I have read many of the tributes to the victims of the 9/11 attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. I am deeply moved by the descriptions of ordinary folk, going about their daily business, only to be cut off in their prime. Leaving behind friends and loved ones, whose only question remains "why?". An unanswerable question.
I am sorely disappointed with the attitude I have encountered on a blogging site in continental Europe, in a country that shall remain unnamed. You'd be stunned if I were to mention its name. As I reported several weeks ago, my suggestions for bloggers there to participate in the 2996 project was met with hostility and derision. On the same blogging site, I read today that a 5th anniversary was enough commemoration, nothing more required in the future.
I cannot swallow the notion that the fact that you disagree with a government's policies means you can abuse their citizens. I have heard a dreadful story like that from a contact on AOL, who will never visit Europe again, after being verbally abused in the streets of a European capital, just for having an American accent. It is another form of racism. I am closing by mentioning World War II, which was a battle against racism in the most extreme form.
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What a sad world. I accidentally came across an American blog today that said he was disgusted with all the over the top sentimentality. It takes all sorts I guess but it makes you wonder if mankind will ever know a peaceful world.
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It is so sad Guido. I saw a few specials over the course of the last few days and I do understand the other side for some. Children of victims (now young adults) who have the memory of the tragic events being shown over and over again as the good memories fade. They want to remember, but they also want to forget. It's a tough choice. As for the folks you speak of, they are entitled. I don't agree, but if they feel hate over things like this and take it out on people they will have to answer to a higher being then I.
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I agree that we shouldn't have to keep seeing the images of 9/11, that must be so upsetting for the victims families. Imagine if it was one of our family that had died and we kept seeing it replayed on TV, I do think however that we should commemorate the anniversary, after all, isn't that what Armistice Day is all about. The trouble with the media, and one of the reasons I don't own a TV is that they latch on to this kind of event and play it to saturation point. They did the same with Princess Diana's death, it's all news and money to them. Quite sick. Do let's remember these people who died in the WTC, let us never forget them. Jeannette xx
ReplyDeleteAs for the encounters you report re some in Europe...there will always be those who feel hatred for Americans, just as those that feel hatred for Germans, Japanese, etc. This is sad but true.
ReplyDeleteAnd re your posting about bloggers & 9/11...if one chooses not to participate in honoring the fallen at Patriotic Days, that is their choice. It is the freedom many have given their lives for.
I do feel the media shows too much of the horror of those days...for a week or more each year & off & on all year long. It must be extremely painful for the families to turn on a TV & have to relive it all over again. With that said, I still feel we do need to express our honor to the victims by a few days each year around the date they passed. We should never forget this tragedy. We should keep it in our hearts always & pray for those fallen & their families.
God Bless,
Sugar
It was hate that caused this in the first place. Hate and a misplaced sense of religious ferver. This isn't restricted to fanatic Muslims, it's in every aspect of world events where ppl are free to express their thoughts. Nothing wrong with freedom, but to hate is to continue the grief. Again, hate caused this. We're not used to being so reviled. So what's the set-time when remembering is enough? It's too personal, too intimate. America has only recently become a member in this sad club of countries who've had to live with terror attacks on their own soil. We're new to this, and passionately overwhelmed with sadness. Thank you for mentioning WW2 Guido, you seem to understand this all too well. CATHY
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Unfortunately, I've had quite a few friends travel to Europe only to come home promising never to return for various reasons.
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How sad, this makes me want to cry.
ReplyDeleteAll racism and personal attacks on others is wrong. I can think of NO reason to be like that with ANYONE, no matter who they are or where they're from.
ReplyDeleteSome people are just evil nitwits!!
Lv Stevie
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Well, I thank you for your attitude. Never mind theirs. Personally, I think it should be remembered until there ever comes a day terrorisim in this form is defeated. If that day shall come, then it should be celebrated instead. - Barbara, TX - USA http://journals.aol.com/bhbner2him/LifeFaithinCaneyhead/
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