I think the 9/11 excuse has been worn out. Quite frankly, the US economic engine is more resilient than many people give it credit for. Look atthe "almighty consumer" as an example of a resiient economic cornerstone for not only the US, but the world. The 9/11 excuse is just politalspeak for "we have really screwed this up and don't know how to fix it, but vote for me anyway." It also applies to inept corporate management that can't think of innovative ways to maintain corporate balance to insure value for the shareholders.
You're right though the world does not revolve around BJ (thank god), but that is primarily what this forum discusses.