I think the public grief is more over the former pampered, ensconced-in-a-bubble carefree existence that the US led prior to 9/11 (which also coincided with the last fun bull market).

Sure 9/11 was terrible and traumatizing. Traumatizing to people who watched it from the living rooms thousands of miles away. Then again, there are far, far worse things happening today and every day. War, famine, oppression, massive poverty. Child soldiers. Machete rapes.

If you lost sommeone you know or was close to in 9/11 (not one very close, but an acquaintance for me, yes), then of course I wouldn't say to you what I just did. You are entitled to your grief. Just as you would be if your father died of a heart attack or in a car crash 10 years ago. But on a scale of global tragedies, what happened on 9/11 just doesn't rank. If anything, it's tragic because it led to our involvement in Iraq, where we created some real misery and trauma. It's tragic for our soldiers, for the veterans suffering from PSTD.

I don't think the US needs healing. I think we need a little more compassion and awareness for the rest of the world.