With the latest potential Patriots scandal about to be completely
blown out of proportion (seriously? "Radiogate?" Sports journalism has
taken a major hit, mainly due to the very poor quality of writing (to
say nothing of ethics). Anyway, I have nearly reached the point of
throwing in the towel.
But that wasn't what I wanted to say. 14 years ago our lives were profoundly changed.forever. People who hate America tried to destroy our spirit. They may have destroyed some iconic buildings, and thousands of lives were sadly lost, but what was incredible about that day was the terrific resiliency shown, the sacrifices of our police officers (how we seem to have forgotten that in particular today, which is a terrible shame) , fire fighters, first responders, doctors, nurses, volunteers and all who came to the aid of everyone caught in the rubble or comforting families of loved ones departed. The shock never goes away. But our spirit can never be destroyed. Overwhelmed with grief, anger and a deep sense of loss, Americans came together in a way I will never forget. I remember how lonely I felt that day. Sitting in history class, we watched the news in total silence (that in itself what something unheard of for a rowdy bunch of 11th graders), and then once the news came through about the second crash, it was just too much to bear. I walked through the halls totally lost. Why the hell were we still sitting around in school? Did my parents, celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary in Bermuda, know? Were they safe and sound? How could such a thing happen? Why?
In many ways, Americans have come a long way since 9/11. Unfortunately, we continue to struggle with issues of race, discrimination, violence against our fellow man. Muslims are often targeted as radical fundamentalists and are therefore subjected to extra screening at airports. A profound misunderstanding of Islam led certain hypocrites to suggest burning Korans. Today more than ever we need to rediscover that which brought us together 14 years ago. We need to come together again, in love and compassion for one another. To build bridges of mutual respect, tolerance and love. Educate yourselves and each other so we don't repeat the same tragic mistakes over and over again.
Even though I like many only post once a year on this most solemn day in our brief history, it is something very close to my heart. We are a nation of immigrants, a fact which should also not go unnoticed, given the current crisis in Europe. I call upon my fellow compatriots to, at least for today, put aside ALL differences (political, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, racial, etc) and say a prayer for the victims and families of all who gave their time, support, and in many cases, their lives. Let us also say a prayer for the POLICE. While some in recent weeks have certainly made egregious errors in judgment (esp the police officer in Millis who made a false report), the vast majority have continued to do their jobs faithfully, protect us by putting themselves on the line day in and day out, despite being grotesquely vilified in the media and by angry protesters. Let us also say a prayer for everyone, from firemen to first responders to bystanders who, without a moment's hesitation, put their own lives in jeopardy to help others. It is their heroism, their undeniable bravery, their love for their country and fellow man, these qualities are what make America great. And I am not nor will I ever be ashamed to call myself an American. Patriotism and nationalism are NOT the same. I am a patriot, not a nationalist. The distinction is sadly lost among some people, including (and often especially among) prominent political leaders. But I digress, as I don't want (nor has it ever been my intention) to turn this into a political diatribe.
While I cannot stem the tide of anti-American sentiment in other countries, I can say what (for me) makes America great. It's not about the American Dream, which incidentally, can mean different things to different people. It's about people of all shapes and sizes coming together, living together, helping each other not only in times of great duress, but for everyday matters, as well. GOD BLESS THE USA, and may we continue to grow as a nation, which means coming to terms with our own prejudices and through education, compassion, support and love bettering ourselves as people If we can this, then the 3000= lives will not have been given in vain. Let's be true to their memories and make our country and world a more tolerable, loving place. It's not easy, but with God's help and the help of our friends, nothing is impossible! Stay strong, America! United we stand.<3>
But that wasn't what I wanted to say. 14 years ago our lives were profoundly changed.forever. People who hate America tried to destroy our spirit. They may have destroyed some iconic buildings, and thousands of lives were sadly lost, but what was incredible about that day was the terrific resiliency shown, the sacrifices of our police officers (how we seem to have forgotten that in particular today, which is a terrible shame) , fire fighters, first responders, doctors, nurses, volunteers and all who came to the aid of everyone caught in the rubble or comforting families of loved ones departed. The shock never goes away. But our spirit can never be destroyed. Overwhelmed with grief, anger and a deep sense of loss, Americans came together in a way I will never forget. I remember how lonely I felt that day. Sitting in history class, we watched the news in total silence (that in itself what something unheard of for a rowdy bunch of 11th graders), and then once the news came through about the second crash, it was just too much to bear. I walked through the halls totally lost. Why the hell were we still sitting around in school? Did my parents, celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary in Bermuda, know? Were they safe and sound? How could such a thing happen? Why?
In many ways, Americans have come a long way since 9/11. Unfortunately, we continue to struggle with issues of race, discrimination, violence against our fellow man. Muslims are often targeted as radical fundamentalists and are therefore subjected to extra screening at airports. A profound misunderstanding of Islam led certain hypocrites to suggest burning Korans. Today more than ever we need to rediscover that which brought us together 14 years ago. We need to come together again, in love and compassion for one another. To build bridges of mutual respect, tolerance and love. Educate yourselves and each other so we don't repeat the same tragic mistakes over and over again.
Even though I like many only post once a year on this most solemn day in our brief history, it is something very close to my heart. We are a nation of immigrants, a fact which should also not go unnoticed, given the current crisis in Europe. I call upon my fellow compatriots to, at least for today, put aside ALL differences (political, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, racial, etc) and say a prayer for the victims and families of all who gave their time, support, and in many cases, their lives. Let us also say a prayer for the POLICE. While some in recent weeks have certainly made egregious errors in judgment (esp the police officer in Millis who made a false report), the vast majority have continued to do their jobs faithfully, protect us by putting themselves on the line day in and day out, despite being grotesquely vilified in the media and by angry protesters. Let us also say a prayer for everyone, from firemen to first responders to bystanders who, without a moment's hesitation, put their own lives in jeopardy to help others. It is their heroism, their undeniable bravery, their love for their country and fellow man, these qualities are what make America great. And I am not nor will I ever be ashamed to call myself an American. Patriotism and nationalism are NOT the same. I am a patriot, not a nationalist. The distinction is sadly lost among some people, including (and often especially among) prominent political leaders. But I digress, as I don't want (nor has it ever been my intention) to turn this into a political diatribe.
While I cannot stem the tide of anti-American sentiment in other countries, I can say what (for me) makes America great. It's not about the American Dream, which incidentally, can mean different things to different people. It's about people of all shapes and sizes coming together, living together, helping each other not only in times of great duress, but for everyday matters, as well. GOD BLESS THE USA, and may we continue to grow as a nation, which means coming to terms with our own prejudices and through education, compassion, support and love bettering ourselves as people If we can this, then the 3000= lives will not have been given in vain. Let's be true to their memories and make our country and world a more tolerable, loving place. It's not easy, but with God's help and the help of our friends, nothing is impossible! Stay strong, America! United we stand.<3>
