America changed
9/14/01 - Everyone who could possibly be reading this knows about the events of September 11, 2001. I don't think I need to resummarize what happened, I'm sure any details you want can be found easily. At the time of writing this, they haven't cleared all the wreckage, and no action has been taken against any person or nation. What exactly will happen in the next few months and years is uncertain, but I know one thing, America is changed forever.
Every expression used to describe the event has been used hundreds of times. History will look on this day as the first truly massive terrorist attack. Yes, there have been hotels destroyed. I feel sorry for the families of those that have lost family members to terrorism, not just recently, but in all the past attacks. We hear about a terrorist attack, but it doesn't really click. It's too far away. It doesn't affect that many people. It's just some people in some country i've never heard of. Unfortunately, I think only now will we care about terrorism seriously.
What will we do now? Will be blow up the wrong person? Will a new world war start? If so, with nuclear warfare? Will America be attacked again? How soon? By who? Will they rebuild the towers? Who will want to work there if they do? All these questions and more go through my mind a lot during these times. The next 10 years are going to be interesting, and completely unpredictable. I know our country will survive, but at what cost?
It's so hard to put all the feelings into words. Such a feeling of helplessness and confusion. I don't want this to happen again, but I don't know what I can do. I'm not going to change my habits because of fear, and I'm not going to have less faith in my country. Hopefully when it's the right time to do something, I will do it.
I personally did not know anyone in NYC or D.C., but I have friends who did. I have Muslim friends who are dealing with the racism problems. It's not a direct connection, but it's pretty close. Probably everyone has some connection. When the Aggie Bonfire fell, it was the same way. I had friends who knew people, but I was amazingly not immediately connected. I was close enough though, and I'm certainly close enough now. America is my country. It may not be perfect, but I can't think of any place else I'd want to live. I'm proud to be an American.
I can only pray nothing like this happens again. I have enough tragedies to tell grandkids about, I don't need any more.-Luke