It's my belief that we HAVE changed.
We, as a country, no longer believe that we are invincible.
We no longer believe that a terrorist organization will not be able to execute mass killings of American citizens on American soil.
Some of us have taken a long hard look at our borders and our immigration policies and have found them wanting. We have too many illegal immigrants in our country with no way of knowing whether they came to try improve their individual lot or whether they came to plot to kill citizens of our country.
Patriotism has been given a new lease on life. There are more flags still being flown now, at almost the one year anniversary of 9/11, than I can remember on any given day in prior years except flag day or Memorial day.
I see flag pins being worn on pockets, purses, suit jackets, and blouses.
I hear discussion of whether Jimmy, or Johnny, or Carl is going to enter military service not because they HAVE to but because they want to serve and defend their country.
Are there individuals that take advantage of this situation for private gain? Yes.
Are there individuals that take advantage of this situation to be hate mongers? Yes.
Are there individuals that have come to love and believe in their country more than they did before this situation? YES!
This attack by terrorists on our country is in the realm of many other catastrophes that our country has had to deal with over the centuries that we have BEEN a country.
Has this situation changed us?
Yes, I believe it has.