Had this ready to go and then my beloved browser crashed. *sigh*
1. Where were you and what was happening in your life the moment when you first became aware of what was happening at the World Trade Center in New York City last September 11th? What was the first thing you did when you heard the news?
I was asleep, grateful that the stupid phone hadn’t rung to call me in for another day of substitute teaching (I love the money but hate that job). Mom woke me up and told me, and I got up and went downstairs to stare at the television.
2. When those truly responsible for the attack are apprehended, what do you think would be the most fitting form of justice?
Life in prison without parole (I do not believe in the death penalty), preferably in a joint along the lines of Alcatraz back in its heyday. No luxuries, I mean. Just confinement.
3. This will probably be much like when our parents respond to “Where were you when JFK was shot?”- an event never forgotten by those who were there. But how do you think the history books should present the 9-11 attacks? Should it be included for all future generations? How can we truly convey the shock, the outrage, the emotions and pain of that day to the children of our children?
I think the history books should present it in context, along with a detailed history of the events in the Middle East and elsewhere that led up to it. I think the history books should be unbiased and explain, for example, where Osama got the training and funding to set up his organization. I think they should discuss the psychological effects of the attacks and their portrayal/exploitation by the media and politicians.
Yes, I’m an idealist.
4. No one in that building, in the Pentagon, or on the planes (other than the terrorists) knew that 9-11 would be their last day to be alive. For me, it brought home the reality that I could be gone at anytime, without any warning. Now, I really want each day to have some value. Did the events of 9-11 bring about a change in the way you live your life?
Not really. I’ve always been very aware of how precious and fragile life is – growing up with short-lived pets and having people my age that I knew distantly start suddenly dying back in High School took care of that. If anything, 9-11 merely made me more cynical about American politics.
5. Several who loved to fly in planes will not step foot in one anymore. Many parents are more protective of their children. A year later, do you find yourself feeling more secure than back then? Or is it just a matter of time before something else happens?
No, I didn’t feel insecure then and I don’t now… but then, I never bought into the hysteria generated by the attacks.
6. The best way for me to honor the those impacted by the attack will be to refrain from any media that day. No papers, no radio and especially no television. Others will light candles, and others will attend special services. What, if anything, will you do to personally reflect on the tragedy?
Nothing. If I stopped to commemorate every tragedy along these lines, I would never have time for anything else.
7. One of the visuals that touched me the most were the walls and walls full of hand made “Missing” posters. What image will you always have in your mind when you recall the events of 9-11?
The smoke billowing into the sky from the towers before they collapsed. The armed men in our airports. Cars in line to be completely searched before entering airport parking structures.
