THE DAYS FOLLOWING 9/11/01, PART 3 (9/19--9/18)



9/19/01


This photo was from the front page of the Portsmouth Herald from over the weekend. The words are from headlines, quotes and conversation from the past week.

I travel a lot between Boston and Portsmouth and trail of Red, White and Blue, Stars and Stripes, Old Glory is deafening. In all of my 29 4th of July celebrations between Philadelphia and Boston I have never witnessed such a display of Patriotism. It is both chilling and comforting. You know that relative to the rest of the world, we are not so far removed from our country's founding, yet it takes such horrific measures to make us reflect on what we obviously take for granted. Why? I think that we should slow are asses down and celebrate the flag and what it truly stands for. Freedom.

Be well.

--Matt LeVeque, Cambridge, Massachusetts




Interview with Noam Chomsky. from Radio B92, Belgrade. Forwarded by Evan Hecox.




An incredible aerial photo of the devastation in Manhattan.



This news video clip is a frightening look at Palistinian television. View with Quicktime or Real Payer.




It didn't strike me until all this shit started. My grandfather, who fought in campaigns in Europe, flew a flag in our front yard every day of his life after he got back from the Army. Every day -- and this was 30 years after he got back from overseas.

He never lectured us, made us recite the pledge of allegiance. He was a peaceful guy, not at all a militant patriot, and more often than not I remember him being terribly critical of the US Government. Especially when it came to sending young men into a meat grinder.

Maybe he just liked the colorful fluttering contrasting against the green trees and lawn out front.

One thing that gives me a little hope is that the collective "we" have a tool which was unavailable in previous generations and previous wars: the internet. Although the information is not always reliable from online sources, public opinion is a critical factor in politics, policy, and keeping citizens informed.

History shows how public opinion can be turned into an advantage for a weaker enemy. Manipulating American public opinion was a specific goal by the North Vietnamese during the TET offensive -- when they invaded cities in the South during the Chinese New Year it was not a success for the Vietcong in the short term, military sense. They came, blew stuff up, and were quickly overcome by US forces.

But, because it was broadcast on TV and these shocking images were transmitted into the homes of the American people nightly, public opinion began to sway, and more and more questions began to be raised about what exactly was the point.

I guess that's why wars and military actions are tightly censored these days.

But the viral nature of the internet, giving regular folks access to scholars and thinkers and voices that would otherwise be muted by the drone of bombs and bullets... this is a good thing. One good thing in the midst of all this confusion these days.

I was really moved by the letter you posted yesterday from Tamim Ansary. I sent it to my mom -- and got it in the email from Janice a few minutes later. And last night I was eating a bowl of Raisin Bran at 11pm and flicking through channels -- and there was Tamim on CBC or PBS, speaking eloquently about the same thing he wrote about. Cool.

Like a lot of people I know, am dismayed by the things I hear being said by our leaders. I fear we are entering A New Kind Of Stupid. Last week I read in the ticker on CNN that Bush was asking all Americans to fly American flags. Alright, I suppose, one nation indivisible and all that. But we don't have our flag with us -- it's in storage back in San Diego. When confronted with the prospect of going to K Mart and buying a new flag, I realized, fuck that. I'd rather do something real -- send my $9.98 to an aid group or a victim. Use it directly, rather than symbolically.

Speaking of symbolic. While unpacking I found a stock statement (still sealed) from July, 1996 addressed to Adam Henry Spiegel via DIRT. Return address: Tower Two, World Trade Center, New York.

Sigh.

--Mark Lewman, Eugene, Oregon

PS Oh, one other thing I glimpsed on the CNN ticker last night. It mentioned something about officials believing there is a threat of terrorist strikes happening again on September 22, because the date "has some significance." It went on to say US officials wouldn't disclose why the date was significant.

What the fuck is up with that? Probably the anniversary of some US-backed atrocity somewhere in the world.




Reflections, Thoughts and Prayers

As a son there was nothing more painful than to hear my mother's terrified voice calling on the phone that black and ugly morning, "Michael, wake up and turn the TV on. We are under attack!"

As a husband and a father there was nothing more dreadful than to have to wake up my wife and child from the sweetest dreams into a world of nightmares.

