Even on Days That Aren’t 9/11 We Should All Think a Little Bit About 9/11

By Drew Thomas-Nathan

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Few historic events have an anniversary as easy to remember as the attacks on the World Trade Center from September 11, 2001. While it is impossible to go a single 9/11 in this country without a moment of silence or some similar ceremony, we owe it to ourselves as a nation to think about 9/11 on days that aren’t 9/11.

Look, it’s heavy stuff. I get it. But spare the heartless tragedy a thought on your morning commute, or right before you go to bed, or even the next time you’re waiting for coffee with your name misspelled on the side. Maybe appreciate your freedom to get coffee that your name can be misspelled on in the first place, Fronk.

Once you make it a habit, it’s so easy. Now I think about 9/11 all over the place! Whether I’m in the shower, eating at my local Quiznos, or getting the doctor to check the cyst on my back that’s stuck around a little too long; I can’t go anywhere or do anything without thinking about 9/11. We all should strive for this tier of beautiful, pure, naked patriotism my brain has achieved.

Again, all I’m asking you to do is think about it. Just a thought. Do it right now. So sad. See? Now you’re done for the day. It’s the least you can do. 

Can you do more? Like what, use your time thinking about 9/11 to reckon with the unjust wars, invasive security measures, and normalized islamophobia that sprung up in its wake? Yeah sure. Then what, take action by protesting and voting and calling out bigotry when you see it? Good luck with that.

Don’t get me wrong, you’re free to do all that extra stuff if you like. It’s just not for me. I’ll stick to thinking about 9/11. So sad. See that’s easy. I do that without even thinking about doing it. Most brains are pink but mine must be a star-spangled red, white, and blue because I couldn’t stop thinking about 9/11 if I tried (and I have never tried).

I have thought about 9/11 so much while writing this. I’ll keep doing it too; you can’t stop me. Just like I can’t stop you from pressuring officials to close Guantanamo Bay or ease up on unaccountable drone strikes. Someone should probably get on those. Not me though. I’ll be over here, thinking about all that. So sad. So, so sad. You’re welcome to join me.