Today is a somber day for all Americans as we remember the events of September 11, 2001. Fourteen years ago, it seems like only yesterday. Each of us can recall exactly where we were when we first heard the news and saw the horrid videos. The day is indelibly etched forever in our minds.
Lucy reflects on her beloved bee pillow.
OK, she is probably snoozing but still...
Beyond the tragedy, there was something else that happened in the days following the attacks. We all came together. No division by race, ethnicity, gender identity, politics, or religion. For that brief moment in time we were all simply---Americans. How is it possible that we are now more divisive and intolerant than at any other time in our history? How is it that we now scream RELIGIOUS RIGHTS and FREEDOM OF RELIGION, when what we really mean is INTOLERANCE and PREJUDICE? While none of us wants to re-live those horrid times, we do yearn for the cohesion it briefly brought to our country. We can find that again without a major tragedy, but only if enough of us want it and are willing to fight for it.
Today's quote is from Mahatma Gandhi:
When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won.
There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible,
But, in the end, they always fall.
Think if it always.
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERYONE
11 comments:
Lovely to see Lucy contemplating this day in our shared history. I long for the day when we humans see ourselves as one species on a planet that needs our attention.
Yes, it would be fabulous if we could all be on the same side again...
Hi, I totally agree with you concerning how united we became as a nation when this attack occured. It was remarkable, in light of such loss. I am also struck that many who want others to embrace a alternative lifestyle criticize those who don't hold their beliefs. They scream that we should be tolerant and yet they do the very opposite. May we all embrace and respect the differences of others.
God Bless America.
Noreen
I also knew a sweet, funny, intelligent Golden Lucy. She is missed dearly as well by her pet parent.
I'd like to modify Noreen's sentiment just a little bit and say "May we all embrace and respect others." I don't think that, in the end, we are different after all.
That day, not only Americans came together but it briefly united most of the world. I agree with robin. I pray I live long enough to see it.
Oh a wonderful quote from Gandhi. I've been depressed all day thinking about how that brief unity we felt post 9/11 seems to have disappeared. In fact, I just did a post on the subject that is scheduled for tomorrow.
You voiced what I have thought so often lately ... why couldn't be learn from 9-11 and stay united as one nation. It was an awesome and tragic time but we were close then.
I do like the quote you've used for your thoughtful post here.
Also well done on Lucy's picture it fits perfectly.
All the best Jan
I love the contemplative Lucy photo for this post. Somehow, since that brief time of unity, the divisiveness has reached epic proportions. However, with the risk of being too political, I can think of one way that the majority of our citizens have become more tolerant of differences - and that is gay marriage. That step forward in tolerance and even acceptance makes me believe that perhaps we will figure out how to go beyond our differences and respect all others, even if they are different from us.
Beautiful quote and post.
Live and let live was my mother's motto. She was not judgemental of others and I try to be the same. If we didn't judge everyone else so harshly, looked at our own failings, perhaps we could feel the compassion it takes to live and work together to build rather than tear down. It seems there is a meanness toward anything that is different from the person we see in the mirror everyday.
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
Nance - Thanks for dropping by
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