(djc) – It is difficult to think of a year in recent history more tumultuous than 2001. Despite its obvious downs, there were some positive moments this past year as well. Let’s take a look back at the top stories of 2001, and reflect on the events which have most captured our recent attention.
September 11th is the day which will live on in the minds of the world, but particularly for New Yorkers. The terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington resulted in a death toll of over 3000, and resulted in a recession and the first war of the 21st century. However the moments of goodwill which came out of this tragedy are also truly newsworthy, the thousands who lined up to give blood, the millions of dollars in donations to charity, the volunteers who came to New York in droves to help with relief efforts.
America’s patriotism shone in a way which it has not in decades, and the world came together in support of the US in its time of trial, offering support and renouncing terrorism. These attacks also defined US President George W. Bush and New York Mayor Rudolph Gulliani as figures who handled a crisis with grace and garnered the support of even their harshest critics. Americans embraced firefighters and other emergency personnel as true heroes, as hundreds of them gave their lives in order to attempt to save those trapped inside the burning World Trade Centre.
Canada’s contribution to the war efforts was measured, we offered some military support the US, however much of it was not needed. Canada also increased security, with changes to airport regulations, as well as controversial terror bill C-36. This bill was only passed after several amendments intended to balance civil liberties with security efforts.
The US-led War on Terrorism has ambitious aims, however it has achieved some major early successes. It has removed the Taliban, an oppressive government which was leading Afghanistan, and was especially brutal to women. However, many see the real aim of this war to be the capture of Osama Bin Laden, the prime suspect in the September 11th attacks, whose whereabouts continue to elude officials.
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“Ground Zero” World Trade Center Disaster one week after the September 11th terrorist attack that collapsed the World Trade Center and destroyed a section of the Pentagon. Photo by Aaron Peterson. |
Terrorism has not only been a concern of the US, as Israel, India and Pakistan have had continuous attacks throughout 2001. Attempts at peace have been continuous, however it is a long and slow journey to solve the social and political problems which give rise to these deadly attacks.
In Canadian news, Stockwell Day’s contested leadership of the Canadian Alliance grabbed the majority of headlines in Canada. MP’s who disagreed with Day’s leadership formed a coalition with Progressive Conservatives, much to the chagrin of grassroots supporters of the Alliance. As a result, Day has stepped down from his position, until a leadership convention next spring.
British Columbia got a new Liberal Government under Gordon Campbell after years of NDP rule, while Alberta’s provincial leader Ralph Klein admitted to an alcohol problem. Ontario Premier Mike Harris stepped down ostensibly to spend more time with his fractured family while polls showed that he was losing his previously high support.
Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman also faced challenges as his verbal gaffe about an upcoming visit to Kenya causing visions of himself in a big pot of boiling water with natives dancing all around, was seen by some as the nail in the coffin for the 2008 Toronto Olympic bid. This Olympic bid was controversial in the first place as it consumed months of time and millions of dollars from the city, which faced other social and economic problems. However, the IOC’s choice of Bejing has caused much concern from human rights activists, as China’s intolerance for religions and social movements is seen by many as overly oppressive.
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In Quebec City massive crowds rushed forward toppling large sections of the metal fence to the ground. Unable to prevent the action, the police employed a defensive strategy, lobbing numerous tear gas canisters at the protesters. |
Anti-globalization and anti-poverty demonstrators clashed with police in April in Quebec City and in October in downtown Toronto. Although many protestors were jailed and tear-gassed by police, the activists hailed these demonstrations as victories for their cause.
In the US, there was the search for White House intern Chandra Levy; who disappeared under mysterious circumstances after an affair with Congressperson Gary Condit. As well, the contested federal election results from the previous year were finally resolved, with Bush as the winner by an extremely slight margin.
Finally, beloved entertainers such as George Harrison, Mordecai Richler, Jack Lemmon Joey Ramone, and Aaliyah passed away in 2001, all with outpourings of sadness and affection from fans.
That was the year that was 2001. Although it had unfamiliar challenges, it showed the resiliency and camaraderie which are possible when people are tested. The year 2002 already promises to be a vast improvement.
