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37 comments:
Like everyone else, I couldn't understand what I was seeing on TV. I had taken a little cat to the vet and returned home in time to see the first building on fire.
When the second plane hit, I knew it meant war and I was on the phone to the Base requesting orders. They told me to sit tight. I packed my bags and waited.
We have all seen videos of the towers a hundred times but they don’t capture the fear that gripped us. When the Pentagon was hit and Flight 93 went down, rumors of more attacks spread quickly.
Two men were arrested as they hitched a train ride to South Texas. They had box cutters.
A business in Florida received mail contaminated with a white power; later one man died of anthrax.
A post office near DC was contaminated with a white power. Senators and TV anchors received mail laced with anthrax.
Mary Ella R's husband, who worked at the Maryland Postal Center, was one of the first to die from anthrax.
We knew there would be more attacks but where? When? How?
It's been six years and I can't help thinking about the thousands of ordinary people, doing what they think of as ordinary jobs, who have kept us free of attacks all this time.
And it isn't just Americans but Britain, Spain, Germany and many more have worked to keep us safe. What an incredible job!!
No doubt another attack will come but I’m not even close to forgetting 9/11
Or the Embassy attacks in Africa, the attack on the USS Cole, or the attack on the Marine barracks in Lebanon .
I was at work that day and you’re not going to believe this, but …on 9/11, I worked for US Customs, a Dept of Homeland Security, in a secure office here in Indy, but I didn’t feel too secure after that day.
It was in the morning and I had just got back to my cubicle with coffee and a bagel and a guy in the next aisle, Paul- who always has his radio on, announced, “hey they think a plane just hit one of the towers in NY.” We all thought that was weird, but kept on working and really didn’t give it much more thought. Very shortly after that, he said kind of loudly that a plane has hit the 2nd tower! OK, NOW we knew something was wrong! People were either gathering around Paul’s radio or checking out CNN on the internet.
I can’t remember the exact time frame here, but when they said the Pentagon was hit, that’s when almost the whole building went to the conference rooms where they had TV’s.
You know the rest.
Most of us left work early that day. I headed straight to a gas station because I had heard they would probably be shutting everything down. Let’s just say, me and 10,000 other people decided to go to the same gas station!
The scariest part for me was that my daughter, who was in the AF at the time and stationed in FL., called me the night before to say she was on TDY in NC and it was going to be an easy TDY. All I could think about was her being in NC and that she may end up in the middle of all this because she was close-by.
I didn’t hear from her that day, 9/11, but the next day I got a call from her and she said she could not tell me where she was, but that she had flown directly over the Pentagon the day before and she was going to see someone really “big” today. I knew! Oh god, I knew she was in NYC and I was so scared for her. I had heard on the news that either Colin Powell or President Bush was going to ground zero. When I questioned her, she said she was not allowed to say anything and that she may have already told me too much and not to tell anyone.
I was terrified during that time, not only for our country, but for my daughter as well.
I was home in Colorado at the time. It was still very early for us and my husband called to tell me to turn on the television. Like everyone else, I sat there in stunned silence for the rest of the day.
For those of you that haven't checked out Pitchpull's Blog today, please do and watch the amazing video he was able to find.
Air travel as we then knew it changed that day. We were in our last stages of our move to here. We had our one way tickets. The security we encountered was really amazing in spite of the stories you have heard.
When we got to LAX, with our one way tickets and a very Mideastern last name, we had to jump through hoops. Out name is actually German, but somehow during the immigration process it was changed...alot. We were now Mideastern is seems. Travelling with one way tickets made us high on the list for suspicion.
The air surrounding LAX was very somber and they were all business. There was going to be no joking around today.
We were pulled out, among a very few others, for a complete search. They went through our luggage with a fine tooth comb and made us open a sealed bottle of water to drink it in front of them. They checked everything about us completely and we had to answer many questions. We were padded down until we were on first name basis. We were checked over with their wands until I feared for my dental fillings.
But, you know what, we didn't care one bit. They were doing their job and for that, we were very thankful.
The tragedy was very new but they pulled it off with ease. finally after several tense moments we were cleared for take off, the last ones aboard.
But air travel changed that day.
A year ago I told what I was doing, how it affected me, and my thoughts on where we are headed here.
Re-reading that post, not much has changed, with the exception that we've seen more moderate, aware leaders elected in Germany, Canada, and France. Thank God.
But I am more and more afraid of leaders here in the U.S. who appear to be more interested in political expediency than doing the painful things that will be necessary in order for the U.S. to survive in a form close to what we remember as kids.
The average citizen is no longer interested in suffering any pain or discomfort at all, for ANY reason.
I've heard a song-
"I want it all, I want it NOW!"
Folks I have had respect for in the past are talking crap. They either don't watch the news, or they pay attention to outlets like CBS, CNN, or MSNBC, who have such tunnel-vision on destroying ChimpHitlerHalliburtonBush that they are willing to lie about him and our brave troops to denigrate his administration in ANY way.
