Divided we fall. Encouraging religious freedom starts in every person’s heart and mind. You don’t have to agree with other belief systems but never denigrate them. Explore other religions, read their literature and attend services. I’ve found that the basic tenants of each faith are nearly identical; it’s just how and when they are invoked. The best method is to venture beyond tolerating other religions and celebrate the diversity of all faiths, agnostics, and atheists. Practice inclusiveness. They all have a right to exist. Intolerance is taught and violence is perpetuated by the weak. It takes real strength to live a life of peaceful coexistence. No religious system is superior, period, end of discussion.
Religious extremists are born out of ignorance, lack of hope, fear and anger. One method to reduce their power is to raise the standard of living worldwide. Adequate food, water, shelter and safety are essential. Access to education is imperative, especially for the females. Elevating the status of women will improve the health and wealth of the community. Extremists will always exist but their attraction will be lowered when day-to-day survival isn’t in peril. Don’t permit extremists to control your faith. Don’t let them weaken your community with violence.
Coalition building is key to promoting global stability. America can never again unilaterally decide that it “knows best” and march ahead with sanctions or military efforts. We must work with other countries and coalitions to promote stability. The United States must become a bright beacon for democracy again. The United Nations needs to be strengthened and redesigned to be more efficient and effective. War is the failure of politicians and diplomats. The world can’t afford it anymore.
United We Stand, Aloha We Serve.
Volunteer www.handsonnetwork.org or www.volunteermatch.org
Donate to nonprofits 501(c)3s which offer programs to better the world. www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org
Vote for politicians who will uphold democracy in a positive manner. www.nolabels.org
One World, One People.
©2011
Showing posts with label 9/11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 9/11. Show all posts
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
RESPONDING TO 9/11
Part III of the series, which began with “That Dreadful Day.”
I mourn for the thousands of innocent people who were murdered on September 11th, 2001; the valiant first responders who ran into the disaster and perished; those who were injured physically and or psychologically; and the loss of America’s naiveté. We were so confident that nothing could harm us that it made the United States vulnerable. I mourn for the cockeyed hopefulness that has been consumed by paranoia and fear; the civil rights that have been stripped away by the so-called Patriot Act (which was recently extended); the members of our military and civilians in other countries who died or were injured by the continuing wars; the desecration of the Geneva Conventions and Protocols that harmed prisoners and placed our military at risk; and the waste of money, time, and effort. So much lost potential will never be recouped. The family and friends directly and the people indirectly affected by the terrible events of 9/11 and its aftermath continue to suffer.
I don’t remember much about September of 2001. My mouth gets dry, throat tightens, eyes tear up, and heart hurts every time I see the images of the towers being hit and crumbling, smoldering remains of the Flight 93 crash, and the torn Pentagon. I was employed at the American Red Cross, Minneapolis Area Chapter, arrived before sunrise and remained until after sunset well into October. We were open 24/7 for three weeks. My boss was concerned that I was working too much but I asked her, “What am I to do, sit in my apartment and fret?” I felt better by staying busy. I never had time or energy to attend the memorial events. My work assisted the survivors, family of victims, and first responders who were on the direct line. I didn’t have time to be sad, though in retrospect I wish that I had taken time to mourn.
Restaurants were kind enough to donate meals. I was profoundly grateful since didn’t have time to shop or cook meals. I especially remember the Holy Land Deli dropping off delicious food. Bigots had vandalized their store but the owner said that more kind people came to offer support than cause harm. He is a gracious person to forgive the fools who blamed all members of a religion for the actions of a few mislead zealots.
Minnesota is blessed with many people who want to others. Unfortunately, due to the nature of 9/11 it was not possible to send untrained people to the sites. The military took care of the Pentagon, unions took control of New York’s Ground Zero, and the local authorities and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) were responsible for Shanktown, Pennsylvania. I knew several people who helped at each site. They were and continue to be deeply affected by their experiences.
Myriad Minnesotans were directly affected by the repercussions of the multiple tragedies. They had friends and family in New York, Washington, DC and on the Pennsylvania plane. The Red Cross helped to connect people who could not find each other. The debris of the falling towers displaced families and several came to Minnesota with few or no belongings. The Red Cross provided assistance for many people in a variety of ways for years afterwards.
