Self Inflicted Wounds: From 9/11 to COVID-19, Our Response Cuts Deepest

(Image Credit: Francisco Gonzalez/Unsplash)

Early this week, the total number of American deaths attributed to COVID-19 surpassed the death toll of the 9/11 attacks — 2,997. That moment, combined with the harrowing reality that we’re likely just past 1% mark in terms of likely U.S. casualties, has lead to some reflection on how we deal with these so called ‘generational moments’.

The Costs of 9/11

Let’s first take a look at the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath. The terrorist attacks in 2001 took the lives of 2,997 Americans, per the official death toll. The estimated cost of damages done in that attack stands at about $55B. While there’s no question this loss of life was tragic, and admittedly inspired an unparalleled anger towards those who carried out, it’s worth examining the attacks next to the costs of our reactions.

(Image Credit: Jesse Mills/Unsplash)

According to Wikipedia — sources for each datapoint made readily available — the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have killed a total of 6,792 Americans. That means for every American killed in the terror attacks, we sent more than two more to be killed in the ensuing wars.