On 25th anniversary of worst terror attacks in US, most shocking display is growth of denialism

 As the United States marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, discussions are emerging about how the events of that day are taught to new generations. Some school districts and organizations are choosing to minimize or alter the narrative around 9/11, which raises concerns about the understanding of these historical events.

1. Inadequate Education on 9/11:

A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison noted that few states have laws mandating education on the 9/11 attacks.

Only Arizona and Florida have specific laws for teaching about 9/11, while five other states require observance of the day and almost two dozen offer varying degrees of related instruction.

2. Controversies in Curriculum:

Some school districts, like Fairfax County in Virginia, are criticized for avoiding mentions of Islam or Muslims in relation to the 9/11 attacks. The instructional guide emphasizes protecting Muslim students from bias, referencing them 30 times, while barely mentioning military families and first responders.

Critics, including a House intelligence chairman and former national security officials, argue that this approach distorts historical facts and dishonors the memory of nearly 3,000 victims.

3. Diverse Political Responses:

There are wide-ranging political reactions. Some argue that acknowledging radical Islam as the source of the attacks is essential for national security.

Furthermore, some current political figures, like Rep. Ilhan Omar, have made statements that downplay the significance of the attacks, leading to further controversy.

4. International and Domestic Reactions:

Policies of organizations outside the U.S. are also scrutinized. For example, the CBC in Canada initially instructed staff not to refer to the attacks as “terrorism,” a guideline later reversed after public backlash.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) pointed out persistent anti-Semitic conspiracy theories claiming Israel’s involvement in the attacks, which hurts the Jewish community and ignores established facts.

5. Immigration and Security Links:

Discussions around immigration are highlighted, particularly noting that all 9/11 hijackers had overstayed their visas. Some politicians suggest that improving immigration enforcement is a crucial aspect of national security.

There is concern that the way the 9/11 attacks are being taught today may lead to a distorted understanding of the events and the motivations behind them. With varying state regulations and political narratives shaping the educational discourse, there is an urgent call for accurate historical representation to ensure future generations recognize the significance of these attacks in relation to global terrorism. 

https://justthenews.com/nation/extremism/25th-anniversary-worst-terror-attacks-america-most-shocking-display-growth

America Can’t Import Its Way out of the Critical Minerals Crisis

 The U.S. faces a significant challenge in sourcing critical minerals essential for defense production. This situation arises from reliance on foreign imports, notably from China, which controls a vast majority of the processing capacity for these minerals. Efforts are underway to develop domestic sources, but these come with obstacles. This summary highlights the current situation, including dependency issues, strategic initiatives, and potential solutions.

1. Current Dependency on Imports:

The U.S. military needs critical minerals like germanium and scandium, used in advanced defense systems.

Major U.S. defense contractors are working to source these minerals from American firms. However, the lack of operational mines delays this process, as the U.S. hasn’t mined scandium since the 1960s.

Around 90% of global refining and processing of critical minerals is controlled by China, which poses a national security threat to the U.S.

2. National Security Threats:

Reliance on China makes the U.S. vulnerable during crises. Potential conflicts could disrupt supply lines needed for defense production.

For example, critical mineral deals with countries like Mongolia and Kazakhstan are fraught with geopolitical risks.

3. U.S. Strategic Initiatives:

The Trump administration initiated Project Vault, aiming to create a U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve, akin to existing reserves for petroleum.

Nearly 20 bilateral agreements were signed to form U.S.-friendly supply chains.

4. Challenges with Current Strategies:

Relying on global partners for critical mineral supply chain doesn't guarantee availability in a crisis.

Some partner countries, like Mongolia and Kazakhstan, are surrounded by China and Russia, making supply chains more susceptible.

5. Potential Solutions:

Reinvesting in domestic mining and processing is essential to establish self-sufficiency.

The U.S. can leverage technological expertise from allies to develop critical minerals from industrial waste.

Forming a consortium with allies for critical minerals recycling and reprocessing could accelerate U.S. capabilities.

6. Opportunities for Collaboration:

New agreements, such as potential defense partnerships with Greece and Israel, could facilitate advances in critical minerals R&D.

This collaboration could strengthen U.S. defense capabilities while reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.

The U.S. is facing a critical minerals crisis that threatens its defense capabilities and national security. While imports from countries like China have been the norm, strategic initiatives are underway to bolster domestic supply and collaborate with allies. By addressing the vulnerabilities in current supply chains and investing in domestic production and innovation, the U.S. can enhance its security and reduce dependency on potentially hostile nations.

Overall, addressing the critical minerals challenge requires a multifaceted approach combining domestic initiatives and international partnerships to secure a stable supply for defense needs. 

