OPINION:
The nation has not won the war on terror, but it has not lost it either. So says a new poll that suggests Americans have learned to live with the global threat of terrorism that emerged after the 9/11 attacks. And a big majority say the “war” itself continues.
Three fourths of Americans, in fact, say the war on terror is still going on; 96 percent of Republicans and 74 percent of Democrats agree, according to a YouGov poll. It also reveals that 10 percent say the U.S. has “lost” the war on terror; 6 percent of Republicans and 8 percent of Democrats agree.
Another 6 percent say the U.S. has “won” the war on terror; 3 percent of Republicans and 6 percent of Democrats agree.
Cultural aspects are also part of the dynamics.
“A museum commemorating the 9/11 attacks opened last week in lower Manhattan, at the site of Ground Zero. The museum, which recounts the events of 9/11 and its aftermath, hasn’t escaped controversy,” says analyst Peter Moore.
“Some of the families of victims whose remains were never found are angry that unidentified remains are being kept in a museum instead of a separate memorial. On top of that, the decision to have a gift shop - which even sells a cheese plate marking where each of the attacks occurred - prompted significant opposition.”
And the numbers:
58 percent overall say it is “acceptable” to have unidentified remains of those who died in the 9/11 attacks at ground zero interred at the National 9/11 Museum in New York City; 58 percent of Republicans and 59 percent of Democrats agree.
48 percent say it’s unacceptable to sell 9/11 “brands” and commercial merchandise; 45 percent of Republicans and 44 percent of Democrats agree.
33 percent overall say a gift shop at the 9/11 museum is unacceptable; 30 percent of Republicans and 33 percent of Democrats agree.
Source: A You/Gov poll of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted May 19-20.
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