Thread by @DennyBurk

Ruminating on 9-11 and differences between THEN and NOW in our national life. They are stark.

THEN: The nation was unified by national tragedy.

NOW: The nation is divided over pandemic, protests/riots, and an election.

/1

THEN: The nation was immeasurably grateful for and valorizing first responders, including policeman.

NOW: The nation is divided with many expressing open hostility toward policemen and wishing to disband police forces.

/2

THEN: The nation reveled in patriotism and love of country.

NOW: The nation is divided with many anathematizing the nation.

/3

THEN: The nation looked to her institutions (imperfect as they were) with the expectation that they would come through for her.

NOW: The nation divided with many desiring the overthrow of the social order in the belief that it is irreparably compromised.

/4

THEN: The nation set aside partisan rancor and the quest for partisan advantage.

NOW: The nation doubles-down on partisan polarization, forcing nearly every issue into an "us vs. them" binary.

/5

nytimes.com/2001/10/23/us/…