it is at bottom what prompted the amazing statements of respect and endearment from nations around the world after the latest villainy on 11 September.

I beg to differ. I believe that what prompted the amazing statements of respect and endearment from nations around the world after what happened on 11 September was not anything that makes us different as a nation from all other nations. I think what prompted these things was a recognition of our common humanity. I think that, perhaps for the first time, the rest of the world saw themselves in us in our moment of vulnerability and need.