On this day of remembrance concerning the 9/11 attacks, I just want to say one thing: I am proud to be an American (don’t worry, I won’t break out into a Lee Greenwood performance). Given my particular worldview, this is a messed up country, slowly sliding down the slope of immorality, impotence, and irrelevance. I know those are strong words. Yet, what I do appreciate is that I can say these words. I say them as one who wants to see America great, not my by her might in missles or military muscle, but by her morality and maturity. Of course, my point-of-view is not to be shared by all, but I wish it could be. For all of the brokeness that is America, I’m thankful for being born here. And as much as I may disagree with certain politics and policies on both sides of the aisle, I’m glad to have the form of government we have, though it is rife with corruption and cover-ups.
I have nothing to say concerning the various theories, conspiracy and otherwise, surrounding 9/11. What is sad is that a lot of lives were lost for no apparent reason. I do believe God is in control, and I don’t think He lost His grip on that day either. I may not understand what happened and why God allowed it to be, but I still believe God has His reasons. I still think Him worthy of my trust.
When the planes crashed into the towers, I was in my shower at the time. I remember the sick feeling that covered me when the KIXL broadcaster broke in with breaking news. And although I was in a very hot shower, my body immediately turned cold and I began to shiver, even before he fully told what had happened. I remember wiping off very quickly and running to the television to see if there was any breaking news footage. I remember seeing the trail of smoke billowing from the first tower, as it appeared as a metallic cigarette standing upright. As soon as the first one was hit, the second tower soon received its ignition from the second plane. Powerful images… life-changing images… a life-changing moment.
Never again can we take our security for granted. Thus, I’m thankful for all of those who defend us, seen and unseen. Although I have many problems with our troops being in Iraq, I am nevertheless thankful for our troops who are willing to fight wherever necessary to ensure persons like me don’t have to. Thank you, brave men and women, young and old, of the armed forces of the United States: you, now more than ever, are our (as in America) guardians of freedom. I’m thankful for you and I hope you all can come home, alive and permanently, soon.
Update @ 20:09
I am not sure if the following is a slam on me (go here: http://junaman.wordpress.com/2006/09/11/1109-tribute/). It’s funny how I stumble across these things even when I’m not looking for them. It probably is a slam and that’s OK, because this is why we have blogs. We put our thoughts out into the Internet ether for others to consider, whether they are for them or against them. The short story to all of this is 9/11 will forever be a defining moment, even a dividing line, in the history of the U.S.
Update @ 11:02 on 9/12
Junaman has responded via a comment that this was not a slam against me. I appreciate his consideration and respectfulness in responding and clearing up the matter, as he was under no obligation to do so. Junaman, thank you for clearing up the misunderstanding on my part; even if it was directed at me, I hope you know I respect your right to speak your thoughts. Additionally, I saw the HPQ and I hope to take a shot at it some time soon, if possible. I’m sure it will take a little bit of time to get through all of the questions, but I’m game… and I look forward to the possible conversations that might result from it.
Filed under: Commentary
No, my article was not a slam at this, it was completely unrelated
say your comments on the consiracy theory blog… I put a link on mine to the Popular Mechanics explanation which is I have found a great way to refute the consriracy non-sence.
Look it over- if there was someway to make it required reading in school it would be a good thing.
A well put together explantion by Popular Mechanics discusses this in detail:
[] …Today, nearly five years later, hundreds of books and thousands of Web pages are devoted to the idea that the U.S. government encouraged, permitted, or actually carried out the attacks. These theories claim to be based on hard evidence. Popular Mechanics began researching the facts behind 9/11 conspiracy theories in late 2004 and published a cover story on the topic in March 2005. (That story is available here.) …”[]
Noce Blog you have here good topics and info-
cheers and God Bless
Mike
Thanks for stopping by, Mike.
You know, Mike has a point. While I’ve not really taken the time to research anything (I’m being honest here) concerning the attacks, the fact is that a lot of chatter has risen concerning the U.S. government’s role in the attacks. I think it is fair to say that the government did have a role: the question then would be how active or passive was it in the attacks? I’ve never been much of a government basher and I’ll try not to be one here. However, you can’t escape the feeling that something is broken in Washington… and it’s been that way for some time. 9/11 has exacerbated the political decay and now many lights are being shone upon the current administration (and other recent administrations for their actions or lack thereof).