The Fresh 9/11 Memories

The memories of September 11, 2001 lingers in the back of my mind, because it was the day that changed "The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave". As a native from the New York metro area, I understand firsthand the nature of the September 11 terrorist attack. My parents were working in New York on September 11 and both of them did not go home until the next morning. From where I live in New Jersey, I witnessed the smoke from the Twin Towers. Sadly enough the terrorist won, because they inflicted fear into our great country. Extra security measures in the airports, the NSA, and the Department of Homeland security are tangible reminders of the fear that another attack could happen in US soil. Out of all days, October 3rd at 2:30 was the day that I went to the Canon Building for my informational interview with Congressman Tom Rice. The moment when my supervisor and I stepped into his office, the alarm went on for "Shelter in Place". It didn't hit me until that moment in time when I realized that I am in one of the targets for an attack. I never felt my body frozen and shaking in fear ever in my life, because I thought our lives were in danger. Capitol Hill was lucky on October 3rd, because the event was not a terrorist attack. This is the post 9/11 world that we live in today. My classmates from the Washington Internship Institute and myself are experiencing a pivotal moment history unfolding front of our eyes, because the government is shutdown and many federal workers are furloughed until Congress agrees on a budget plan/Obamacare funding. It is so unusual to see all of the museums and national memorials barricaded, because of the government shutdown. I am sure that our founding fathers are shaking their heads right now since non of our elected lawmakers cannot seem to compromise a deal to end the shutdown. The question remains will the United States default in our loans on October 17th? Will both parties come up with a solution to raise the debt ceiling? Is our country still safe after September 11? Hopefully Congress will come up with a solution soon before it is too late. Here is a picture of me and Congressman Tom Rice by the way.