“It strains credulity that we were somehow surprised by these attacks, especially given the widespread access to up-to-the-second real-time feeds from either KH satellites or drones on station in the area.”

Not to mention it was 9-11, but I think people were starting to act like they just wanted to forget it and move on. This article was eerily prescient:

“The most important thing to remember on Sept. 11 is that the world is still a dangerous place. Evil exists, and the United States must recognize that fact and take the necessary steps to defeat it. Freedom’s adversaries are watching as American capabilities decline, as the defense budget is slashed, and as the White House stubbornly refuses to admit there is a problem. The anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks should remind Americans of the tragic consequences of disregarding threats until they grow too great to be ignored.:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/sep/10/forget-911/