In the ten years since that horrific day, 9-11, America is worse in many aspects. Fear and paranoia has given power to people who want to tear apart the government, aka Bitter Tea Party. The arrogance of George W. Bush and cronies squandered good-will from other countries; stole rights from the American people with the so-called Patriot Act; and, manipulated us into an unnecessary war with Iraq war. We are now hog-tied politically, economically struggling, environmentally battled, and spiritually drained. The pre-9/11 optimism has morphed into a bitter pile of bile perpetuated by negative media personalities and political pundits. We have accomplished more harm than four airplanes by trashing our democratic values, stripping government, empowering corporations, and being negative. Osama bin Laden must be laughing in his watery grave, he is winning because we wound ourselves more than the Al Qaeda minions ever could.
Every American has a duty to reverse this negative path. We can become strong again, not dominate, but have strength through peace. Don’t go along with the nasty rhetoric. Tell the mean-spirited politicians and media personalities that they are wrong. Vote for positive people. Boycott companies who advertise on negative media shows, and tell them why. You don’t have to be a Pollyanna and ignore the truth but at least hold onto optimism. Shake off the malaise and anxiety. Be thankful for those who help you and then help others yourself. You have a responsibility to be a good citizen of the world. It starts in your home and you are linked with every human on this planet. Be good to every person and prove the weak violent zealots wrong. Only the strong can maintain peace but it’s our only hope for survival.
Peace Be With You & The World.
©2011
I mourn for the thousands of innocent people who were murdered on September 11th, 2001; the valiant first responders who ran into the disaster and perished; those who were injured physically and or psychologically; and the loss of America’s naiveté. We were so confident that nothing could harm us that it made the United States vulnerable. I mourn for the cockeyed hopefulness that has been consumed by paranoia and fear; the civil rights that have been stripped away by the so-called Patriot Act (which was recently extended); the members of our military and civilians in other countries who died or were injured by the continuing wars; the desecration of the Geneva Conventions and Protocols that harmed prisoners and placed our military at risk; and the waste of money, time, and effort. So much lost potential will never be recouped. The family and friends directly and the people indirectly affected by the terrible events of 9/11 and its aftermath continue to suffer.
I don’t remember much about September of 2001. My mouth gets dry, throat tightens, eyes tear up, and heart hurts every time I see the images of the towers being hit and crumbling, smoldering remains of the Flight 93 crash, and the torn Pentagon. I was employed at the American Red Cross, Minneapolis Area Chapter, arrived before sunrise and remained until after sunset well into October. We were open 24/7 for three weeks. My boss was concerned that I was working too much but I asked her, “What am I to do, sit in my apartment and fret?” I felt better by staying busy. I never had time or energy to attend the memorial events. My work assisted the survivors, family of victims, and first responders who were on the direct line. I didn’t have time to be sad, though in retrospect I wish that I had taken time to mourn.
Restaurants were kind enough to donate meals. I was profoundly grateful since didn’t have time to shop or cook meals. I especially remember the Holy Land Deli dropping off delicious food. Bigots had vandalized their store but the owner said that more kind people came to offer support than cause harm. He is a gracious person to forgive the fools who blamed all members of a religion for the actions of a few mislead zealots.
Minnesota is blessed with many people who want to others. Unfortunately, due to the nature of 9/11 it was not possible to send untrained people to the sites. The military took care of the Pentagon, unions took control of New York’s Ground Zero, and the local authorities and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) were responsible for Shanktown, Pennsylvania. I knew several people who helped at each site. They were and continue to be deeply affected by their experiences.
Myriad Minnesotans were directly affected by the repercussions of the multiple tragedies. They had friends and family in New York, Washington, DC and on the Pennsylvania plane. The Red Cross helped to connect people who could not find each other. The debris of the falling towers displaced families and several came to Minnesota with few or no belongings. The Red Cross provided assistance for many people in a variety of ways for years afterwards.
In the ten years since that horrific day, 9-11, America is worse in many aspects. Fear and paranoia has given power to people who want to tear apart the government, aka Bitter Tea Party. The arrogance of George W. Bush and cronies squandered good-will from other countries; stole rights from the American people with the so-called Patriot Act; and, manipulated us into an unnecessary war with Iraq war. We are now hog-tied politically, economically struggling, environmentally battled, and spiritually drained. The pre-9/11 optimism has morphed into a bitter pile of bile perpetuated by negative media personalities and political pundits. We have accomplished more harm than four airplanes by trashing our democratic values, stripping government, empowering corporations, and being negative. Osama bin Laden must be laughing in his watery grave, he is winning because we wound ourselves more than the Al Qaeda minions ever could.
