Freedom. The effects of 9/11.

I'm sure that most people could state where they were on 9/11 and what thoughts maybe, went through their mind. Well, here's mine, from a political scientist's perspective. I was involved in a large community project called Millennium Point at the time. As one of the Fit-out Team I enjoyed the project very much. The project was very diverse in its constituent parts and very interesting to an individual who enjoys diversity in activity in subject terms . Oh yes, and many thanks to Nick Frazer and the Team. Frazer Randall, for giving me the opportunity to be in involved, I have some great memories.

Anyway, there’s the back drop, now on with the story. I remember taking part in a site inspection the next morning of an adjoining mezzanine floor area with the group of managers. We began a conversation with regard to the tragedy, and they began to pass their individual opinion's on the situation. A situation that had taken over the American people's conscious lives and all of those capable of empathising with their lose of life and confidence, which was unfolding on our TV screens.

The views of my colleagues were varied, from not fully registering it enormity; but then, that was an indication of how some people had little time to spend watching TV and considering the reality of the devastation. The Media who were telling the world continuously of the situation, were not reaching everyone. Some of the others view's were one of bewilderment and in a state of sorrow.

Then, one of the team turned and said, “Well Pat, what's the political scientist's take on the situation?” To which my reply was, which seemed quite natural too say. “I see the beginning of the end of human rights and the role of the State being one of Sacrosanct in the future, in the decisions and activities they choose to take, based on their interests.” “And I’m concerned that we may find that individual rights are going back to a time when individuals were viewed as subjects 'of' the State.”

I have stated what I said at that moment in time, for a number of reasons. Firstly, to expose how, for those, trained in the art of political study, this response would be their next rational thought, once reason and not emotion were in play. And that, I feel, I am far from the minority with that thought, in the realm of political thinkers who would of realised just 'what' this disaster meant to societies as a whole for the future.

Secondly, to point at a particular incident in human experience, that possesses the catalyst to produce a global change in man’s daily activities and lives. So, do you see the fragility of Freedom, as in other principles of life?