9/11 changed the U.S.; can we change back?

Key Points:

• James Fallows reflects on the legacy of 9/11, noting that while the attacks seemed to change everything at the time, many hoped-for permanent changes did not materialize, and some consequences may be reconsidered by future generations.
• The immediate aftermath saw a rare moment of unity, with NATO allies invoking collective defense for the first time and Americans honoring first responders and promoting respect across communities, including President George W. Bush’s outreach to the Islamic Center.
• However, much of that unity faded quickly, and significant changes reshaped American society, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the TSA, ICE, the Patriot Act, and the expansion of surveillance and militarization of local police.
• Fallows warns that while the U.S. survived the attacks and avoided repeats, daily life and civic culture were fundamentally altered, drawing parallels to other historical turning points where the country moved in troubling directions.
• He expresses hope that in the next 25 years, America will engage in deeper reflection about its identity and future path, learning from the lessons of 9/11 and its aftermath.