Most Important Events In Recent History

I believe that the most important event in recent U.S. history is the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon. The events of September 11 jettisoned the United States into a war it cannot win with the brute force tactics the current administration is using to stop terrorism. The events have led to conflicts in Afghanistan and in Iraq and there will most likely be more conflicts in the future.
Gas prices have gone up due to conflict sparked by the actions of our government creating an energy crisis in America, also leading to more conflict as we fight over oil and other natural resources. It has caused religious turmoil leading to more religious based conflict since the crusades, an event that seems to be repeating itself because of Mr. Bush's views on handling the global war on terrorism. Airports are a hassle to get through and cause more trouble than good. Islam has been labeled an evil religion hell-bent on destroying "the American way" when this is just a fallacy put into the minds by the propaganda spewing out of conservative media.
The country's deficit has nearly doubled and we have put ourselves in a position as the sole defenders of the world.
According to a study done by the American Psychological Association many Americans are still feeling the mental effects of September 11. According to the study 40% of Americans say their lives were seriously affected by the attacks of September 11. Nearly 25% of all Americans say they are now more anxious and depressed due to September 11, this in an already psychologically unstable society that in my opinion will eventually be the downfall of America along with stupid people, but that is an argument for another