posted on October 10, 2001 09:05:11 AM new
As the days move forward from September 11, we all have heard and read quotes in the media that have, hopefully, made an impact on our very existence. Here are some of quotes that have impacted how I look at things now. So many things we take for granted, yet are so dear and precious to us all. Some of these actually give me goosebumps when I read or hear them - sort of like being "born again" in love and pride for my country and fellow Americans.
What have you heard or read recently that has impacted you?
"The reason we were attacked, the reason these people are missing and dead, they weren't doing anything wrong. They were living their lives, they were going to work, they were traveling, they were doing what they normally do. As I understand it — and my understanding of this is vague at best — another group of people stole some airplanes and crashed them into buildings. We are told that they were zealots fueled by religious fervor. And if you live to be 1,000 years old, will that make any sense to you? Will that make any godd*mn sense?" – David Letterman
"My second day as chairman, a plane I lease, flying with engines I built, crashed into a building that I insure, and it was covered with a network I own." —Jeff Immelt, new head of General Electric, which has donated more than $12 million to the families of rescue workers, along with generators and CT scanners for the rescue operation
"These acts were intended to frighten us, but they have failed. Terrorist acts can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings but cannot touch the foundation of America." —President George W. Bush, address to the nation
"This nation is peaceful, but fierce when stirred to anger." —President Bush at a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral for the victims of terrorist attacks on the United States
"This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others. It will end in a way and at an hour of our choosing." —President George W. Bush
"I say to our enemies, 'We are coming. God may show you mercy. We will not'." —Arizona Sen. John McCain
"We're going to rebuild and rebuild stronger." —New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, vowing the city would soon recover
"I never thought I'd see the World Trade Center pass by me in a dump truck." —Craig Chester, a volunteer rescue worker
"Dear America, You supported us in two world wars. We stand with you now." —Londoner Rob Anderson, on a card attached to a spray of roses left outside the U.S. Embassy
"WE ARE ALL AMERICANS." —The French newspaper Le Monde
posted on October 10, 2001 09:29:53 AM new
While much of what I have seen/heard has become a blur, what remains in my mind is the following:
During the prayer ceremony at Shea Stadium in NY, a Jewish religious leader (I think, but don't remember his name) talked about the people that were killed. In his speech he talked about the fact that in these times we hear "numbers of dead" frequently (typically natural disasters, or conflicts in countries that before 9-11 seemed so so far away) and therefore our minds don't really comprehend the enormity. His thinking (and I believe that of his religion) was to really put the numbers into perspective, one should think in terms of "1 person dying 6000+ times" ....That has stuck in my mind...I can read/hear other things, but I still keep comin' back to "1 person dying 6000+ times"
Reading over your list, I do like
"I say to our enemies, 'We are coming. God may show you mercy. We will not'." —Arizona Sen. John McCain but that may simply be my mood today.
posted on October 10, 2001 09:37:38 AM new
When Dan Rather was a guest on "David Letterman" he told how some of the words from "American The Beautiful" would never be the same for him again.
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears!
Dan Rather then broke down and began weeping uncontrollably. This was a man that is paid not to show emotion, it had a great impact. A very sobering moment.
posted on October 10, 2001 10:11:06 AM newuaru - I watched it also, and was so moved by Dan Rather. I don't think the words from America the Beautiful will be the same for many of us, ever again...
posted on October 10, 2001 10:54:36 AM new
Talking with my kitten the other day(he had a pass) and he related how excited everyone was at the thought of going into combat. I started to remind him that real world combat was nothing like it's shown on TV or in the movies but the kitten continued on to say:
"They think it's a game, Mom, going out and shooting guns at other people. They don't understand that those other people will be shooting back and they could get killed."
I asked him if he understood that fact. He reminded me he was working on base when the survivors of the Cole came through:
"I'll never forget what those people looked like. Never. I know it's not a game, Mom. It's life and death and I don't want to die. But I will if I have to."
