Thursday, September 11, 2008

7 years post 9/11



"Lest we forget" is a phrase that is everywhere on the 11th of September for the past 6 years. Indeed we must. Sadly though, each vocalizer of this challenge seems to differ in suggested response. Even more upsetting are those who throw this phrase (and others) out once a year as a password for patriotism, or those who simply do forget.

If we are not to forget, what should we then do? Remember? Remember what?
  • That thousands of Americans lost their lives
  • That terrorists were able to attack us on our own land
  • That these terrorists were not motivated by nationality but by faith
  • That it was a failure of certain sectors of our government not defined by political affiliation
  • That the terrorists intend to continue this mode of warfare
  • That we have succeeded in thwarting further attempts

Do we simply acknowledge these truths in the privacy of our minds? I submit not. The remembrance of such events should effect an active response.

  • Proper memorial for the slain innocent
  • Justice for the perpetrators, their planners, and supporters
  • Clarity of who deserves this justice, exactly why, how, and to what extent
  • The leaders of our country to clarify these subjects
  • Those who can clarify and act to confront and/or lead those who can't
  • Continue methods of restraining and fighting terrorism that work and discard/modify those that don't
  • Trust those making decisions regarding issues we can never fully understand
  • Support and praise those giving their lives in search of these ends

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