story4888.xml

story4888.xml

born-digital

story

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2002-09-11

I travel frequently on business. I had planned to be in Boston that previous weekend and fly from to Los Angeles for meetings the week of September 11. My schedule changed about a week or so before this tragedy. I can't say I would have been on one of those flights. However, I frequently think about the families that suffered terrible loss and wonder what may have been for my family.

I was very angry - at a faceless enemy that attacked us without cause. I also thought how stupid - if these people think such an action would change our thinking (or may be they believe we are weak and afraid) they made a big mistake. Whatever shortcomings or mistakes in our policies exist, there is no way any group has the right to murder people. I am also sickened that these murderers hide behind the Islamic religion. I don't know this religion but I find it impossible that such an act could ever be justified by any legitimate religion. Why are the political and religious leaders in the Middle East not actively repudiating this event and doing everything possible to bring these people to justice. If they want Americans to change their thinking about our Middle East policies then change is required from them as well.

I also remember gathering with our neighbors on our street that evening. Every so often a fighter jet would be seen above. My parents told me about December 7, 1941. Where they were and what they were doing. My only prior feeling of being linked to such an event was the assasination of JFK. However, the feeling of uncertainity - what's next and where's it coming from - is something I now understand because I've experienced it throughout the day.