Every American has a duty to reverse this negative path. We can become strong again, not dominate, but have strength through peace. Don’t go along with the nasty rhetoric. Tell the mean-spirited politicians and media personalities that they are wrong. Vote for positive people. Boycott companies who advertise on negative media shows, and tell them why. You don’t have to be a Pollyanna and ignore the truth but at least hold onto optimism. Shake off the malaise and anxiety. Be thankful for those who help you and then help others yourself. You have a responsibility to be a good citizen of the world. It starts in your home and you are linked with every human on this planet. Be good to every person and prove the weak violent zealots wrong. Only the strong can maintain peace but it’s our only hope for survival.
Peace Be With You & The World.
©2011
FAITH AND DOUBT
Tears continue to run down my face after watching the PBS Frontline episode “Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero.” I sobbed off and on during the entire two-hour program. I didn’t have time to mourn during the aftermath of that dreadful day. I was too busy working. I had responsibility to support first responders, people directly affected by the disaster, and the families of victims. I didn’t have time to grieve or feel.
I wasn’t numb but I had to tamp down my emotions. It was the only way to survive the experience and still function. I now know that this non-reactive state can lead to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). That is probably why so many first responders and members of the military develop mental health issues. If you don’t deal with the emotion soon after the event/disaster, it will morph into something worse and cause problems.
As a disaster worker, I felt responsible for helping others. I put their needs ahead of my own. Was that wrong? No and yes. No because I knew that I was actually helping. Yes because it caused unintended personal consequences. Vulcans aren’t as vulnerable as humans so I began to revert to emulating Mr. Spock. I had a very difficult time for several years. I sought out counseling in 2003 and it really helped me deal with the delayed emotions.
The program dealt with people's approach to faith after 9-11. I’d like to address the questions posed:
1. Where was God on Sept. 11?
First, you have to believe in a “higher being” of whatever name(s). I don’t know if I believe in a Creator(s). If there is a Source(s), it doesn’t have a gender and may not be singular. Second, if it does exist why would it give humans the capacity to destroy each other? Why create a being that is so self-destructive? I don’t see the logic...
2. What is the nature of evil?
What is the nature of good? If “Evil” is a noun and outside of humans, then so must “Good.” Forces of Good must be equal to the Forces of Evil and we are mere pawns in their game of chess. Not so! Each person is responsible for his or her own choices. We make choices every day to do good or to do evil. No outside Force compels us.
3. Is religion itself to blame, or is it our last refuge?
Religion is to blame only when it is used as a weapon. As one of the program’s spiritual leaders said, we all have blood on our hands; all religions have been manipulated as a reason to harm others. In this instance, Islam was contorted but you cannot blame all Muslims for the actions of a few zealots. You must make certain that your religion is not used to harm others. You have a responsibility to not permit extremists of your faith to use violence.
4. What faith can be salvaged from Ground Zero?
I don’t know. I have been questioning organized religion since I was a child. I know that something exists beyond this mortal coil but exactly what, I don’t know. Each person has to decide for himself or herself how their faith (or non faith) reacts to this horrific day. I’m still working on my answer.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/faith/
Probably one of the best Frontline programs ever produced. I hope they do a follow up program and re-interview the participants (add in more women and people of diversity, too).
Still doubting faith.
© 2011
I wasn’t numb but I had to tamp down my emotions. It was the only way to survive the experience and still function. I now know that this non-reactive state can lead to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). That is probably why so many first responders and members of the military develop mental health issues. If you don’t deal with the emotion soon after the event/disaster, it will morph into something worse and cause problems.
As a disaster worker, I felt responsible for helping others. I put their needs ahead of my own. Was that wrong? No and yes. No because I knew that I was actually helping. Yes because it caused unintended personal consequences. Vulcans aren’t as vulnerable as humans so I began to revert to emulating Mr. Spock. I had a very difficult time for several years. I sought out counseling in 2003 and it really helped me deal with the delayed emotions.
The program dealt with people's approach to faith after 9-11. I’d like to address the questions posed:
1. Where was God on Sept. 11?
First, you have to believe in a “higher being” of whatever name(s). I don’t know if I believe in a Creator(s). If there is a Source(s), it doesn’t have a gender and may not be singular. Second, if it does exist why would it give humans the capacity to destroy each other? Why create a being that is so self-destructive? I don’t see the logic...
2. What is the nature of evil?
What is the nature of good? If “Evil” is a noun and outside of humans, then so must “Good.” Forces of Good must be equal to the Forces of Evil and we are mere pawns in their game of chess. Not so! Each person is responsible for his or her own choices. We make choices every day to do good or to do evil. No outside Force compels us.
