrocity? We don’t seem to have any tangible data on those who died in Iraq and Afghanistan, apart from the troops who were sent there by many nations – and, of course, the reported deaths of several of the high ranking leaders of Al-Qaeda, including the long-sought leader Osama bin Laden.
Is the world a better place now? Is it a safer place now? It seems that we see headlines, from time to time, which suggest that Al-Qaeda is planning more attacks and the targets are all over the world, including Australia. Are we now jumping at shadows? I suspect that this is the case so the answer to those questions must be “No”. My view is supported by the almost constant urging by authorities to be on the lookout for… what? Everything that looks even remotely suspicious? Who decides what is suspicious and what is not suspicious?
Those who have travelled overseas will be acquainted with the massive security that is now such a feature of a traveller’s life. Is this security for us, or merely so a government can avoid being sued the next time such a dastardly deed is perpetrated? My view on this is most definitely the latter, based on the numerous times that I’ve been delayed by a so-called random search, or a test for explosives, etc. Is a person of my advanced age and waistline likely to kill himself, or herself, in any way other than by accident, misadventure, plain stupidity or “assisted suicide”?
It can probably be argued that there’s a lot of “wackos” out there who might be willing to try a copy-cat stunt so, yes, I suppose we need to keep up the guard. But what of the “guards” who are in place right now – not the troops in the field, who we all support – but those in uniform at international terminals all over the world? Are they made of the right stuff for this important work? What would they actually do if they discovered somebody carrying guns or explosives?
Would they attempt to arrest the person? What might be the consequences of that? Might they be risking premature detonation of the explosives, or use of the guns? This must be a consideration for those in security uniforms and, if indeed they are there for OUR protection, do we not have a right to insist on them being trained to at least the same level as a police officer or soldier?
One look around the international terminals in the United States shows many security officers, as well as Police and representatives of other authorities carrying guns. That was pretty much the case even before 11th September 2001, though there were probably far fewer then than now. One thing is certain, the cost to the government has gone up considerably in the past (almost) 10 years and a whole new security industry has been spawned.
Guns are not in evidence around international terminals in Australia and, while this suggests a slightly relaxed security arrangement, it also tells me that “our” guardians are not adequately trained for their duties. Sure, everyone complies with the security checks but, then, none of them are carrying guns or explosives. I come back to the “wacko” who wants to try his luck and see how many people he can kill for the hell of it, or any other idiotic motive.
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