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/09/11/america-cant-import-its-way-out-of-the-critical-minerals-crisis/

Why the AI Merchants of Doom are Dead Wrong

 Recent discussions among AI researchers have raised alarms about the potential risks of artificial intelligence to humanity. Some experts claim that advanced AI could pose an extinction risk by the end of the decade, while others challenge the legitimacy of these concerns.

1. Resignation and Concerns:

Jacob Coxon, a researcher from Anthropic, recently resigned, expressing fears that AI technologies could threaten human survival. Another employee, Evan Hubinger, suggested a significant chance of this risk occurring within ten years.

2. Fear Factors:

The primary concerns about AI revolve around two scenarios:

Loss of Control: Highly intelligent AI systems may develop their own goals and inadvertently harm humanity.

Human Misuse: Individuals could use advanced AI for malicious purposes, such as creating dangerous viruses.

3. Debunking AI Threats:

The idea of an AI-created doomsday virus is dismissed, as the mechanisms for creating harmful viruses have already been researched.

The notion that AI can self-replicate and override human control lacks credibility, given the complexities involved in creating advanced AI hardware.

4. Physical Threats:

Current AI technology is considered too rudimentary to cause significant physical harm. Any potentially dangerous AI would take decades to develop and would likely be manageable before posing a real danger.

5. Reasons for Scaremongering:

Possible motivations behind the fear of AI include:

Researchers might genuinely believe in the threats due to their intense focus.

Larger companies might use scare tactics to push for stricter legislation, maintaining their dominance over emerging competitors.

Political agendas may utilize AI concerns to sway public support or influence elections.

The fears surrounding AI doomsday narratives are viewed as exaggerated hype. It is essential to critically evaluate these claims and not succumb to unfounded fears, similar to past climate alarmism. The reality of AI threats seems less dire than portrayed by alarmist narratives.

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/09/11/why-the-ai-merchants-of-doom-are-dead-wrong/

From Predation to Mutation: When State Expansion Reaches the Anthropological Limit

The modern state plays a crucial role in coordinating various social functions, such as law, education, healthcare, and security. However, the essential question revolves around who holds the final authority to regulate these functions. Agustín Toptschij argues that the primary issue with the modern state is its self-declared sovereignty as the ultimate source of law, leading to significant consequences for society.

1. State Sovereignty and Institutional Absorption:

The modern state claims ultimate authority, leaving no higher institutional power valid above it.

As the state absorbs society's institutions, it does not just take over functions; it also diminishes independent sources of norms, authority, and information, which can lead to reduced institutional diversity and the erosion of corrective capacities.

2. Closure and Feedback:

Closure occurs when a system becomes unable to process corrective feedback, despite having access to vast amounts of information.

The state may standardize procedures and collect extensive data, but this leads to the loss of individual perspectives and local knowledge, resulting in increased rigidity.

3. Rational Actions, Irrational Systems:

Individuals may act rationally within the administrative framework, following procedures and collecting data, but these actions can reinforce the system's incapacity to recognize its failures.

As independent institutions diminish, individuals are viewed merely as administrative categories, losing their recognition as whole persons.

4. Consequences of Over-regulation:

More regulation does not necessarily equate to better outcomes; it can breed distrust, misunderstanding, and fragmentation within society.

Intervention by the state can create more complexities requiring additional interventions, widening the gap between administrative power and real-world knowledge.

5. Saturation and Mutation:

Saturation is a state where the system functions but cannot adapt effectively; it continues to operate while losing its ability to understand and correct itself.

Mutation occurs when individuals adapt by forming new narratives and communities outside of centralized authority, although this change is often subtle and may lead to disengagement rather than outright rebellion.

6. Human Agency and Institutional Rigidity:

People constantly reshape societal norms and sources of authority, necessitating independent institutions for a stable society. These adapt as the centralized state fails to provide adequate flexibility or understanding.

The irony lies in that attempts to reduce institutional fragmentation for better control can ultimately diminish the state’s adaptive capacity.

The relationship between the expansion of the state and the loss of institutional diversity raises critical questions about governance effectiveness. As the state grows, it may not effectively manage complexities due to diminished external corrective sources. The systemic reliance on coordination grows, even as the ability to adapt and understand social realities declines. Ultimately, the state can continue to expand, but this does not guarantee control or the capacity to navigate an increasingly complex society. The key challenge lies in balancing state authority with the need for diverse institutions that support adaptability. 

https://mises.org/mises-wire/predation-mutation-when-state-expansion-reaches-anthropological-limit 

Appeals Court Won't Allow Trump Admin To Implement New Rules For Mail-In Voting

A federal appeals court has refused to let the Trump administration enforce a new United States Postal Service (USPS) rule regarding mail-in voting ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

On September 10, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld an injunction from Judge Indira Talwani that blocks key parts of the USPS rule published on August 26.

