9/11

Several days after the terrible events of September 11, 2001, I thought to put down at least some of my thoughts into words:

Ruminations ... so many thoughts, but very few words. In the wake of last week's terrible events, I have found it rather difficult to tear myself away from the news. Other than dragging myself off to work because there were still those suddenly mundane in comparison tasks to take care of, I have rarely been out of range of the sound of television. Even here, in a room that last week was filled with music, has one of the two computers tuned to MSNBC. It is only today, Saturday [Sept 15], that I have even been able to think about putting together an issue of Progressiveworld.net. Watching television today, it seems strange to see a commercial again, after four days or so of non-stop coverage. Of course, life here has to get back to some semblance of normal, if not a bit more cautious.

Although the structures that were destroyed are/were ... on US soil, Tuesday's events have an impact upon the entire world. As we are learning, and something I suspected, those working in the twin towers of the World Trade Center were not just US citizens, but from other nations as well. Looking at a list of companies that were housed in those two buildings, we see German, British, Japanese and Korean companies, too, among others. And even if the employees and others that are among this missing are citizens, their families are also the world over. Some of you seeking a moment's respite from the broadcasts from your own state or country by visiting here may be among those. My aunt and cousin live about 2 miles from where the World Trade Center stood. They are okay, but certainly shaken by what has taken place on their doorstep.

It has been hard to get back into the routines of my life. Many of the psychologists interviewed on the news talked about those who will feel guilt about getting back to their lives. I am among those who do feel that. I have done so in small steps. Wednesday and Thursday my break was watching Farscape, which I have become addicted to since June. Last night, I finished a Star Trek novel that I had begun weeks ago. Today, it is getting this issue together.

We had most of the content planned prior to Tuesday, but some of it will either wait until the next issue or be added as it is completed. There were many titles that I had hoped to get into this issue -- Robert Berry, Prospect, McGill/Manring/Stevens (again delayed), Cyrille Verdeaux, Atoll, Glacier, Wizard, Reign Of Terror, No Glue, Gila, Erna Schmidt, and others -- that will also either be added with the next issue, or as I complete them.

Call 1-800-HELP-NOW to donate to the American Red Cross, or visit http://www.redcross.org; 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate to the Salvation Army.

[As I repost this to the new PW site almost seven years later, I reflect and find that we (the US) have moved on in many ways, and in many others, not. And that is ok; as long as the US doesn't dwell and live forever in that moment but rather learn from it (we haven't yet), then the dichtomy is to be expected. The irony is that many other countries experience similiar tragedies daily, if on a smaller scale. Just today, July 27, 2008, today's headlines read: "Bombs placed in trash cans kill at least 15 in Istanbul" (MSN.com), "Gunmen target Iraqi pilgrims, killing 7" (MSN.com)? not 3,000-plus in one shot, but over years, it adds up. Just as all those deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan - American, Iraqi, Afghani, British, etc. - have and will add up. Meanwhile, we here in the US? well, sports fans in the US? well, no sports broadcasters in the US? are obsessing over whether Bret Farve will play again for the Green Bay Packers or some other team, now that he's un-retiring after, what, 3, 4 months? ...... Well, lest I get too cynical... ]

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Published on: 2001-09-15 (2183 reads)