9/11: Looking Back
What has changed? What have we learned as individuals? A few quotes that have stayed with me...
"Something is wrong. We are in a rapid descent. We are all over the place. I see water. I see buildings. We are flying low. We are flying very, very low. We are flying way too low. Oh my God, we are way too low. Oh my God, we're..." – Flight attendant Madeline Amy Sweeney describing the hijacking of American Airlines Flight 11 at the end of her phone call to a supervisor.
"We're young men; we're not ready to die." – Kevin Cosgrove, a business executive who was on the 105th floor of the south tower moments before it collapsed.
We can’t change what’s happened, but there are valuable lessons to be learned. Looking back at past experiences and events has the ability to create a better future. If we don’t learn from our history, we are doomed to repeat it. When will we stop learning the hard way? When?! – paerki
I had written the following blog post on September 11, 2015. My thoughts remain the same.
As I hiked through the city this morning, I saw many flags in honor of the anniversary of 9/11. They were everywhere – hanging on front doors of homes, on building walls, from bridges, attached to sticks on front lawns and stuck in the ground, there were a few hanging from cranes and many other places. There were different sizes, too – small to extra-large. It really was a sight to behold.
As much as I was proud to see our magnificent flag, responsive of the good intentions of others, I couldn’t help questioning the motive. I wonder what that flag meant to each individual, more importantly what 9/11 signified in the hearts of many who refuse to yield to humanity with a more graceful approach towards others. We continue to cling to fear, hate and judgments.
I won’t deny that I’m a bit disillusioned – OK, a lot disillusioned, by the agendas of those who spend a great deal of time manipulating others into a false sense of security. Please don’t misunderstand me because there is something to be said for good intentions, but are they good or a cover-up for your insecurity, shame, bigotry and intolerance? Your sensitivity on one day and your affectation to the remainder is less than desired and speaks to why the world is always in crisis mode.
A diverse group of men and women died on 9/11 – people of different ages, colors, creeds, nationalities, origins, sexual preferences, etc. I’ve heard people chant that they did not die in vain, that they will always be remembered as warriors. I’ve read many Twitter and Facebook posts that praise the fallen, but for me that’s not good enough. We have a habit of living the status quo, doing what’s expected without regard for the long term. We yield when it’s convenient, and 9/11 is no different. We go right back to our narrow-mindedness, supporting hate the very next day.
9/11 is about change, real change. Tell me what’s changed about you? I believe the spirit of those individuals, and their message to us is not to mourn their loss, but to forage a way to peace. They teach us to yield, to look at what matters in life and to move forward – as individuals, and as a people united. We can’t do that with minds that judge, hearts that hate and mouths that manipulate at every turn, saying things without knowing the facts.
As for religion, it must not be used as a weapon, but as a support system to improve the lives of all. For some, you mimic a terrorist and your religion is nothing more than a cult.
I encourage everyone to transcend his or her sadness. Look inside for greater meaning of what this day really entails. Life is so precious – each day more valuable than the next. It’s a pity that so many years have passed and what do we have to show for it?
Not even today will I turn a blind eye to hate. Today, like no other, I am here to remind you that you must change your evil ways, because for some of you a terrorist lives in your heart. It’s a new day, but only if you want it to be. It’s time to yield. – paerki
