nmah5544.xml

nmah5544.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-06-12

I was having lunch (UK time) with colleagues when one of them received a call from his wife, who had seen the news on the BBC.

We couldn't really converse after that, and, I couldn't work at all, so I escaped and walked up into town. Passing an electrical shop, and hearing some voices, I walked in.

The graphics were on all the screens in the shop, live, and terrible. I couldn't move away and was transfixed.

What struck me more than anything, was that I was standing next to an elderly American couple, obviously friendly visitors, and they just could not comprehend the dreadfull scenes we were all watching on the banks of televisions in front of us. There were several others watching with us, all silent. The American Lady was not sure where all these scenes came from at all.

I tried to stay with them and all I could say to them, apart from trying to make them feel secure and having such deep sympathy for them and their homeland, was, 'You'll be OK. Take care, you'll be safe', which was pretty bland and pathetic, but I dearly wanted to let them know how I felt for them, while they watched their country being raped.

I had to call my Wife,(her sister lives and works in Richmond VA) and she picked up the message when she arrived home.

This was the deepest despair for humanity that I have ever felt. Nothing alters that remorse, and never will.

Yes, because we always think of the US as invulnerable. Somehow, we want to nuzzle up to big countries for protection, this all changes now.

The thought of the passengers in the planes having half an hour facing death. Also, how could the people on the floors above the plane strike, contain their fear.

Afraid not. We are bad enough about flying our own flag....but this is changing.

Stars and Stripes is still a big boost to us all. We love our flag, and respect the value of yours to.