September 11 pealed back a layer of the American image that either exposed her dark secrets to the world or confirmed some. Foreign and domestic relations within and without the country were tried by fire. And when the fire tries any entity, it will emerge either polished or extremely damaged. The events of 9/11 awoke America from a slumber, which sent forth a rallying cry for patriotism, stirred the scrutiny in cynics, and drew concern from the indifferent.

After the initial shock, the country scrambled to discern what this attack meant, and being a highly personalized people, many Americans took the attack personally. This was revealed mainly from the demeanor of news reporters, who supposedly represent the feelings of American citizens. Constantly, they asked the question, "Why would anyone do this to us? What have we done and why are we hated by these people?"

The only reaction to such a blow to ones personal image and integrity was to seek comfort amongst friends, a type of rally for all other Americans who were now considering their own self-image. Patriotism became a market and American flags bent to the breeze all over the nation and stuck hard to the back of automobiles. Scholars and authors hurried to redeem the American pride by reviving the memories of soldiers and wars past.

Psychoanalyst thought long and hard about how to reassure American citizens of their worth and the reasons their country is to be loved by them. Books rolled off the presses and major media outlets exalted American tradition above any other news stories. Network and cable news followed "our boys" overseas for support and shined the limelight on them so back home could be proud of America's stance against this dreaded and barbarian attack.

Citizens had to be reminded why this country was so great. It offers freedom and Democracy, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in its raw form. It is the richest, most powerful, most advanced, and most sought after country for citizenship in the world. Opportunity flies high here and a child can become anything their little heart desires because our educational system teaches them so.

This revival of American patriotism lasted for a while but was soon muffled by the voices of criticism. The Bush Administration came under fire for unexplained decisions they made and wrong turns taken on the road of foreign affairs. Blatant obstructiveness for the American campaign "Shocked, Awed" and damaged international relations with some of America's long-standing allies thus questioning America's image and overall motivation around the world.

Once the news media realized that "our boys" were possibly in over their heads and especially after one of their own, David Bloom, died mysteriously on the battlefield, the media focused shifted from war coverage to a high profiled murder trial back within the states. However, internal problems once again reared bringing with it corporate scandal, racial profiling, and economic woes.

Along the timeline of these events, American citizens and the world began to answer the questions asked by the media, "Why is America hated?" From the terrorist perspective, America is the seed of evil and moral corruption. Islamic extremist are people who refuse to allow the moral values of America to spread into their lands and culture. It is not about jealousy of America's riches or their pretty, blue eyes and blond hair; it is about the lifestyles of Americans.

Age-old cultures such as Islam, China, Africa and India are cultures that have stood thousands of years before European existence. These lands have gods and traditions all their own and have survived from the earths resources without any technological advancements of the last 100 years. The problem with Western science is that they believe the world could not survive without the so-called advancements of medicine, technology, and economic supremacy.

Democracy is a government structure that has a logical philosophy; however, in the hands of American lawmakers and politicians, and under the rule of capitalist logic, it is nothing more than imperialism, a concept that seeks absolute rule. Therefore, the contradictive foundation of American society gives it its ever-popular love-hate personality.

One could love America for its claim to independence from British control, but how long will that excuse last. Freedom of speech is a right of Americans, but limited, simply because any suggestions by the people are ignored. Freedom of religion is suppose to be a right but be realistic, one atheist can change all that regardless of the majority, thanks to the American judicial system of Civil Rights. Opportunity is available also but to a select group. The rich inherit opportunity while the poor have to seek it.

Domestic hatred for America has risen over the past 50 years. This is a fact the American media will not report and that lawmakers and politicians will never admit to. Racial discord still exist and is rising, wealth inequality is obvious and growing larger, and the immorality in the country is spreading like a disease. People are tired and crying out but for some strange reason, the ruling authorities ignore the cries.

In the meantime, terrorist know they have broken the stronghold of America and have found a weakness. As a result, Americans now live with less of the freedoms the country is so proud to proclaim. America's own government has had to tighten security throughout the country "for our own good" but is destroying the liberties America is supposedly built on. And people are pissed.

Thus, we live and tolerate from day to day. Never knowing when the next attack will be based on new information reported by the media. Fear and caution are being implanted into the minds and hearts of America's people. Because of this strained lifestyle, society will resort to more drastic forms of living; living as though every day is the last. Expressing every inner lust and imagination conceivably planted by the devil himself. Order and structure are being replaced by confusion of morality and an incompetent justice system making America a haven for evil. As the cycle continues without remedy, the arrogance of America's leaders will soon bring this country to its knees, begging for mercy. And God only gives mercy for whom mercy is due.

© 2004 by CR Hamilton