Reflect on the good that's come from terrorist attacks

When you reflect on Sept. 11, don't dwell just on the fear that was sown that day and continues to grow.

It is worthwhile to remember the other things that happened after we watched the planes strike the towers.

For one, the people of our country and the world united in a way that younger generations had never witnessed. Expressions of patriotism and support came in many ways, ranging from prayer gatherings and fundraisers to the installation of a giant flag now visible from anywhere in Carson City.

We gained many heroes, especially those who fought the terrorists on a hijacked plane and those rescue workers in the towers who gave their lives to save others.

At the same time we were forced to contemplate the extent of the evil in this world, an outpouring of love grew and rose much higher.

9/11 forced people to think about what is most important in their lives and most concluded it was not possessions or careers, but the people they loved, their families and their friends.

It would be good if that is what endures from 9/11 rather than fear.

Since then, goodwill has become harder to see. We are fighting a war that has bitterly divided the country, and with it has come monumental financial problems. From the ashes of 9/11 have risen political and fiscal profiteers. Patriotism has been linked to a willingness to give up personal freedoms.

Those are unfortunate but unavoidable outcomes of the tragedy, as they have been during our country's other low points.

But it is that same history that should give us faith in the genius of our Founding Fathers. The system they devised has always swung this country's compass straight and true.

Fear and suspicion are unavoidable consequences of 9/11, but we should not let them achieve the role they held during the Cold War. The countries that have been dealing with terrorism far longer than we have can teach us there are practical ways to protect ourselves from that evil so that it need not become a dominant part of our lives.

Because if it does, the terrorists will have accomplished much of what they set out to do.