In Memoriam IX – 9/11/01

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Today marks the anniversary of the murders of nearly 3000 American citizens of all nationalities & faiths.  Today we look back and reflect on both their loss and the sacrifice of dozens of first responders, heroes one and all, both in the collapse of the towers and from related illness in the years that have followed. Just as I did nine years ago, I look back today and wonder.. why? What could possibly have driven 20 people to become so hateful, so despondent, so unhappy with the world and with life that they could do something so monstrous.

I, like many may have done at first, blamed religion. I’ve come to accept that though I may have my disagreements with all religions, that religion is not at fault for this. No, I’ve come to firmly believe that the cause of the 9-11 attacks rests solely in the lack of jobs, education, and overall opportunity that citizens of many other countries in the world deal with on a daily basis. Items that many of us in America take very much for granted. Even when times are tough here we still have it better here than many other people on this planet.

Like has happened countless times throughout history, a small minority of evil and/or powerful people is able to use the promise of fortune, opportunity and success to trick and motivate people that are facing a life with little to look forward to into becoming misguided followers. These evil people poison and close off the minds of those that are just looking for a chance to do good or right by their families. A chance to move up or move out or make something of themselves. This is not just a problem that happens in the Middle East. We have several instances of similar, though certainly smaller scale troubles, in our own past in this country. Sadly, these people that become followers of whatever perverted version of whatever belief system they have been brainwashed into will go to nearly any length to achieve that which their mental captors desire them to go.

When I look back on September 11th, 2001 I cannot help but still feel the same things I felt then. I can’t help but still feel revolted by both the video and the media’s constant need to replay it endlessly. I can’t help but feel the shock and the pain and the heartbreak and the anger that I first felt living through that day. I can’t begin to even pretend to imagine how those in New York, DC, & on Flight 93 that were directly involved feel.  My mind reels at the thought of it. My heartfelt condolences to all those that suffered direct and personal loss on that day. As Americans we all lost something that day, but their loss is greatest and I know for those that actually lost a loved on in the towers or the Pentagon or on Flight 93, even nine years hence that pain is still fresh and it will be for awhile.

I have an additional sadness over the events and the years that have followed. I am sad for us as a country that the spirit and attitude of togetherness and unity that we showed that day and in the weeks and months that followed. The true patriotism and civility, even for a short time, replaced the self-importance and the disregard that we generally have for our fellow Americans. I am disheartened by the fact that I strongly believe that we have not learned the lessons the tragedy was meant to teach us.

When one group of Americans rise in protest against protecting Constitutional Rights for another group of Americans, we all lose.  We saw it in the days and weeks following the attacks and we’ve seen that unfortunate ignorance rear it’s ugly head again in the recent months both in regards to politics, Muslim Americans, gay rights, and other issues. Each time one group of Americans argues for only protecting Constitutional rights when the issue at hand doesn’t make us uncomfortable, then we all fall short of the goals and aspirations that the Founding Fathers had for this nation.

It is my hope that as we move past this day and toward the 10 year anniversary that we rediscover that sense of unity and togetherness that we found for a short time following the attacks. Only this time I hope that we can keep it part of how we behave and who we are for good. We need to stop forgetting that regardless of nationality, race, sexual orientation, or religious denomination we are all Americans and we all have and deserve the same rights and protections under law outlined in the Constitution.

To all of those that suffered personal loss, I hope that one day finds you the solace that you need to keep the memories of your loved ones alive but be beyond the pain.

We Will Never Forget!

– “Left of Center”

Related Articles

• 9/11 anniversary (tfa.net)
• 9-11, In Remembrance and Healing Over Our 4,397 Souls Lost: A Muslim Prayer-Poem (themoderatevoice.com)
• Illinois, Obama Commemorate Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks (chicagoist.com)

Nine Years …

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On this day, nine years ago we witnessed a terrible event that unfortunately led to the death of 3000+ Americans.  There was no separation of these people, they were white and black; young and old; male and female; Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist and Agnostic.  Regardless of whatever characteristics, they were our countrymen.

Some of us will reflect on that day and go through and examine how such a tragedy impacted us.  We might reflect on what we were doing that day.  We might reflect on the ones we lost.  We might reflect on how we’re going to face tomorrow.

Let’s not disrespect the people whose lives were taken from them by the actions committed.  No, the nation was united for a time being (it took a terrible act to do so); we need to remain united, for the victims’ sake, and for our sake as well.

I’ll end this post tonight with this quote … to help motivate those that lost, and my fellow countrymen:

“There are stars who’s light only reaches the earth long after they have fallen apart.  There are people who’s remembrance gives light in this world, long after they have passed away.  This light shines in our darkest nights on the road we must follow.”

– “Classic Liberal”