9/11 memories still vivid in her mind
Sept. 11, 2001, will be burned in my memory forever, and I'm sure this is quite true for all Americans. I recall turning on the television, and a sense of fear and dread overcame me as I watched the Pentagon go up in flames. At that moment, I had no idea this was a terrorist attack. I became glued to my television and time seemed to stop as I watched the first and then the second plane hit the World Trade Center.
Part of me became so terrified the I thought, "Could this really be happening?" "Am I dreaming?" As it became clear we were under attack, the first and then second towers came crashing down.
I am not usually an emotional person. But seeing the towers come down and knowing we were under attack, I knew then I would never feel "safe" just because I lived in America.
I remember crying because it seemed so personal and irrational. I also cried for all the innocent victims who were caught in this senseless display of superiority and ignorance. At one point, as my roommate and I were glued to the television in shock, we both realized that if you looked closely enough, you could see victims actually jumping to their death from the absolute terror that must have engulfed them.
As the days and weeks crept along and Americans sat glued to their television, I realized life as we knew it had changed forever. Whenever I heard a loud noise outside or saw a plane flying, I wondered when it was going to happen again.
At the time, I was in school and the topic always seemed to drift to the helplessness we felt in the face of this senseless tragedy. Though I do not consider myself a prejudiced person, I am ashamed to admit I began to question my safety near any person of Middle Eastern descent. I know this wasn't fair to group the innocent Muslims for the outrageousness of a sector of radicals. Though short-lived, I am still ashamed for feeling that way.
It was sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop in the weeks following the attack as we Americans dealt with more threats, a heightened sense of vulnerability as a nation and the threat of the anthrax attacks.
To this day, I am sure I am not alone. I still have a heightened sense of vulnerability, fear and uneasiness whenever I see a clip of that day or when we remember the victims on the anniversary, or when we hear about Osama bin Laden telling us on tape how much he hates Americans and that he is going to attack us again.
I cringe during the news when I hear of more innocent men and woman who put their lives on the line to help keep us safe from these radicals.
Though I still have my days of insecurity and uneasiness, I refuse to let "them" win. Though I do not support the war in Iraq, I do support all of the brave men and women who are putting their lives on the line for us every day.
Jennifer Green
Huntley
District thanked for not caving in
I'm a milk producer from North Adams, Mich. I am writing in response to the overreaction of animal activists groups as a result of the teacher, Dave Warwak, who was let go because of his slander of animal agriculture and teaching falsehoods to the impressionable students of Fox River Grove School.
It is unbelievable that a teacher would abuse his power over his students. Children at any age are very impressionable and will believe most anything someone is passionate about. Warwak is passionate about his misconception of the nutritional value of animal products.
It's a no-brainer that milk and milk products are good for us. Sound science has been proving that for years.
I want to congratulate and extend my support of a school district that uses a common-sense approach in taking care of its students, and I would like to encourage you not to fold under the heavy pressure from the financially powerful animal activists groups.
Thanks to the district in advance for not caving in to such nonsense and for standing up for agriculture. My livelihood depends on courageous people like them who use their God-given intelligence to make decisions.
Melissa Hart
Knolltop Farms
North Adams, Mich.