Ticked? You Bet I Am!
Am I pissed about this whole September 11th thing? You bet I am--but not for the reasons you probably think.
Sure I'm pissed that a group of religious zealots did something incredibly stupid in the name of a God they clearly do not know. You had better believe I'm angry that over 4,000 people had to die senselessly, among them some of the best and bravest of the New York City Fire and Police Departments. But my strongest anger, my most vile recriminations, are saved for the American public.
Am I pissed about this whole September 11th thing? You bet I am--but not for the reasons you probably think.
Sure I'm pissed that a group of religious zealots did something incredibly stupid in the name of a God they clearly do not know. You had better believe I'm angry that over 4,000 people had to die senselessly, among them some of the best and bravest of the New York City Fire and Police Departments. But my strongest anger, my most vile recriminations, are saved for the American public.
Will You Stop Your Whining And Get On With Life?
The way some people are carrying on, you might think we had lost millions, instead of a relative handful. To hear the gnashing of teeth and beating of breasts, you might think we had been struck a mortal blow. But what did we really lose? How badly are we really hurt?
In one way, we've been rudely awakened to a world that does not wish Americans well, and frankly would like each and every one of us dead, preferably twice. But in every other way, in every way that matters, we are still whole, and sound, and strong. Sure, they knocked down a couple of buildings and left a gaping wound in the side of another. But that's all they did. Their vicious and unprovoked attacks caught three planeloads of Americans surprised and unprepared. The fourth planeload showed what Americans are really like. They may have died in the attempt to take their plane back from the hijackers, but they died as heroes in the best American tradition.
The way some people are carrying on, you might think we had lost millions, instead of a relative handful. To hear the gnashing of teeth and beating of breasts, you might think we had been struck a mortal blow. But what did we really lose? How badly are we really hurt?
In one way, we've been rudely awakened to a world that does not wish Americans well, and frankly would like each and every one of us dead, preferably twice. But in every other way, in every way that matters, we are still whole, and sound, and strong. Sure, they knocked down a couple of buildings and left a gaping wound in the side of another. But that's all they did. Their vicious and unprovoked attacks caught three planeloads of Americans surprised and unprepared. The fourth planeload showed what Americans are really like. They may have died in the attempt to take their plane back from the hijackers, but they died as heroes in the best American tradition.
Let's Not Get Ridiculous...
Those valiant souls whose lives ended in that Pennsylvania field were by no means the end of the heroes. All those who rushed to help, all those who donated blood, or those who comforted others in that dark hour proved themselves true Americans. Our enemies expected us to fold like a house of cards. But in some odd way, the veneer of indolence and sloth dropped away, and a new America stepped forth. A new America, strong and united in faith and fury, ready again to take the battle for Truth and Justice to another enemy of the American Way.
Our enemies expected to ignite a holy war. They expected Americans to turn against those of a minority faith, and destroy them in anger and ignorance. Once again, Americans showed the power of an enlightened society, and refused to take their anger out on the innocent. Save a few random incidents (a Sikh gas station owner was murdered in Mesa, Arizona, proving you don't have to be stupid to be a bigot, but it helps), the hands of friendship and mercy were extended to those of the Muslim faith living here. In point of fact, many of the Christian majority learned more about Islam than they had ever known before, opening new dialogs and promoting new understanding. The irony cannot have escaped even the most rabid of our enemies.
And those enemies did not escape unpunished. We located those responsible, targeted the nation supporting and protecting them, and rolled their corrupt government up like a ratty carpet. While we continue to have to clean up the occasional mess, the Afghan people have had their freedom restored. The terrorist organization responsible for this atrocity is in tatters, and may never be able to pull itself together enough to be a threat in the future. If it ever does, I'm sure there's a JDAM missile somewhere with their names on it. They've lost, root and branch, and they did it to themselves by underestimating America. Don't feel bad, guys, you're not the first.