The injunction aims to safeguard mail-in voting for the November 3 elections by preventing changes that could affect how ballots are processed.

Judge Talwani stated the rule could disenfranchise voters and likely violates the Constitution, which grants states control over federal elections.

The judge emphasized that the USPS lacks the authority to enforce the rule, noting no evidence supports claims of fraudulent mail-in voting.

The ruling faced legal challenges from advocacy groups and Democrat-led states, which argue the rule would hinder voting access. Conversely, some Republican states supported the rule, claiming it would ensure election integrity.

The appeals court agreed with the district court's reasoning that the USPS’s rule improperly regulates the manner of federal elections, which only Congress and states can do.

The Trump administration's request to implement the USPS rule is currently pending before the Supreme Court following this appeals court decision.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/appeals-court-wont-allow-trump-admin-implement-new-rules-mail-voting 

The Constitution Was Made for a Moral People: It's Time to Teach Our Kids That Lesson

 This year marks America’s 250th birthday, highlighting the founders' bravery and principles in declaring independence. However, the journey didn’t end there; the creation of a government that allows citizens to govern themselves took over a decade of debate and compromise at the Constitutional Convention. The essential message of the Constitution is embodied in the phrase "We the People," emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in upholding freedoms such as worship, speech, and assembly.

To maintain these freedoms, citizens must engage actively in their communities. Key founders like George Washington and John Adams stressed that a moral and virtuous society is crucial for a successful government. Good citizenship goes beyond knowing rights; it involves self-discipline, responsibility, and communal interests.

Constitution Day, established in 2004, serves as an opportunity for educational programming about the Constitution. Individuals are encouraged to read the Constitution on September 17, engage in discussions about its meaning, and grasp both the freedoms and responsibilities it entails. The Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leadership Institute promotes this civic engagement, providing resources to students. Participate this Constitution Day by reading and discussing the Constitution with others, ensuring that its legacy endures for future generations. 

https://www.westernjournal.com/constitution-made-moral-people-time-teach-kids-lesson/

The Rocky Path to Prosecuting Terror

"Second Wave" by Michael Lebowitz reviews the history and narrative surrounding Al Qaeda's attempts to carry out additional terrorist attacks in the wake of 9/11. It emphasizes the complexities of America's response to terrorism and explores key figures involved, particularly Saifullah Paracha, who navigated connections with both business and terrorism.

1. Historical Context of Terrorist Attacks: The book highlights a series of jihadist attacks against U.S. targets from 1993 to 2001, culminating in the 9/11 attacks. There were multiple plots and attempts before 9/11, but the governmental response was limited to criminal charges rather than treating terrorism as a war.

2. Government Response Post-9/11: The shift from treating terrorism as a criminal issue to a military one happened only after 9/11. Before that, only 29 jihadists were prosecuted by the Justice Department in the eight years leading up to the attacks.

3. Focus on Saifullah Paracha: Paracha is presented as a central figure, a businessman with connections to both Al Qaeda and the U.S. government. His background provides insight into how some individuals can become embroiled in terrorism while maintaining a facade of normalcy.

4. Complex Interrogations and Legal Challenges: The book delves into the controversial interrogation tactics used after 9/11, including the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, which Lebowitz refers to as "torture". These tactics led to significant legal and ethical debates regarding detainees.

5. Ongoing Investigations: Investigators grappled with piecing together Paracha's involvement with terrorists, particularly concerning his relationship with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), a key figure behind the 9/11 attacks. The ambiguity surrounding Paracha's knowledge of KSM's activities complicates the case.

6. The Role of the U.S. Government: The narrative critiques the government’s bureaucratic missteps, highlighting how pre-9/11 law-enforcement limitations hindered effective counter-terrorism efforts. The Justice Department's internal barriers prevented the sharing of intelligence, exacerbating the threat.

7. Counterterrorism Evolution: It is noted that while the U.S. government’s immediate response was often flawed, the long-term strategy evolved to become more effective in preventing future attacks. A hybrid approach combining law enforcement with military tactics emerged as a significant improvement.

8. Paracha’s Downfall and Legacy: Paracha spent 19 years at Guantanamo Bay without trial and was subjected to accusations of terrorism-related activities due to his connections, yet he maintained he was not complicit. His case illustrates the complex and often flawed nature of the legal system in dealing with terrorism.

"Second Wave" provides a detailed account of the complexities surrounding the fight against terrorism in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, focusing on the interplay between legal proceedings, military actions, and individual stories like that of Saifullah Paracha. The book ultimately underscores the need for a reevaluation of how the U.S. responds to terrorism and the historical lessons that inform present and future counterterrorism strategies. 

https://freebeacon.com/national-security/the-rocky-path-to-prosecuting-terror/