By Doug Doudney

Next week, we'll observe the 7^th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the disaster which set the tone for the 21^st century and thrust America into a global war on terrorism.

As believers in the American spirit of resilience, wouldn't it be nice if seven years later, we could point to a gleaming new structure - a tangible testament to the best-ever system of freedom, free enterprise, liberty and justice for all?

Instead, all we can show the world at the site of "Ground Zero" is a big hole in the earth.

It's been seven years. We were all inspired that week when the president said, "The people who knocked these buildings down will hear from all of us soon." We've expended great effort to rid America and the world of the scourge of Islamic terrorism and have left our nation's blood and treasure on that hard-earned battleground.

Yet, at Ground Zero all we still see is a pitiful wasteland.

Why has nothing happened? Post 9/11, local authorities vowed that the World Trade Center would be rebuilt and provide a living and working memorial to the entrepreneurs and capitalists whose lives were taken on that darkest of days.

What happened, or didn't happen? For a few hours, America came together in response to 9/11's horrible event. But it appears even our national unity and resolve has not been a match for today's bureaucracy. One of the country's premier pieces of real estate has become a victim to our modern property rights' morass. Nothing has even been entitled, multiple bureaucracies and opinions of third parties have held up reconstruction. Seven years later, only empty promises fill the structural void left by the events of 9/11.

Contrast this with the history of another New York City landmark the Empire State Building. It was conceived by a group of business leaders in late 1929. Excavation began Jan 22, 1930. Construction started March 1930. The ribbon breaking was March 31, 1931. This 102-story, 75-year-old world landmark went from concept to grand opening in 18 months!

Let's reflect. The Empire State Building was developed quickly and still stands today as a premier property. Was its construction shoddy? No. In fact, it took a direct hit from an accidental attack by a B-25 bomber in 1945 without structural damage. Was it poorly planned because it didn't get enough scrutiny by government planners and neighborhood "stakeholders?" The market says "no" because it remains occupied today by businesses and commands some of the highest rental rates in America.

The Empire State Building has been great, has demonstrated long-term sustainability and was built without a shadow of the government interference you would have had today if you were trying to build a convenience store on that same site.

As part of our reflection on 9/11 this year, let us recognize what we have lost to 75+ years of kudzu-like government growth. When we hear Toby Keith singing "the Statue of Liberty started shaking her fist," let's realize we need to do some fist-shaking of our own against the needless cost (of time and treasure) of supporting so much more government regulation than we need.

Reader responses always welcomed! Ddoudney@yahoo.com

ALERT TO ORLANDO PROPERTY OWNERS

On Monday, September 8, 2008, at 5 p.m., Orlando property owners have an opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the City's proposed property tax increase. (Orlando City Hall, 400 S. Orange Avenue.) The millage increase will impact both homestead and non-homestead property owners. (Note: A second public hearing is also scheduled for September 15, 2008 at 7 p.m.) 

To learn more about or join CPR's work to protect property rights in Florida, please visit http://www.proprights.com/ 

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