Tuesday, February 14, 2012

World Trade Center Reboot?

It's 2012 and another presidential election is just around the corner.  In hopes of gaining the attention of New Yorkers and other Americans across the United States, President Obama has looked into a tax cut that would not only boost transportation in the lower Manhattan area that surrounds ground zero, but will also start the rebuilding of the World Trade Center.

The tax cut is part of President Obama's budget plan that he proposed to congress on Monday.  The tax cut would be $200 million under this new budget plan.  The credit would be given to both New York City and New York State and would be given annually from 2013 to 2022 totaling up to a whopping $2 billion.

The "Liberty Zone" - the area in lower Manhattan where the World Trade Centers used to stand has already received a large sum of money, $21 billion in money and incentives, to revamp the terror stricken area.

The rebuilding of the World Trade Center has increased in speculated costs.  In 2008 it was estimated that the rebuilding would cost around $11 billion, but now it is estimated to be up to $14.8 billion.

Now to my thoughts - is this a good idea?  I've often wondered if they would rebuild the two large towers that once stood in lower Manhattan.  I have mixed feelings about the reconstruction.  It would show that we are strong as a country and not afraid to rebuild what others want to tear down.  The towers would be a symbol of hope and faith in our country.  On the other hand, I believe that the area should be kept as a monument and memorial for those who lost their lives that fateful September day (now roll - "Where were you when the World stopped turning that September day...").

I could see the families of the lost ones becoming upset at the thought of new towers being put in the same place where the old ones used to stand.  Did their loved ones die for nothing?  Now, when they want to visit the spot where their friends took their last breaths, they have to look at a skyscraper that (odds are) looks exactly the same as the two that were brought down so easily by the two renegade airplanes?

The thought of a duplication of the two towers slightly makes me cringe.  The area should be revamped, but perhaps they should put off the building of the towers and put something like a museum or a better memorial instead.  What do you think?

Check out the full article here.

1 comment:

  1. Lacie,
    I agree. They should think about building a museum or memorial instead. Though, I also agree with your statement, "It would show that we are strong as a country and not afraid to rebuild what others want to tear down." It's a tough call. Perhaps, the best litmus test for their plans would be to get the pulse of New Yorkers. If New Yorkers are okay with the rebuilding then good. If not, then they should reconsider. Good post! :)
    Denise

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