Have We Changed?

I wrote a lament on Sept. 11, 2004. All that day, TV and radio stations were covering various memorials and ceremonies for the victims of the terrorist attacks 3 years ago. I kept hearing the question, "Have Americans changed as a result of 9-11?" Everyone on the media and political scene answered with a resounding "Yes! Americans have changed fundamentally." "We have Homeland Security, we went after Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban." "We are fighting for freedom in Iraq. We got Saddam Hussein." "As a people, we are more cautious and aware of our surroundings, we pay more attention and no longer take our safety for granted. We realize that at any day, we could be attacked again."

I, personally, don't think that things have changed all that much. I'm still bombarded with catchy advertising that tells me I need to have a million and one different products in order to be happy. Half-clothed women gyrate around on the TV screen singing about their undying love for a guy they just met. I get credit card offers and low mortgage rates stuffed into my mailbox ad nauseum. I am rapidly informed if a Hollywood star enters rehab, gets married, gets divorced, produces a new movie or goes on vacation. America's motto still seems to be: "I want what makes me feel good right now."