Loving Freedom: A 9/11 Note to Osama Bin Laden

Osama,

Today is September 11, and yes, I remember well the havoc you created nine years ago today.  And yes, I make it a point to remember it not just on the anniversary, but regularly.  And yes, you created lasting scars in American society and particularly for the families and friends of those who died or were wounded that day.  But in spite of all that, it’s worth noting one critical thing:  You lost.  You lost and you lost big and you’ll continue to lose.  How do I know?  Let’s compare notes on our lives on this day, September 11, 2010.

In the last nine years, the United States has regrouped and emerged stronger than ever.  We’re still a free society.  We still have protections that guarantee key freedoms for all individuals.  These freedoms extend into social, political, and economic spheres.  Socially, we Americans choose with whom we associate.  We argue (vociferously) with each other over political issues, and the appropriate limitations of government in our lives and in the economy.  But those arguments take place within defined bounds of acceptable discourse.  And the arguments, for the most place, take place at the margins.  No matter how heated our arguments, we share a common heritage of understanding that we are free to do that which we want, as long as we don’t infringe upon the rights of others.

And what are the outcomes of these freedoms?  In Q3, 2001, when you attacked us, our GDP was $11.6 trillion.  In our most recent quarter, Q2 2010, we stand at $13.2 trillion (both figures expressed in terms of 2005 dollars).  That’s right, in spite of your monstrous gesture and its impact, we managed to grow the already-biggest economy in the world by nearly 14% in nine years.  Need a measure besides economics?  In the last nine years, one of our most heated arguments politically has dealt with illegal immigration.  Why?  Well, because lots of people love what the United States is all about.  People want to come here.  Is that the mark of a problematic society?  Or the mark of a desirable one?  You don’t like us?  Fine.  You attack us?  Your mistake.

Outcomes of the freedoms for me?  In the last nine years, I’ve had a third child.  My wife and I have started a business.  I’ve seen special birthdays in the family.  In the last two weeks alone, I’ve visited multiple states.  I’ve flown on airplanes (A little extra screening inconvenience, yes.  But did your actions stop me?  No.)  I’ve celebrated the Jewish New Year.  I’ve met new people and been among literally thousands of strangers.  Today I’m relaxing with my family.  In short, I’ve lived freely and experienced the rewards of living in a free society.  I do not fear or look over my shoulder as I go from one place to another.  No one is hunting me.

As I start my work day, I look at the screen saver on my computer that shows a Tribute In Light showing 88 searchlights at the site of the World Trade Center creating two vertical columns of light.  And I remember that day and those that perished and those that showed true heroism.  And I marvel at the greatness of the skyline, a physical embodiment of what a free society can create.  Then I think about the last nine years in your world.  You succeeded on bringing hellfire down on regions and states that aligned themselves with you.  And you personally in the last nine years?  Running from cave to cave? Remote hideout to remote hideout?  Never secure in your surroundings?  Constantly wondering, anytime someone new is in your presence, whether he/she is carrying out a contract with the CIA, or someone from the U.S. Special Forces coming to finish you off?  Wondering, every time you hear a plane overhead, whether one of our Predators will hit its ultimate target?  You may not have been caught yet and you may not be dead yet, but I hope my description of your life is pretty close to reality.  While we’ve continued to enjoy the fruits of freedom that you couldn’t take away, you’re being hunted reaping the rewards you so justly deserve.  You’ve constantly looked over your shoulder, and your geographical sphere is limited to remote areas in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

President Bush said, nine days after the attack in an address to a joint session of Congress, “Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.”  We may not have formally completed serving our justice on you yet, but if my description of your life is anywhere close, then I revel in that.  And if you are lucky enough to continue eluding capture or death, I can only hope your life gets no better.  This does not bring back our country’s lost loved ones or the heroes from September 11th, 2001.  But I hope you have the knowledge that as a country, we’ve managed to regroup and continue.  You will NEVER have that luxury.  Even if you’re technically free, you will forever be a hunted animal.  So on this ninth anniversary, assuming the the internet is working in your miserable cave, know that we’re back out enjoying life, confident in who we are, and proud of our troops that carry out our missions.  I hope they pay you a visit soon.

David Danziger

*Dedicated to those who lost their lives on 9/11/01 and to their families, to the many heroes who served on that day, to the members of our armed services who protect our freedom and interests around the world, and to all individuals everywhere who value freedom.

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