nmah1490.xml

nmah1490.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-08

I woke up to the news blaring, as usual, but something was different. I ran downstairs to turn on the TV. The speculation that an airplane had accidententally run into one of the Twin Towers was quickly dashed as I watched with horror as the second plane hit the second tower. The absolute silence on the air told me that everyone watching was stunned with disbelief. This was no accident.

Life in the United States has changed, and mine with it. There is a wariness about people and things, about which you experience some guilt. I never thought about being afraid that someone might blow up a plane, or a rapid transit train, or a public facility. I like the seemingly new found ptriotism though. But I do think a lot about what it is that makes other people in the world hate us so much. Maybe we need to change as much as they do.

It would be nice to remember how close we all felt to one another. I think we should remember how wonderful and powerful we are when we come together with love and caring in our hearts and deeds.

I have flown a flag on my car and my house every day since September 11. My feelings haven't changed because I have always been patriotic. But I love being able to fly the flag without fear of being criticized or thought to be a nut.