It didn't lessen my worry for him but at least now I know he understands the risks. He's a smart kid, he won't do anything stupid.
posted on October 10, 2001 12:39:15 PM new
{{{{SHADOWCAT}}}}
Please keep us informed on how he is doing. How old is this kitten of yours? He seems so wise ..... he knows this is not a videogame, one that you put away at the end of the night.
posted on October 10, 2001 01:06:27 PM newShadowcat - It sounds like he is a very wise young man. How proud you must be! I have the utmost faith that our government will do everything possible to not compromise the safety of our heroes.
I hope that everyone involved in this effort has God's hand on their shoulder - I will keep your son in my thoughts and prayers...
posted on October 10, 2001 01:58:01 PM new
A few days after the 11th, CNN was interviewing people who had missing relatives and friends, letting them show photos, etc.
There was a 60-ish year old man whose daughter was missing. He was talking about how he didn't have a recent photo of her because she hated having her picture taken, and how she would always "holler" when anyone would point a camera at her.
He broke down crying and said he'd "give anything to hear her holler again".
That interview really hit hard, because my dad and I are very close. I can't even imagine the pain that poor man must be going through.
Multiply that by 5,000+ missing loved ones, and it's just unthinkable.
(clarity)
[ edited by thedewey on Oct 10, 2001 02:15 PM ]
posted on October 10, 2001 03:33:29 PM new
If memory serves me correctly, I read this piece on MSNBC's website. It was story regarding Cantor Fitzgerald. They lost 700 of their 1,000 employees. Out of those 700 that were lost, 1500 children were affected by this. One lady was talking how her son wouldn't accept the fact that his father wasn't coming home. He kept insisiting that they go and look for him in the rubble. It breaks my heart when I think of those children and the children of the other victims. Babies that will never know their fathers. Daughters that will never have the joy of having their father walk them down the aisle or have their mother help them plan their wedding. Sons that have lost their father as their coach in sports.
posted on October 10, 2001 04:30:32 PM new
The head of the Cantor Fitzgerald office at the WTC was on Larry King Live after the bombings. I felt so sorry for him - he was openly sobbing, sometimes so hard you could barely understand him. I cried through the entire interview. He said the only reason he wasn't there that day was because he had taken his child to school...
An entire nation of lives has, indeed, been touched.
There is a poem by Flavia Weedn that says:
...Some people come into your life for a very brief time, leave footprints on your heart, and you are never, ever the same...
Wish I could remember all of it!
[ edited by nanandme on Oct 10, 2001 04:30 PM ]
posted on October 10, 2001 11:45:55 PM new
EK is 22. He grew up entirely too fast(although not fast enough when he was in his teens and had changed to a pod person).
According to Bill O'Reilly of the O'Reilly Factor, the CEO of Cantor-Fitzgerald, Howard Lutnick, hired a PR firm after the attacks, hit all the talk shows with his weepy bit, while at the same time cancelling the victims' health benefits(30 Sept) and holding the paychecks and bonuses due the employees. Several spouses have reported that no one from the company has contacted them about anything, let alone with information about the foundation Lutnick set up for the employees' families. O'Reilly has tried to get Lutnick on his show to present his(Lutnick's) side of the story, but Lutnick has refused.
posted on October 11, 2001 05:44:06 AM new
I believe it was Norman Schwartkotf (never get that last name right) that said,
Bush didn't draw a line in the sand, he took a bulldozer and laid down a ditch
I was also very moved when NATO enacted Article 5, and just about anytime PM Blair spoke, he is a true Stateman.
Osama Bin Laden....you are the weakest link....GOODBYE!
posted on October 11, 2001 08:43:23 AM new
I was at my son's school when the planes hit, doing some volunteer work. I stood in the library watching with horror as the events unfolded. A little later a group of kids came in, including mine. I stood there hugging my child as he watched the replays with his friends. Suddenly it hit me, looking at all these kids, that thousands of children had just lost their moms or dads or brothers or sisters. Seeing those kid's faces was my breaking point. I grabbed several and gave them bear hugs and then ran out so that they could not see me break down and cry. I will never forget their faces, kids I've known since they were babies, whose faces in my mind now represented thousands of children I don't know, but whom I am sure I would love as much as I do these. I still can not go to sleep at night without thinking of all the innocent children whose lives will never be the same. I cry everytime I think of them.
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