Like other families around the world we sat on the couch in our family room in front of the TV, huddled together, horrified and we cried. Watching pictures with ramifications that will forever scar our being.

A few days later my 2nd child was born into this world and in the face of these tragedies the miracle of birth for me was bittersweet. It kills me to admit that here but with the threat of war looming I'm hurting badly. I've been walking wounded and full of dread and seeing this beautiful little baby just starting her life has filled my heart with sorrow.

I haven't slept well, I'm afraid of the ringing phone and of nightmares that never end. Every sound in the night terrifies me. I lie awake and worry. I have a family. My family is proof of my faith in life, in love and in God. Though I know this world is not immune to tragedy and though I know and have always known that evil shows no discretion, I never thought I'd live to see and feel what I've seen and felt. My faith was and is being tested. And although I1m still reeling from it all, unlike the rhetoric of the United States Government, I do intend to pass this test.

The dialogue and posturing of war is unsettling. It is unsettling because the war being proposed is a war that can not and will not ever be won. Terrorism can not be fought with terrorism. It is a repeating and vicious circle that is ultimately self-destructive. And if and when innocent civilians, children and families die in this military action it will be terrorism regardless of how it's labeled. There's nothing noble about terrorism. The first war of the 21st Century can only be won if it's one that's fought on a different battlefield, the one inside of us all.

I believe that our destiny is in our hands. Just as a few sick people destroyed so many lives in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, it only takes a few good people with love in their hearts to make a positive difference in this world. Still, most people are cowards and spectators. It's time to step up and speak up and participate.

As conscientious, sensitive and caring individuals we have a responsibility to each other and to this world to stand up and be a beacon of light in this world of darkness. To illuminate the lives of our loved ones and the communities we live in. It1s time to shine.

Harboring hatred and violence will only be our demise. Terrorism is now a reality of our lives, like it has been for so many other people and countries for a long time. It is not a new phenomenon, not even in this country. And what if this attack would've been a homegrown attack like the Oklahoma City bombing? Who would we be going after then? Ourselves? We can only learn from this tragedy and apply the lessons we gain from it into our lives and our collective society. That is the only true retribution we can pay to our attackers. If we respond with violence we are realizing their prophecy, giving credence to their cause.

We can secure our borders, our skies and our daily lives. We van be smarter, more sensitive and conscious citizens. We may have to part with some privities and conduct our businesses and social lives differently but if you have nothing to hide than you have nothing to fear.

I pray for peace and for our nation, our government and our people to take the high road out of this Hell. I pray that as we stand united that we stand for a true cause worthy of perpetuating.

To be honest, the flag, our flag never really held much meaning in my life until these recent events. But now as I see it wave everywhere I go, I am moved by it1s potential and the possibilities it possesses. I pray that my children live and grow to realize the potential for peace and love in this country, in this world.

My mother was right when she called me that terrible morning. We are under attack. All of us, everywhere. The house is burning but it can't be put out with gasoline. We need to change our way of thinking if we truly want to change our lives.

Our children are watching.

Stand Strong.

--Mike Vallely, Long Beach, California




9/20/01


Last night CNN aired the film "Beneath the Veil," by reporter Saira Shah. Saira is the daughter of an Afghani raised in England. In early 2001, as far as we can tell, she and a small crew went into Afghanistan and filmed undercover. Saira herself dressed in the traditional Afghani veil all women are required to wear with her camera hidden underneath it. An incredible film of the injustices toward woman by the Taliban. Also shows some straight ahead insight into the living conditions there. We found this link to a BBC piece (June, 01) on Saira Shahand her film "Beneath the Veil." --Jenkins




This is a letter from my father to me I recieved today. It tells what actions he would take if the country were under his control in a short news report form. It'll only be a few moments -- take the time to read it. Hypothetical, yes, extremely, and unlikely, absolutely. But I think the point is more important. What do you guys think? --Andrew


Not a dream, more like a vision of hope:

The President today announced a full-scale invasion of Afghanistan, with the immediate goal being the taking of Kabul. "We will not use force unless and until fired upon," stressed the Commander-in-Chief. "We believe their leadership has already abandoned them, and so we ask the brave warriors who are presently defending Kabul to lay down their arms in the face of overwhelming military superiority, in order to spare the lives of the civilians who are depending on them for their safety." The President went on to describe the mission:

