An Opinion Editorial
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by TJ Johnston For the past month and a half, I have been dreading the one-year anniversary of September 11. The corporate media had been building up the commemoration so much, I resolved to stay away from the televised one year post mortem. The SF Chronicle devoted front-page features on "life after 9/11." I was in a funk. Then, when version 2002 of Sept. 11 passed, my depression lifted. It was just like Christmas. The same phenomenon recurs each holiday season (apparently starting earlier each year). It usually takes me a movie and a Chinese dinner to while away Christmas. Plus, I have to be mindful of the other December holidays. Now with successive September 11's (deemed Patriot Day by W), a new set of holiday blues is born (accompanied by reds and whites). That's just how the powers that be would like it. Just think: nothing happens in August in the US. There's no federal holiday or unofficial three-day weekends. The film industry would have already released their summer blockbusters. Back-to-school sales are significant only for students and parents. The only thing memorable about Labor Day is that it's the last day where wearing white is acceptable. But Patriot Day can tap a market of 280 million. Retailers and wholesalers can escape their "dog days" and cash in. You won't see any more markdowns on American flags after Independence Day. Everything about Stars and Stripes has got go! The automotive industry would be the first to exploit. "In remembrance of our departed, our new models are available with zero per cent financing." The health care industry can now expect end-of summer booms. Depressives can now pinpoint their disorders on this newly fashioned occasion. Over the counter, prescription and illicit drug sales would spike. Some suicides might occur, but there are always trade-offs. Political campaigns also would gain a month-long head start thanks to the 9/11 season. With the legislatures in recess, officeholders and seekers can campaign even more aggressively. Television and radio outlets could also jumpstart the new season, meaning a new month of "must-see" programming. Advertising is bound to go through the roof. Did somebody say "August sweeps"? Most of all, this would be boomtime for all things security: guns, burglar alarms, and everything else to continue our lives yet remain vigilant. How ever did we live without these late summer tidings? |