"Yeah, a huge part of the (Bush) deficit has nothing to do with 9-11"
No, the majority of the current deficit does have to do with 9/11. The economy suffered massive dislocations and disruptions that otherwise would not have taken place, and that includes the entertainment sector, travel taking large hits, massive expansion of security programs and defense needs.
The economy would have been vastly better off without 9/11, and our future would look more secure. Few people I know think that the threat is removed, and the majority will not be suprised by another massive attack that does us serious harm. That puts a chilling effect on a lot of economic activity, this uncertainty that exists.