In July I spent a few days in Destin, Florida in a facility devoted to providing recreation for our active troops and military retirees.
While there I realized something profound...
The atmosphere... the attitude of the people there, was like bein' in a big family. Those people either were presently at risk, or had been at risk of losing their lives for a goal bigger than themselves.
Being part of the civilian world for the last 19+ years, I had forgotten how wonderful that was... knowing you were surrounded by a team that "had your back."
For the first time in my life, I truly fear for our nation.
I'm fearful, but hopeful a leader will emerge to unite us.
The next year will tell the tale.
I was in New Mexico. I hoped there would not be a massive military response to a dozen-plus (mostly Saudis) attacking the USA, because I knew a military response would lead to lots more deaths but would eventually be ineffective.
Well, six years later the latest USA National Intelliegence Estimate indicates Al Qaeda is reorganized and growing, and the Taliban is reorganized and growing.
The NIE says having invaded, occupied and killed hundreds of thousands of Muslims has helped Osama greatly in his Al Qaeda recruitment efforts. And, of course, Osama continues to issue his videos.
In other words, six years and so many ruined lives later, we are NOT safer. Expect another large-scale attack on USA soil in 2008.
We have nothing to show for so much sacrifice. The Iraqi "goverment" is a joke, not a democracy, and is not worth the life of a single brave American soldier, let alone the 20,000+ who have been killed or maimed.
Wow.
And that's all I'm gonna say about that.
Now, where were we?
GH, tell me again what you were saying about "making a good fit" please.
;>)
GB
I second your wow.
I have very staunch feelings about our country and the people in it. Even now, living in the middle of hundreds of military, my eyes still well up at the sight of their uniforms. Everytime we have any kind of military returning, it is big news overhere and if you can watch on the TV of families reuniting, and daddies seeing their children for the first time, without any tears, well, then, I am just speechless.
On Golden Horse today I wrote of being a fit for this country.
Okay folks,
wash your brain out with this!
(Picture lifted from Ann Althouse's blog.)
GH,
I can't even imagine what you went through at LAX - one way ticket off the mainland, mid eastern name! Were you at anytime afraid of being locked up until they figured this out? I would have been petrified. I'm glad you made it through safely.
Actually we went with the flow and just hoped that there wasn't one employee just a little goosey. It took alot of time and we had a little hesitation, but all in all, we were just grateful to get on that plane. At that time we thought LAX was doing a magnificent job. I mean, if there were some bad guys trying to get on, by going through what we did, they would have been caught.
So the whole process was worth it.
I know that one of the few rules of this Blog is no politics but I cannot read the earlier posting without comment. Although the Taliban and Al Qaeda are “reorganized and growing”, something has prevented them, for the last six years, from completing their prime objective, another attack on US soil. Could it be that our extreme and violent reaction sent a very loud and clear message to the world that we will not tolerate such acts?
I for one think so. And, if so, maybe we do have something to show for the sacrifice.
I’ll shut up and sit down now.
Thanks Up Down (and please don't shut up and sit down!) Things sort of got political by accident but then it’s understandable when we all feel so deeply about the events.
There are a few books that seem to point out that our problems are not new – 1776 and John Adams by McCullough, American Gospel by Jon Meachum, and (the best) Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts.
I’m sure there are many others but the thing that impresses me about our early history is that not only were different ideas tolerated but an environment was deliberately cultivated where different views would flourish. Debate was often heated and always allowed to be public.
The Founders made sure that no one was going to tell them what to think or do. I really like that part. It’s a pain in the butt when people don’t agree with me 100% and I will change that when I become Ruler of the World. ;)))
One other thing. Looking at the newspaper headlines around 1860, it amazes me how similar they are to today headlines. My point is that we’ve navigated complicated problems before and we will do so again. But not without public debate.
We just have to remember that we are all on the same side.
And now I’m going to re-listen to The Sweet Potato Queen’s Recipe Book & Financial Planner. Great stuff. ;))
up, down & charmingly strange said...
"I know that one of the few rules of this Blog is no politics..."
As a Vandy's Kid I do not want to violate any of the rules of Vandy's Kids. But I have not been able to find a copy of the rules. Can someone help me find them?
Also, a post by GB titled "Never Forget" seems to have disappeared. Where can I find it?
We don't really have any rules, Asoka, except we try not to use last names.
After that the rules are about the same as at a family reunion – no discussion of politics or religion, don't tell your Aunt she is fat, don’t mention that a cousin’s birth date is only 4 months from his parent’s wedding date, don’t ask Uncle Morris why he was in WWII and his brother was not and don’t start any fights over the Pacers or the Colts. (There may be others that I can't remember but you get the idea)
This is just a warm and friendly space for old friends.
