That Uneasy, Lingering Feeling

Despite the passage of time, the memory of that day is still felt as an awful, tangible presence. Some of us dream about it, some still discuss it at length with friends, for most of us specific events during that day pop to mind at different occasions.

"This changes everything," someone in our office said after we witnessed the World Trade Center towers collapse. I disagreed, but in retrospect know that much has changed after September 11, 2001. The change is dramatic and far-reaching.

These lines are written with some hesitation. The "right" media timing was last week, so why discuss it now? That is part of the change. The events of that day linger and affect us all, leaving everyone from New Yorkers to nomads in the Sahara with the knowledge that the world is now moving on an altered path.

While bringing Americans, and many others, closer together emotionally, the impact on the U.S. economy is harsh and long lasting. The increased military expenditure alone has brought the world's biggest economy to generate the largest debt in history. Some argue that it is slowly sending the superpower to its knees.

The attack also caused the U.S. to lean hard on the global banking sector and to force other countries to place tighter controls on the movement of money. Anti-money laundering programs, for example, are still being developed, implemented and fine-tuned.

The toll of 9/11 is emotional, psychological, social and economic. We all bear scars of that day – knowingly or not. The damage below those scars is deeper and harsher than many imagine. That uneasy feeling we collectively feel will never leave those that lived on that fateful day. The day when we became more considerate, yet more cynical, prouder but more scared, tougher and weaker, more appreciative of life, while sadly more careless with the lives of others. As the tenth anniversary fades away, the lessons of 9/11 needs to continue to lift us up, rather than bring us down.

- Addendum -

Change takes many forms; one of the most common forms is evolution. Starting today, IDEX is publishing a weekly price report for the global diamond industry. We believe that objectivity and transparency should be the guiding lights in everything we do. We feel that the global diamond industry deserves a reliable, transparent and impartial pricing report that is updated based on price changes in the market.

We invite you to check it over time, consider its merits on your own and find its benefits.

Have a successful Hong Kong Show. We look forward to speaking with you there.