Those who preceded our Islamic friends thought to conquer the world for power. They are now our friends and allies. Again, America doesn't just talk the talk, it walks the walk. Yes, we knocked the Axis on their butts in World War II, but we then held out a hand and helped them back up by rebuilding their industries and infrastructure. Our Islamic friends had hoped to conquer the world for God. There is some doubt in my mind as to whether they will want our help to stand back up, but the hand will be offered. It is our way, and our strength, to turn enemies into friends.
Those valiant souls whose lives ended in that Pennsylvania field were by no means the end of the heroes. All those who rushed to help, all those who donated blood, or those who comforted others in that dark hour proved themselves true Americans. Our enemies expected us to fold like a house of cards. But in some odd way, the veneer of indolence and sloth dropped away, and a new America stepped forth. A new America, strong and united in faith and fury, ready again to take the battle for Truth and Justice to another enemy of the American Way.
Our enemies expected to ignite a holy war. They expected Americans to turn against those of a minority faith, and destroy them in anger and ignorance. Once again, Americans showed the power of an enlightened society, and refused to take their anger out on the innocent. Save a few random incidents (a Sikh gas station owner was murdered in Mesa, Arizona, proving you don't have to be stupid to be a bigot, but it helps), the hands of friendship and mercy were extended to those of the Muslim faith living here. In point of fact, many of the Christian majority learned more about Islam than they had ever known before, opening new dialogs and promoting new understanding. The irony cannot have escaped even the most rabid of our enemies.
And those enemies did not escape unpunished. We located those responsible, targeted the nation supporting and protecting them, and rolled their corrupt government up like a ratty carpet. While we continue to have to clean up the occasional mess, the Afghan people have had their freedom restored. The terrorist organization responsible for this atrocity is in tatters, and may never be able to pull itself together enough to be a threat in the future. If it ever does, I'm sure there's a JDAM missile somewhere with their names on it. They've lost, root and branch, and they did it to themselves by underestimating America. Don't feel bad, guys, you're not the first.
Those who preceded our Islamic friends thought to conquer the world for power. They are now our friends and allies. Again, America doesn't just talk the talk, it walks the walk. Yes, we knocked the Axis on their butts in World War II, but we then held out a hand and helped them back up by rebuilding their industries and infrastructure. Our Islamic friends had hoped to conquer the world for God. There is some doubt in my mind as to whether they will want our help to stand back up, but the hand will be offered. It is our way, and our strength, to turn enemies into friends.
So What's The Bottom Line?
What did we really lose? Not much. A couple of buildings, about 4,000 people, and our innocence. What have we gained? Well, I can remember a time when it was out of fashion to love this country, to show any patriotism, to revel in our strength and freedom. I still wince when I see Old Glory out on somebody's eaves at midnight, or being ripped to tatters in a 75 MPH windblast on the roof rail of some gas-guzzling SUV, but I think it's wonderful I'm not the only one saluting the Flag these days. Welcome back, folks, you've been missed.
And make no mistake, the dream is still alive. I was recently privileged to be at the Los Angeles Sports Arena as 4,000 newly-minted Americans took their Oath of Citizenship and recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as citizens. We lost some Americans on 9/11, but there are more every day to replace them. America is a stronger, better place than it was last year, and we have some crazy religious zealots to thank for it. Allah sometimes works in mysterious ways....
What did we really lose? Not much. A couple of buildings, about 4,000 people, and our innocence. What have we gained? Well, I can remember a time when it was out of fashion to love this country, to show any patriotism, to revel in our strength and freedom. I still wince when I see Old Glory out on somebody's eaves at midnight, or being ripped to tatters in a 75 MPH windblast on the roof rail of some gas-guzzling SUV, but I think it's wonderful I'm not the only one saluting the Flag these days. Welcome back, folks, you've been missed.
And make no mistake, the dream is still alive. I was recently privileged to be at the Los Angeles Sports Arena as 4,000 newly-minted Americans took their Oath of Citizenship and recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as citizens. We lost some Americans on 9/11, but there are more every day to replace them. America is a stronger, better place than it was last year, and we have some crazy religious zealots to thank for it. Allah sometimes works in mysterious ways....