How long did it take for things to go back to normal after 9/11?

Here’s the thing: it never went back to normal (as the currently most upvoted-comment also says in different words).

The 90s and the dreams gestated by the end of the Cold War all died that day. Nothing was the same after. Much freedom was lost by all Americans and the world became a far more dangerous, less trusting place.

Essentially, the terrorists won. Everyone else lost. Now we just accept ubiquitous surveillance and intrusions into every area of our lives. We do not deserve freedom because we did nothing to keep it.

But I remember how it was before 9/11 and it was better. Far better.