In the aftermath of these heinous attacks, the country rallied together and demonstrated its' unified support for our President and our government. George W. Bush's approval ratings soared above 90%, and anyone who openly questioned our government during this vulnerable period was accused of providing aid and comfort to our enemies. We were one nation, and we deferred to our democratically elected leaders. The citizenry gave our President more than just the benefit of the doubt. Dissent disappeared (for a few months, at least, and some would say longer).
Almost a decade has passed. We have either prevented or luckily avoided any massive, coordinated attack since that fateful day. We have been vigilant, but mostly, we've been lucky.
I wonder if the electorate would band together again, as we shared our grief and anger and determination in 2001, if we were to fall victim to a similar attack during the current administration's stewardship. This would be a true measure of the depth of our political divide.
Bush came to power after a protracted and contentious election. Bush had prior warning of the threat that we faced. The people, red and blue, rallied behind him at that critical time. Obama's term has been contentious, and some question his legitimacy to hold the office, as some question Bush's legitimacy. Obama knows the severity of the threat. Would the people rally behind him?
I hope I never know the answer.
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