Are we responsible? Well, not directly, but if you read about how the Government missed so many clues or the different agencies didn't share info to what the terrorist were up to, then yes, we are a little responsible due to complacency.
It all reminds me so much of the Titanic sinking. Biggest ship in the world sailing into known trouble. It was built to withstand the worst possible collision. So many people had clues to what could happen that night, but none were connected. The horrible event shocks the world and brings people together. After a big inquiry changes are made to future ships to prevent such a loss. The Coast Guard is formed to protect the shipping.
WTC? Biggest building in the world is a target for terrorist. It was built to withstand the worst possible collision. So many people had clues to what could happen that day, but none were connected. The horrible event shocks the world and brings people together. After a big inquiry changes are made to future buildings to prevent such a loss. The Department of Homeland Security is formed to protect the borders.
Yes, an Iceberg sank the Titanic. Yes Terrorists brought down the Towers. Are we guilty for letting it happen in either case? NO. nobody in either timeline ever thought these situations would play out.
Did communication issues and design flaws contribute to the failure of both the ship and the towers? unfortunatley YES.
Are we Guilty? No, because nobody wanted to see any of this happen. The Crew of the Titanic didn't steam into an iceberg intentionally figuring the ship wouldn't sink and it would be good publicity to prove how safe she was.
No more than the agents at the FBI or CIA would have tossed important memos in the waste basket so they could go on vacation with a clean desk.
Hindsight is 20/20. The dots connect visably now. Just as then in the Titanics case, we are guilty of complacency. The failure of over confidence in a system with flaws. Flaws that are not known until a tragedy happens unfortunately.