Resolve
I had a different post ready to go for today, but it wouldn’t be appropriate. I usually like to keep it light-hearted and funny, but today isn’t a day for light-heartedness. I have a problem. I have a problem with those that would be happier if this day would pass as any other day; mundane, and without consequence. With those that say; “Don’t show those horrible pictures, they’re too hard to watch”. They are wrong. Those images may be hard to watch, but that is precisely why they need to be seen. Sticking your head in the sand and hoping it goes away doesn’t work. Pretending that by ignoring the reality of that day will lessen it’s impact is the act of a cowardly soul. There are children standing on a stage at Ground Zero at this very moment reading the names of their parents and other victims. At the same time, there are people in offices and kitchens wallowing in ignorance and the false idea that diplomacy and love will take care of everything. That’s a wonderful idea, if only a foolish one. The barbarians that flew 4 airplanes into buildings and a field in Pennsylvania have no interest in diplomacy or love. Their sole reason for living is to see to it that you die. Why is it that some people can’t understand that concept? Why would someone who would surely fight to the death to protect their children believe that their country should practice pacifism in the face of Radical Islam? Why would someone who lives in the longest sustained democracy in human history turn a complacent blind eye to a movement that seeks to enslave them? The goal of Radical Islam is to convert the infidels (us); if conversion fails, the alternative is death. Those are your options. Agree with their religious ideology, or be killed. I think the right option is easy to choose; others don’t see it as clearly.
For the people that are in their offices or kitchens today wondering how the world got this screwed up; I have a question for you: Do you fully understand the sacrifice that has been laid at your feet that allows you to be so narcissistic? Can you even fathom the thought of walking off of a boat on the beaches of Normandy, knowing that you were probably going to die? Would you have been part of the rebellion on Flight 93 knowing that even if you took over the plane that you were most likely going to perish in a horrific plane crash? Could you stare out of a gaping hole in the side of your WTC office and have the courage to look for other survivors before trying to find your way out? Would you walk away from a 4 million dollar NFL contract to enlist in the Army to defend your country? I didn’t think so.
Complacency is the cancer that kills free thinking people. You don’t turn away from these images because they are too hard to look at; you turn towards them explicitly because they are.
Weaselmooma
I couldn’t (and didn’t) say it better myself. ” All that it takes for evil too prevail is for good men to do nothing”. I for one will never forget. I will also make sure that my children understand what happened and watch it on film. I am grateful for all those who acted heroically that day and in the days since, to keep my family safe.
(NukeDad) Me too. Too bad there are those that think we “deserved” it.
Sep 11, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Weaselmomma
P.S., I don’t know who Weaselmooma is.
(NukeDad) I asked you about that once. I thought maybe it was a distant bovine 3rd cousin.
Sep 11, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
tom
Nuke – I had people, some who I had considered close friends, tell me that we had it coming; that we deserved it. That angered me more than anything. You are absolutely right when you say that those who did this want us to die, pure and simple. They do not respond to diplomacy or a loving outreach, and soft words and kindness will not change their minds. And every one of us owes those brave people who gave up their lives for us. I should be as courageous to do the same some day.
(NukeDad) Put in that circumstance, I have not doubt that you would, Tom.
Sep 11, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
Tara R.
Amen and amen… freedom is not free.
(NukeDad) Too many people forget those who’ve paid the price for us.
Sep 11, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
Mike
Obviously you’re right. We need to continue to make sure people remember. This impact should be felt as deeply as Pearl Harbor, JFK, MLK of past generations. Let’s hope the generations we care for now don’t have to remember anything new…
(NukeDad) Still one of the best sayings ever: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.
Sep 11, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
Mr Lady
Beautifully written, and you are right on every point. I do hope you understand that some of us don’t mention it today because some of us can’t find the words still, all these years later.
Because I, for one, won’t write it until I can right what you did up there.
(NukeDad) Thanks, Mr. Lady. I just wish it wasn’t so easy for so many to forget.
Mr Ladys last blog post..I Really Want to Make a Kung Fu Fighting Reference In Here Somewhere
Sep 11, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
Melisa
Amen. Awesome post.
(NukeDad) Thanks, Melisa.
Melisas last blog post..Savage Garden Was Right On. Or Something Like That.
Sep 11, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
Karen
You are absolutely right. So many people refuse to see the truth about those people who practice radical Islam and claim that those of us who do see the truth are racist. Just as there are people out there that use Christianity as their excuse to do horrible things does not make all Christians evil and bad the same goes with Islam and every other religion on this planet. Accusing those of us who distinguish between the two of being prejudiced against all Muslims is ignorant. I don’t care what religion someone is, if they threaten me or mine they need to be stopped. They cannot justify hijacking and ramming planes into buildings as anything but evil and wrong to me, and the fact that they not only try but also try to say it is our fault or that anyone deserved what happened to them is sick. The fact that it isn’t politically correct to discuss any of this and the fact that there are people who want to bury it is irresponsible. If we let people like that win then next time it kinda will be our fault. Those pictures should be displayed as a reminder of what we are up against.
I believe that one of the worst things I have seen recently was the story/video that showed people picketing the funerals of soldiers who died overseas. I can’t imagine how much will power it must have taken for the loved ones of the soldiers to not take a detour through the picket lines on the way to the cemetery. If I were on the jury I would vote not guilty, perhaps make the picketers’ estates pay for damage to the vehicle…
(NukeDad) I have nothing to add. Well stated, Karen.
Karens last blog post..I am so busted, again.
Sep 14, 2008 @ 12:58 am