On the 14-year anniversary of 9/11, many Americans will turn to memories of that terrifying day as a way to remember those lost and celebrate the bravery and service of first responders. But as many libertarians have noted today, and on past anniversaries, it is also an appropriate time to reflect on the sweeping growth of the security state set off by that the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.

Since the devastating attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon that fateful day, we’ve seen, as The Nation describes it: “Fourteen years of wars, interventions, assassinations, torture, kidnappings, black sites, the growth of the American national security state to monumental proportions, and the spread of Islamic extremism across much of the Greater Middle East and Africa.” Under the Bush administration, the rollback of freedoms was sudden and strong, leading to protests and increasing dissatisfaction with his presidency.

When President Obama took office – after a campaign that painted him as an anti-war candidate – the anti-war left largely disbanded and went home. But the policies of control and censorship continued under the current administration and were in many ways expanded. The violence continued as well, with conflicts springing up in Syria, Yemen, and Libya.

Now, a new documentary, Imminent Threat, details the way in which the “War on Terror” became a way for the federal government to sidestep civil liberties and justify belligerence on a grand scale. Fourteen years on, we’re no more secure than we were when the attacks took place. But now, we’re subject to an enormous domestic spying regime, extrajudicial killings, and increasingly worrying restrictions on journalists and political radicals. Not to mention the growth of groups like ISIS, whose membership is fueled in part by the civilian casualties of American drone programs.

The film has a simple message: this approach to terrorism has to stop. It will be a long road to regain the freedoms we’ve lost and to extricate ourselves from the conflicts we’ve created, but the difficult work can’t be ignored. The future of the world depends on it.

Libertarians have, of course, stood firm on this issue since the heady days following the attacks. But we can’t do this alone. The film also details some ways in which civil libertarians can work with what remains of the anti-war left to craft legislation that would protect the remaining rights of U.S. citizens and restore what’s been lost. For too long, we’ve allowed neoconservatives and other war hawks to play our two camps against each other, focusing on where we differ rather than where we agree.

The film was released last Friday and is available for screening on Vimeo. It’s a great way to remind your campus that despite the end of the Bush administration, the “War on Terror” continues, and has even escalated. It’s also an opportunity to build good will with any left-leaning or anti-war groups at your school and to start conversations about they can work with libertarians towards a more peaceful future. You can contact SFL for details on how to access the film on Vimeo for on-campus screenings.

Or, you can catch the live premiere at the Chelsea Film Festival in New York City at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 16th!