"Tomorrow, an airlift of unprecedented scale will begin with the ambitious goal to feed, clothe, house, and provide medical attention to each and every citizen of Kabul. No one will be refused; and no one will be singled out, arrested, or punished, unless and until they harm or attempt to harm another person. We understand that these citizens are the victims of a cruel and capricious regime which represents neither the people of Afghanistan nor the Islamic community at large, and to further victimize them by prosecuting a war against their dictatorial regime would only compound the tragedy. We seek justice, not vengance, and we believe that the people of Afghanistan are best equipped to adjudge what is befitting for the Taliban leadership."

The President's plan, known as Egalitarian Eagle, includes a systematic house-to-house search of the entire capital for weapons, which will be confiscated without retribution. Policing of the populace will be performed by the US military, which will enforce a no-violence edict, forbidding all forms of martial, corporal, and capital punishment, effectively nullifying the harsh interpretation of Islamic law imposed by the Taliban. Once secured, Kabul will serve as the central base from which a food-for-guns exchange will be carried into the countryside, using native guides both to locate and to communicate with the most extreme elements of the Afghan regime.

"No one could even find the last of these holdouts, much less win them over," said the President, "but our goal is a grassroots change that will empower the citizenry, effectively making these few extremists irrelevant." When pressed for a timetable, the President would only say "as long as it takes, maybe indefinitely." More troubling to average Americans is the potential human cost of such a large-scale campaign:

"Our soldiers may be easy targets in the first few days or weeks, but their orders stress restraint in the use of force, with their number-one goal being the preservation of life - all life. Because what good is it to enforce an American ideal, if we have to sacrifice the very standards of justice and tolerance which make America a beacon of hope for the whole world? And though we have honored soldiers fallen in battle, I ask you, my fellow Americans, how much more noble is it to lay down your life in a mission of mercy and deliverance? For I believe we will be judged, both here on Earth and by the God of Abraham whom we all worship, not by how we treat our own people, but by our standards of behavior toward those who would destroy us."

First reports from a stunned electorate are disbelief that the Commander-in-Chief of the greatest military power in the history of civilization would choose to eschew the use of force, mixed with awe at his courage in taking such a decision. Said housewife Thelma Farfotsky, "I guess somebody has to break the cycle of vengance, and if not us, then who?"

--Nelson




9/21/01


This is a link to a local 'alternative' newspaper/radio network with slightly different viewpoints on the terrorism inflicted on NYC, DC, America and the rest of the Free World. www.bostonphoenix.com

I have not seen too much national coverage today on the apparent attacks planned to happen here in Boston tomorrow. I thought if any of the Bend subscribers were planning to come to Boston this weekend they might want to postpone the trip. The Boston Globe has full details.

Personally I am not going to let this ruin my weekend. Somehow the rain has already done that.

Over and out.

--Matt LeVeque, Cambridge, Massachusetts




I like the letters section. I'm from NY and it's good to read other views on the current situation. I have two brothers who are NYPD and are part of the "recovery." They say the TV can't show what it really looks like. I can only imagine.

Keep up the site, looks good. I've attached two photos from my personal collection.

Thanks,

--Michael Wikan, Hermosa Beach, California




SEPTEMBER 1, 1939
W.H. Auden

excerpts (read the entire poem here) :

"Faces along the bar
Cling to their average day:
The lights must never go out,
The music must always play,
All the conventions conspire
To make this fort assume
The furniture of home;
Lest we should see where we are,
Lost in a haunted wood,
Children afraid of the night
Who have never been happy or good."

...

"All I have is a voice
To undo the folded lie,
The romantic lie in the brain
Of the sensual man-in-the-street
And the lie of Authority
Whose buildings grope the sky:
There is no such thing as the State
And no one exists alone;
Hunger allows no choice
To the citizen or the police;
We must love one another or die.

Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame."


Love,

--Mary Chen, Los Angeles





THE DAYS FOLLOWING 9/11/01, PART 1 : 9/11--9/14

THE DAYS FOLLOWING 9/11/01, PART 2 : 9/17--9/18



Please send Bend your thoughts or forwards or links, if you are so inclined. Please let us know where you are writing from. Be safe. Spread love.