Today we mark a terrible anniversary in our nation's history. Eight years ago, thousands were killed when a handful of individuals twisted by ideology made the decision to hijack and fly planes into the Twin Towers.We all know what happened. We all have the images forever seared into our minds. Forgetting what happened that day - the innocent lives lost, the bravery of the first responders - will hardly be an issue.
The things done by ambitious, crass officials allegedly in those people's names, however, have all too often gone ignored, swept under the proverbial rug, or just lied about. Repressive legislation passed in the name of "national security," needless wars based on false pretense, a tidal wave of censorship and abuse disguised as faux patriotism--all of that justified under the banner of 9/11.
It's a disgrace, a sick tragedy.
Today and every day I remember those who fell victim to extremist views, and those who lost loved ones and for whom this anniversary is an intensely personal one. I give thanks for the people who dedicate their lives to serving their communities, whether through the local fire company, police station, hospital, school, etc.
It's not about a flag. It's not about artificial boundaries of country, race or class. It's about people: Families and friends just trying to live a life with meaning.
So I strengthen my resolve to see that the memory of those who've served and even died is not further marred by egotistical, greedy souls who feel compelled to use terrible events to bolster their ridiculous, violent causes. Whoever they are, wherever they are.
We owe the dead that much at least.
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2 comments:
Amazing, and so well-written, Emily. Thanks for writing this.
I largely agree with the sentiment that crass politicians should be ashamed of themselves for appropriating the 9-11 attacks for their own gain. But I think that we have to be careful in saying that we must advance one particular ideology--conservative or liberal, repressive or permissive, "patriotic" or "unamerica"--in memory or on behalf of the victims of the events of that day. The better practice, in my opinion, is to respect the dead through solemnity and adulation; the names of the people that lost their lives that day are too important to be thrown around willy-nilly.
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