Monday, September 11, 2006
FIve years later...
Two summers ago, we went to New York City with our kids. One of the things we did was to visit the site of the former World Trade Towers. It was humbling to see that great absence and to feel the palpable grief in the air. So many untimely and unfair deaths.When I quietly reflect five years later on these awful events, I am gripped by great sadness.
The first feeling is certainly for those who lost their lives and those who love them who must face each day knowing they are gone. I've heard interviews on CBC radio with widows of Canadians who died in the Towers and it's difficult to even listen to, let alone live their pain.
The other well of sadness comes from my deep sense that the empathy, sympathy and charity from around the world to Americans at that time has been so severely and fully squandered. Instead of working to build a secure world for all, a world with justice and human rights at its core (incuding justice for such horrendous crimes as those September attacks) - more people in more nations than ever either feel a hatred towards America (and unfortunately Americans) or as I do, a great disappointment and at times anger. I do separate it from the American people (or try to), since I believe the Bush administration is to blame for using the horrors in the world to lead the American people down an empire buliding road of "them" and "us".
I believe the world (and America) is less safe than five years ago. But it didn't have to be this way.
Comments:
<< Home
ah Gary I knew I would find some wonderful words here. I found myself upset, and a little angry when I realized what day it was. and I too posted something for today.
thank you for reminding me about compassion, sometimes living here I become overwhelmed.
thank you for reminding me about compassion, sometimes living here I become overwhelmed.
I wrote a short post as well.
My country has much to answer for but I'm grateful that at least some of the time you're able to separate "America" from "americans".
I shift between sadness and anger much of the time. Today is mostly sadness. I can go back to ranting tomorrow.
My country has much to answer for but I'm grateful that at least some of the time you're able to separate "America" from "americans".
I shift between sadness and anger much of the time. Today is mostly sadness. I can go back to ranting tomorrow.
The anniversary of this day makes me feel a combo of sadness and blood boiling anger. Even if I did happen to believe the "official" story of what took place on Sept 11th, I would still be furious at this adminstration for what they allowed to happen to America on that day and what they have done to America since the attacks. We the people had to watch in horror as our fellow citizens died unimaginable deaths on that day. But perhaps even worse has been we the people having to watch our nation and our beloved Constitution slowly dying before our very eyes since that fateful day.
My daughter and I went to the World Trade Center just a couple of years before they were knocked down. We were amazed at the size of them, and the narrow streets all around that area.
We were heartsick to sit here in Vancouver and watch the devastation, and to see all the lives that were being lost.
We were heartsick to sit here in Vancouver and watch the devastation, and to see all the lives that were being lost.
Thinking of amnesty’s wonderful candle, we need a new light out of the darkness of politically engendered fear to bi partisan foreign policies beyond blue and red to wage a war to do good and uphold human rights and the human spirit.
Best wishes
Best wishes
I would like to point out that not all Americans are complicit in the actions of the Shrubbies. I, for one, have never voted for him, and I won't vote for anyone that is remotely like him. So THERE!
Shrub used this, used these people's deaths, as an excuse to do what he wanted.
Shrub used this, used these people's deaths, as an excuse to do what he wanted.
Thanks to all for your comments.
And for the record, I point out at least once a week that the US administration and government are not the US people... and that the last 2 elections were very close.
I go to the States often and am alarmed by the jingoism and faux patriotism I find, particularly on the radio - but let's support change and those (like Jublu) who are the hope for the future.
And for the record, I point out at least once a week that the US administration and government are not the US people... and that the last 2 elections were very close.
I go to the States often and am alarmed by the jingoism and faux patriotism I find, particularly on the radio - but let's support change and those (like Jublu) who are the hope for the future.
<< Home
Post a Comment