The world responds to tragedy
Who could imagine just how evil evil could be. We learned it on September 11, 2001.
As I watched and listened, I recorded these statements broadcast in the days that followed — to remember the courage, to remember the unity, to never forget those lost to us forever.
“Freedom has been attacked by a faceless coward. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil. Today our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America.” President George W. Bush
“What these bastards have done is attack innocent civilians; that’s the difference between us and them.” Norman Schwarzkopf, speaking to NBC News, comparing U.S. attacks on Iraq and this terrorist attack.
“We had the strange feeling of being hunted — there was no safe place.” Ann Compton, the only reporter on Air Force One with the president as they flew above the country at 40,000 feet.
“This is a wound to America, whoever you are, wherever you may be.” NBC News.
“Why is the U.S. getting attacked? What did we do to them?” 12-year-old in North Carolina.
“This is not a fight between the United States and terrorism, but between the free and democratic world and terrorism.” Tony Blair, British Prime Minister.
“These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of resolve.” President George Bush.
“The United States is being punished for its crime.” State television in Iraq
“There’s no way in the world to prevent someone who’s bent on destruction.” Ed Koch, Former NY Mayor.
“The coming weeks will bring significant surprises.” Osama bin Laden in a Muslim broadcast three weeks prior to 9/11 from an Afghanistan desert.
“Help people.” Firefighter in response to a Fox News reporter who asked him what his assignment was.
“The first inclination is to hit back. Who you gonna hit?” Norman Schwarzkopf to NBC.
“The determination of these terrorists will not deter the determination of America.” John Ashcroft, Attorney General.
“How could anyone feel this is the right thing to do?” Survivor, ABC News.
“A group has stepped forward to claim credit — as if anyone would want to claim credit.” Fox News.
“Freedom and democracy are under attack. This enemy hides in shadows and has no regard for human life. They won’t be able to hide forever.” President George Bush.
“We’ve seen the extremes of New York; it was the best and the worst of people.” Survivor in Manhattan.
“The twin towers stand for American commercialism; they stand for the American establishment. Indeed, their size and profile represent America’s might.” ABC News.
“The Americans’ shoulders are burdened with the atrocities that Man bestows upon fellow Man. Today’s senseless cowardly acts were orchestrated by faceless, soulless individuals. The Gates of Heaven opened wide today.” Falun Ainjull, posted to an ABC News Chat Room Tuesday.
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“It is easy for us to blame God for catastrophic events. It is easy, but it is also wrong. God doesn’t cause evil, but God does allow evil to exist.” Rev. Leroy Allison
Life has a tendency to seep over us like an ink stain. It ruins us, wears us down, steals our smile and strips us of joy that is all around us.
When life just doesn't make sense, quit trying to make it have sense.
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