Seven years ago today, the world changed.

On September 10, 2001, I did not know who Bin Laden was. I didn't know a thing about the Taliban. Terrorism was something that happened in Europe and periodically focused on American military serving abroad.

On September 11, 2001 and the days that followed, I got schooled on those things that most Canadians were happily ignorant of.

The world has not been the same since.

Who would have thought that Bin Laden would still be free today? In Iraq, Sadam was not so lucky. The Canadian government chose not to join the cause against Sadam and to this day, I think that was the right decision. As Chretian put it: "When there's proof, there is proof. What is a proof? I don't know, a proof is a proof". Man, that guy really had a way with words.

But every week, American soldiers are killed there. I am certain we will never know the civillian casualty rate. These pictures only remind me that.




And let us not forget our Canadian troops in Afghanistan. A different country. A different war. Nonetheless, connected in the global war against terrorism and human rights. So far, 97 of our troops have been driven down the Highway of Heros. In my mind, 97 is 97 too many. 97 of my fellow countrymen have been killed because some madmen want to wage war on the world.

The debate over whether we made the right choice in going will be argued for years to come. The debate over when we leave will probably be a major issue in the coming election.




Regardless of nationality, religious orientation or political views, on this day I remember those who have died as a result of those events of September 11, 2001.