Where's the Freedom Tower?

On this, the seventh anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, it should be noted that it took all of 410 days to build the Empire State Building here in New York City. This is significant because in the 77 odd years since that structure was opened, technology has improved, and workers are at least as capable. So why, seven years after 9-11, do we have no permanent structure built on the footprint of the Twin Towers?

That answer is simple. Political wrangling, changing plans, and a myriad of local, state, and federal agencies with their fingers in the pie have conspired to make a mockery of the one thing the nation seemed determined to do in the wake of the terror attacks. That is, simply, to rebuild. The sordid history of a foundation laid and removed, one plan on paper that was ultimately scrapped, and competing political egos doesn't warrant repeating here. Suffice to say there's plenty of blame to go around.

Now New York's mayor wants the state agency charged with supervising the rebuild at Ground Zero dissolved. He says, rightly, they've botched the job. The proof? Just take the subway to lower Manhattan and look for yourself. However, getting rid of a government agency is easier said than done. At least one powerful politician stands in Mayor Bloomberg's way, and that person has blocked some of the mayor's initiatives in the past.

Now you might say political squabbling is a bit untoward on this, the anniversary of 9-11. You'd be right, but this is New York. Politicians will fight on any day and at any time. While they do, the hole that is Ground Zero sits, waiting for the spirit of unity the city and nation showed on that awful day to reappear.

It could be a long wait.