Posted on 09/11/2011 8:59:46 AM PDT by JewishRighter
I don't know about other FReepers, but I am sick and tired of the 9/11 memorials. Maybe you read my headline and thought I am an insensitive jerk, a troll, a liberal or a lunatic who doesn't have the sense to realize the importance of marking this day appropriately. You'd be 180 degrees wrong and that's just my point. I mean I'm sick and tired of the way this day is remembered. I mean the weepy, maudlin preoccupation with the "tragedy" of 9/11. Of course, I don't mean that there should be no solemn observance to pay the proper respect to the victims and to comfort their families. I just mean the obsessive singular focus on the aspects of loss and so-called tragedy to the exclusion of what I believe should be the true American, patriotic form of remembrance.
For reference, I think we should look at the one day in our history that comes closest to the events of 9/11, Pearl Harbor. A study of public reaction from contemporary resources shows a nearly uniform sentiment: dignified rage. Recruiting offices around the country were mobbed with men who shared this dignified rage and knew in their hearts that the correct and proper thing to do is to destroy the vicious and treacherous enemy who dared to commit such wanton acts of murder and destruction on America. Beyond those who were willing and able to bear arms, the entire nation rallied around the flag and their government in full throated support of an unapologetic war to visit annihilation on the perpetrators.
Mind you, the righteous anger of America that blazed on December 7, 1941 and the unity of purpose to destroy our enemies did not wane in 4 weeks or 6 weeks or 6 months as it did after 9/11. Politicians did not tell Americans to just go out and shop or otherwise behave as if nothing had happened. Fierce American resolve from the President down to the private in the foxhole to Rosie the riveter kept burning brightly from the day of the attack until and even after Hiroshima and Nagasaki were smoldering piles of ash. Setbacks along the way did not diminish, but renewed, American determination to see vengeance through to victory.
Of course, there were memorials for the soldiers, airmen and sailors killed at Pearl Harbor. Although I haven't had the privilege to visit, I understand that the Arizona memorial is a most solemn and sobering tribute to the men who died that day. But I find no evidence that Americans reacted to and remembered Pearl Harbor with such intense focus on the victims and their families or that they regarded the attack as a "tragedy". It wasn't a tragedy - it was an outrage, it was the worst kind of villainy, it was evil incarnate and Americans back then knew what to do and how to behave. And, I might add that the American culture of the day was more stoic and more dignified in their sorrow. You didn't have every single surviving family member making tear filled speeches and reading poetry. Again, for those who might misunderstand, I am not taking one iota away from their pain and suffering, but I believe the preoccupation with that part of 9/11 diminishes its significance and the national resolve and sense of purpose that are needed to finish the job of eradicating the barbarians who would visit a thousand 9/11's on us every day if they could.
Separate and apart from the tragedy of the loss of life for the victims and their families, the message of 9/11 and its remembrance on the national level is not one of tragedy at all, but should follow the example of the Greatest Generation: 9/11 should be a solemn, dignified remembrance of loss but it should also be a time to reflect on the vicious, evil atrocity that was done to our country and to renew our united determination to obliterate every last vestige of the people and the ideology that brought death to our shores.
G-d Bless America and Bring Death to Her Enemies!
I agree. Problem is, I am STILL in a state of RAGE. The religion of peace has had 10 YEARS to clean up their “religion”. If anything, it is worse than 10 years ago. I want GLASS! I want all moslems given the choice to renounce their “religion” or leave the USA. Screw PC. I refuse to clasp a viper to my chest while crooning, hush little baby, I understand and accept your evil and vile ways.
Check out Bush’s speech from Shanksville yesterday. It was much more dignified than most of the pathetic tragedy-peddling drivel that assaults us every year (but especially this year).
Shanksville is where the first successful American response to the attack took place.
Then watch a youtube video of the Palestinian reaction the day after 9/11.
It’ll renew your sense of purpose.
Life is NOT meant to be dignified and appropriate. It is rough and tumble. Designed to polish the soul.
DEATH, at least the funerals, cemeteries and mausoleums: that’s where we make sure things are dignified and appropriate.
These 9/11 ceremonies are DEATH.
Instead let us to dedicate to LIFE! TO LIFE!
...and I'm glad you're participating in your own way, as well.
ML/NJ
Move MLK DAY to 9/11 to give ALL people an opportunity to REMEMBER. We have a Black President who will some day be memorialized on Presidents Day. So, I suggest we get away from a Politically Correct Holiday possibly a racially motivated day of Remembrance (as Holiday is not appropriate) for MLK, move his day to 9/11; memorialize ALL fallen Heroes. MLK could be celebrated with the passengers on several flights who attempted to save others, as well as the First Responders who died, the Military and CIVILIANS who were heroic and / died. No disrespect intended for MLK.
Turn it off then.
I know two families both lost daughters that day. My own niece, but for God’s providence, would have been on the first plane to hit the Towers that day. She was off duty that day.
I hope no one ever forgets what happened or ever becomes so jaded not to weep over the lost.
“I am frustrated that we see these efforts to turn 9/11 into a day of service.”
Don’t get me started. I could do another rant on that subject as well.
The volunteerism thing is the community organizer’s way.
Exactly, FDR was as polarizing of a President as Obama is today, but after Pearl Harbor, that was all forgotten, and the nation united.....for a brief few moments after 911, the nation united behind President Bush, but inevitably the Democrats couldn't stand for that.
“But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in G-d; every one that sweareth by him shall glory; but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.”
It was my bar mitzva sedra. I read that maftir a long time ago.
He must have been raised by venomous snakes.
Much better than TV and in full color 3-D as well.
Six Whiskey Tango
BRAVO!
Let the families mourn them.
The rest of us must avenge them.
This should be a National Day of Outrage!
Actually, the entire parsha (portion) last week was about rooting out evil.
ML/NJ
Excellent post. Right on the mark.
I apologize. Did not read all the way through. When I did read the last two paragraphs, it is evident that your summation was one I do agree with.
Please disregard the Kite remark.
I see your point. But I also believe there are people who absolutely need to see the evil that Muslims have in their hearts. They need to see people jumping out of buildings. There are young people who were too young to understand 10 years ago, but could possibly “get it” now. If even a few could be enlightened, then it might be worth the razzle-dazzle. If this makes them understand that Muslims don’t practice “a religion of peace”, that’s a good thing.
Nope I think what is being done is perfect. Some people need to be reminded of what happened that day. At least this year they are finally showing the jumpers
A more fitting remembrance than anything I’ve seen at Ground Zero today.
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