Occasionally things happen that push people’s buttons and I did that when I brought up 9/11.
I sincerely apologize. I should have known better.
As Ma Kettle used to say to anyone who would listen "Close that door!"
Thanks, once again, Purple Tabby. I welcome all your contributions and fear no controversy.
Most anything might push someone's buttons. I liked your comments about the founders' ideas that we should be free to express our point of view, and I think that should apply regardless of whether someone feels offended.
I also like GB's idea that people should cite their sources and not just make brash sweeping unsupported statements.
But... on the other hand... if it is to be just a warm, friendly place, where controversy stays out, then let's get back to identifying old celebrities or sharing memories of life 40 years ago in places like Bargersville, Smith Valley, etc.
:-)
My preference is that we feel free to live the freedoms our troops are said to be dying for, and feel free to discuss... in a civil way... any topic.
I personally am concerned that this war in Iraq is being charged on a credit card (by majority combined votes of both Democrats and Republicans in Congress) that Vandy's Kids children and grandchildren are to be stuck paying. Yet when asked directly by Republican Senator Warner yesterday if we are safer, General Petraeus answers: "I don't know"... 2 Billion dollars a week and several American soldier's deaths a week for "I don't know" is not acceptable, in my opinion.
"Also a post by GB titled 'Never Forget' seems to have disappeared.
Where can I find it?"
I forget.
GB said: "I forget."
Here is an excerpt from the page "Never Forget!" that seems to already have been forgotten:
"Be careful who you listen to these days, folks. There are some out there that don't have your best interest at heart.
And remember that we are in a war against people that think we have no backbone and are watching for any sign of weakness. The latest Osama Bin Laden tape regurgitated the slogans we hear from the anti-war crowd perfectly... much to their chagrin. He embarrassed them and made them look like unpatriotic fools.
And one more thing...
When someone makes big brash statements that set off your B.S. meter-
Make them prove those statements...
Ask for citations!"
Sometimes I just don't have the desire to waste my time and energy in defending my point of view, particularly when it would fall on deaf ears. So, just a "Ditto" to GB's earlier post will do for me. Oh, almost forgot, have a nice day!
Asoka-
Biting my tongue here.
If you want to quarrel with me, come to Pitchpull and we'll discuss your political views there. Be warned. You seem to be a little slow on the uptake. When you come, be prepared to discuss your military, foreign policy, and civilian successes that give you the ability to make such "broad sweeping statements" as you have made here. We know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about you, pal.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Did anyone hear me say "CLOSE THAT DOOR!!" ??? It's letting in bad humors.
So this guy walks into a bar carrying a head under his arm, he walks up to the bartender and asks for a beer...............
Does he want a pint of brown and white? I like the taste of that stuff. Or maybe he would like a Shandy?
What will the head under his arm have?
the head asks for a beer also, and then another and another........
Where's he putting all that beer?
Yep, I did it and I'll do it again if I need to.
That door is closed!!
Slammed shut!!
Nailed, welded and hermetically sealed!!
In his head...the guy tells the head to stop drinking and the head continues on, finally after numberous beers, he explodes, the guy looks at the bartender and stated, "he should have quit when he was ahead."
End of very old story.
I think Asoka's comment where he quotes from another blog:
"Be careful who you listen to these days, folks."
says it all!!!
I don't like the comment Asoka made:
"Expect another large-scale attack on USA soil in 2008."
Is that his opinion? Threat?
Can he prove his statement?
What are his resources?
Ramadan? blah
This is America!
Sorry for the tension, folks...
Including you, Asoka.
Clean slate time. Time for a new start.
Who's serving the beer?
Really nice weather here today... could someone please pass the potato salad?
Have you tried the coleslaw?
It's delicious.
Are you up for trying some hawaiian beer? We actually have some good breweries over here, and sitting down by the water makes it mo betta.
On the lighter side of things, I am so excited. Our son in law's ship came in last night and we are picking him up for dinner.I could see his ship anchored out in the ocean all day and they weren't suppose to get in until this morning. He has been on a round the world goodwill tour and I know has lots to share with us. From reading other Navy Ship sites, our military has been very busy with medical and goodwill tours this summer. I think that is absolutely wonderful. They have taken several of our medical staff from here in conjuction with other branches and gone to poor countries and done some amazing surgeries.
I think that deserves a standing round of applause for all our military.
Now that is a nice fit.
Give S.I.L. a big hug, and tell him "Thank You", and how proud of him we are, GH!
And Joker... gosh you are quick!
;>/
GB
Thank you for the nice thoughts.
Joker, you are so funny, but I am still waiting for my coleslaw, it sounds like it has promising results.
Everyone have a wonderful evening.
well when Asoka mentioned potato salad, I had to say something about the coleslaw.
Weird that our comments are only 1 minute apart.
Dang! I am fast!
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