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WESTON, Conn. Weston postal worker Tom Monastero believes that although the post-9/11 decade has been marked by wars and a financial crisis, the killing of Osama Bin Laden was a big step forward for America.
As long as we keep disorganizing [the terrorists], were in good shape, said Monastero, adding that the economy, on the other hand, remains a question mark.
The economy doesnt look good, he said. Theres not enough being made hereeverything is from China. We need to start sending [goods] out and making more jobs.
The Daily Weston interviewed Weston residents about how the 10 years since Sept. 11, marked by a troubled economy, war and natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, have affected their outlook.
First Selectman Gayle Weinstein said Sept. 11 has been like a cloud over our heads that changed our perception of people.
I think it will go up from here, said Dan Parrett from Weston. Hopefully, the economy will be getting better and the two wars that didnt seem to produce benefits for us will end.
Weinstein said we have to have hope that the economy will cycle back to a good place soon.
On top of the economy spinning downward, Weston was recently hit with a tropical storm that caused costly damage to homes, spoiled food in houses that didnt have power for days and cost the town money in overtime payments.
The recent natural disasters, including an earthquake, have just been a freak thing this year, said Monastero. Weinstein said the issue is that someone needs to pay for the cleanup after the stormand its usually the federal government that picks up the tab.
Washington has to figure out its budget issues so money for emergencies is safe, said Weinstein.
Are you optimistic about America's future? Leave your comments below or send your story to shenry@thedailyweston.com.
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