The crash in Pennsylvania also cost the lives of all on board the aircraft.
September eleventh will forever be one of those moments in life where you will remember where you were and what you were doing when you first heard about the catastrophe. The images of the two towers falling will forever be burned into every American's memory. For my generation it was the first time we have ever had the feeling of insecurity and vulnerability. Having lived our entire lives under the blanket of peacetime tranquility we suddenly were thrust out into the cold and forced to face the fact that the world isn't Backstreet Boys and skateboards. For a short period of time after September eleventh the citizens of the United States found comfort in their loved ones and shared their insecurities with those closest to them. .
Some people not sure how to react turned to rage calling for immediate retaliation on Afghanistan and Usama Bin Laden even though at that time there was no evidence or even a clear target to bomb. Cooler heads outnumbered those who called to arms fearing escalation of the carnage and pleaded with Bush to not act hastily or place blame without evidence. Congress men and women whom often spoke out against increasing the defense budget decided our homeland security was now more important than getting schools the money they still need. And some congressmen were more than happy to be out of the spotlight. Suddenly congress could agree on issues and get money and laws passed without the usual bipartisan logjam. Would this be the new way government operated or would this just be a temporary change.
Prior to September eleventh George Bush was skating on very thin ice. People nearly half of the population did not believe George Bush was fairly elected and were giving him minimal support. Even though Americans will never accept Bush's election as completely legitimate the events of September eleventh have pushed these thoughts into irrelevancy.