September 11, 2001

Since the attacks on September 11, 2001, the government has taken many actions in an effort to protect our nation.  Most of them are fairly reasonable, some of them aren’t.  It has affected everyone, from those who were born on that day to those who were already 100 years old.  And that includes us teenagers, though it may be difficult for us to see the effects with our single-track minds.

            The most obvious change is airport security.  It now takes longer for us to go through the security checks and more items are banned from the planes.  Nail files, pocket knives, and box cutters are strictly forbidden.  You cannot carry more than three ounces of liquid- water, lotion, hand sanitizer, etc.- on board, either. Family members, friends and other loved ones must say good-bye earlier in the security process than they did before, too. 

            Also, not so obvious, is that the government now has access to the phone conversations, e-mail, and internet usage of their suspects.  That’s going just a little overboard. 

            The attacks are also what led our government to decide that we need to have passports to go to and from Canada, which is one another silly policy.  Really, I don’t think Canada is plotting an attack on us, or vice versa.

            In addition, the 9/11 influenced the increase in the price of fuel, the songs we listen to (most of them are country music), and our families, for those with family members in the military.  It’s torn families apart by sending troops overseas, not knowing when, or if, their loved are coming home. 

            Some of these actions to protect us are necessary and some aren’t, but they’ve influenced our lives nonetheless.