3. Is religion itself to blame, or is it our last refuge?
Religion is to blame only when it is used as a weapon. As one of the program’s spiritual leaders said, we all have blood on our hands; all religions have been manipulated as a reason to harm others. In this instance, Islam was contorted but you cannot blame all Muslims for the actions of a few zealots. You must make certain that your religion is not used to harm others. You have a responsibility to not permit extremists of your faith to use violence.
4. What faith can be salvaged from Ground Zero?
I don’t know. I have been questioning organized religion since I was a child. I know that something exists beyond this mortal coil but exactly what, I don’t know. Each person has to decide for himself or herself how their faith (or non faith) reacts to this horrific day. I’m still working on my answer.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/faith/
Probably one of the best Frontline programs ever produced. I hope they do a follow up program and re-interview the participants (add in more women and people of diversity, too).
Still doubting faith.
© 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
THAT DREADFUL DAY
A beautiful sunny crisp fall morning morphed into a deeply dreadful day. It began innocuously enough as I listened to my favorite Minnesota Public Radio program The Morning Show (Dale Connelly & Jim Ed Poole) while I traveled to a meeting on a college campus. I parked the car and walked in a happy mood to the building. As I entered the office, the receptionist said to me, “A plane hit the World Trade Center in New York City.” I asked if it was an accident or on purpose. She looked confused and stated, “No one would do that on purpose.” I frowned, shook my head, and asked to see a television. She and another person dragged a TV out of the boss’s office and turned it on. A group gathered around it. I had a sinking feeling of dread and asked them to keep me updated. 9/11 had begun.
I served as an officer on a professional organization’s Board of Directors. The Executive Officer meeting started and I told them that I might have to leave early because of what was occurring in New York City. A fellow officer said, “It won’t affect us.” I stared at her and said, “We don’t know that, at least people from Minnesota live there and many people have friends and family in the area.” Instinctively I knew that it would be horrible, but I could not fathom to what ghastly degree. When the receptionist came in to say that the second tower and Pentagon had been hit everyone looked stunned. I excused myself. I quickly walked by the TV with live shots of New York City and Washington, D.C. surrounded by sobbing office workers. I could not stop or I would have melted on the spot.
My poor twelve-year-old Toyota Tercel rattled as I zoomed at over 70 miles per hour westward on I-94. I didn’t worry about the Minnesota State Troopers, a speeding car was not important at that moment. No radio on because it would have been a distraction to me. The interstate was mostly empty and I feared the worst when I observed cars stopped along the shoulder with the drivers and passengers weeping. My journey was just starting.
I arrived to a flurry of activity at the American Red Cross building near downtown Minneapolis. The Red Cross’ Emergency Operations Center was being set up (it serves as a classroom and regular meeting room when not activated as an EOC). Our phone line was overwhelmed by calls (they have fixed this technical glitch). Many offices in the Twin Cities were closing for the day because they feared another attack. The WTC Twin Towers had fallen during my speedy journey and countrywide panic started to rise.
Immediately I walked to the EOC and spoke with Bill who worked in Disaster Services. He said that a plane had crashed in Pennsylvania and I experienced a mild panic attack. Bill is an extraordinary person, he lead me to a quiet place and helped me breathe. I calmed down and he made sure that I was able to function. He went back to his work. When a disaster occurs you fall back onto your training. My boss and co-worker were out of the office so I was on my own. I knew what to do after I stopped panicking. I had to focus on my job. I could neither concentrate on the profoundly horrible events that had occurred nor speculate about what might happen next. No one knew if more planes had been highjacked and that caused uncertainty and fear. Our office received a call from the airport that they were bringing in flights with hundreds of passengers. We sent supplies to the airport.
We activated our trained Red Cross volunteer corps to come in to the EOC. We needed assistance with calls and people walking into the office. They wanted to do something, anything to help. It was a very busy time. I didn’t have a cell phone but my parents did call me at the office that afternoon. It was good to hear their voices. Gasps and a hand placed over the mouth is something odd I remember about that day. I observed many people covering their mouth as they realized the extent of the damage. It is the first flash of emotional shock. Later on I learned that it is a method to reduce vulnerability. If a predator realizes that you are in shock, it will pounce. Covering your mouth is a way to hide the shock. I think that almost everyone covered his or her mouth at one point during the day. However, the predators had already struck.
The remainder of September 1st, 2001 is a blur. I don’t remember what time I traveled to my apartment. It was after dusk. There were candles on the bridge decks. I didn’t know why they were there but it was touching to see. I had neither been watching television nor listening to the radio because I was too busy. Someone brought in food so I must have eaten but that is rather foggy.
I arrived home, took a shower and started watching the news. It was too late to call back the dozen people who had left me messages. The televised images were disturbing and I knew that the death toll would be horrendous. I fell asleep on the couch and awoke to a roar. A loud airplane whooshed over my apartment building and shook the windows. I ran over and saw the yellow-orange afterglow of a jet-propulsion burner. I knew that it was a military aircraft but why was it flying over the Twin Cities metro area when all airplanes were grounded? Was it another attack? I freaked out and called a friend who I knew was awake (she never goes to bed before 1am). She told me that the military was flying around for protection. That was good, but they were too damn low. Exhaustion caused me to sleep but I was up by dawn to return to work.
What a dreadful day.
© 2011
I served as an officer on a professional organization’s Board of Directors. The Executive Officer meeting started and I told them that I might have to leave early because of what was occurring in New York City. A fellow officer said, “It won’t affect us.” I stared at her and said, “We don’t know that, at least people from Minnesota live there and many people have friends and family in the area.” Instinctively I knew that it would be horrible, but I could not fathom to what ghastly degree. When the receptionist came in to say that the second tower and Pentagon had been hit everyone looked stunned. I excused myself. I quickly walked by the TV with live shots of New York City and Washington, D.C. surrounded by sobbing office workers. I could not stop or I would have melted on the spot.
My poor twelve-year-old Toyota Tercel rattled as I zoomed at over 70 miles per hour westward on I-94. I didn’t worry about the Minnesota State Troopers, a speeding car was not important at that moment. No radio on because it would have been a distraction to me. The interstate was mostly empty and I feared the worst when I observed cars stopped along the shoulder with the drivers and passengers weeping. My journey was just starting.
I arrived to a flurry of activity at the American Red Cross building near downtown Minneapolis. The Red Cross’ Emergency Operations Center was being set up (it serves as a classroom and regular meeting room when not activated as an EOC). Our phone line was overwhelmed by calls (they have fixed this technical glitch). Many offices in the Twin Cities were closing for the day because they feared another attack. The WTC Twin Towers had fallen during my speedy journey and countrywide panic started to rise.
Immediately I walked to the EOC and spoke with Bill who worked in Disaster Services. He said that a plane had crashed in Pennsylvania and I experienced a mild panic attack. Bill is an extraordinary person, he lead me to a quiet place and helped me breathe. I calmed down and he made sure that I was able to function. He went back to his work. When a disaster occurs you fall back onto your training. My boss and co-worker were out of the office so I was on my own. I knew what to do after I stopped panicking. I had to focus on my job. I could neither concentrate on the profoundly horrible events that had occurred nor speculate about what might happen next. No one knew if more planes had been highjacked and that caused uncertainty and fear. Our office received a call from the airport that they were bringing in flights with hundreds of passengers. We sent supplies to the airport.
We activated our trained Red Cross volunteer corps to come in to the EOC. We needed assistance with calls and people walking into the office. They wanted to do something, anything to help. It was a very busy time. I didn’t have a cell phone but my parents did call me at the office that afternoon. It was good to hear their voices. Gasps and a hand placed over the mouth is something odd I remember about that day. I observed many people covering their mouth as they realized the extent of the damage. It is the first flash of emotional shock. Later on I learned that it is a method to reduce vulnerability. If a predator realizes that you are in shock, it will pounce. Covering your mouth is a way to hide the shock. I think that almost everyone covered his or her mouth at one point during the day. However, the predators had already struck.
The remainder of September 1st, 2001 is a blur. I don’t remember what time I traveled to my apartment. It was after dusk. There were candles on the bridge decks. I didn’t know why they were there but it was touching to see. I had neither been watching television nor listening to the radio because I was too busy. Someone brought in food so I must have eaten but that is rather foggy.
I arrived home, took a shower and started watching the news. It was too late to call back the dozen people who had left me messages. The televised images were disturbing and I knew that the death toll would be horrendous. I fell asleep on the couch and awoke to a roar. A loud airplane whooshed over my apartment building and shook the windows. I ran over and saw the yellow-orange afterglow of a jet-propulsion burner. I knew that it was a military aircraft but why was it flying over the Twin Cities metro area when all airplanes were grounded? Was it another attack? I freaked out and called a friend who I knew was awake (she never goes to bed before 1am). She told me that the military was flying around for protection. That was good, but they were too damn low. Exhaustion caused me to sleep but I was up by dawn to return to work.
What a dreadful day.
© 2011
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