America Reacts: As Shock Subsides, Anger Wells

AP ^ | 09/11/01 | David Foster

[TomServo]

Far from the smoke and rubble, Americans everywhere reeled from the blow of Tuesday's terrorism. Then, as the shock subsided, anger flooded in.

"We will respond," vowed Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill. "America's been attacked. Those who attacked us will pay a price."

"I feel like going to war again. No mercy," said Felix Novelli of New York, a World War II veteran who served aboard the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier. "We have to come together like '41, go after them."

For many citizens, from homemakers to lawmakers, the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington were a devastating bolt from the blue. People gathered around big-screen TVs in public places, transfixed by the unbelievable horrors they were watching. Some sobbed. Some shook their fists in anger. Others just stood there, paralyzed.

"I'm numb," said Corinne Zuege, 49, of West Lafayette, Ind. "This is such a tragedy. They always said there would never be another Pearl Harbor, and here it's happened on our shores."

Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner ordered schools and state agencies to close early, as the state's National Guard units moved to high alert.

"I'm still in shock over today's events," she said. "I have hung my head in sorrow and I have prayed in earnest over what will be a tremendous loss of life."

Even those who know how dangerous the world has become were surprised. At an anti-terrorism conference being held in Salt Lake City, event moderator John Sullivan said he always knew this day would come.

"I didn't know it was going to be this soon," he said.

The memory of Pearl Harbor was invoked everywhere, but the "them" was not immediately verifiable - a disturbing fact for those trying to determine if they, too, were at risk.

Planes were grounded nationwide, and heightened security went into effect at government and corporate offices, oil refineries, military bases and state capitals. Landmarks such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Space Needle in Seattle were closed.

Even officials at the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., tightened security, calling the pageant site vulnerable because it is a "national icon."

"I don't think there's any place in America right now that's not at risk," said Andrew Hudson, a city spokesman in Denver, where emergency officials gathered in the basement of City Hall.

"I feel violated," said Lorna Cannon in Salt Lake City, some 2,000 miles from Tuesday's carnage. She feared for her son stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. For all she knew, maybe that base would be next on the terrorists' list.

"You think of the Oklahoma City bombing as the worst thing possible, and then this happens," Cannon said. "I would just like to be with my husband right now. I would like to gather my family around me."

Even as many Americans spoke angrily of retaliation, religious leaders counseled prayer.

"We have been reminded very powerfully of the existence of evil in our world and of the power that evil can seem to have," said Bishop George J. Lucas, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield, Ill. "We are praying from our hearts for those who have been killed and injured and for the heroic people who are involved in the rescue efforts. May God bless us with courage and strength"

[TomServo]

Apologies for first post where I used an obscene phrase. I'll think I'll have a beer and cool off now..

[The Brush]

As I was driving this evening I saw an American flag that someone had put out in front of their residential property. It reduced me to tears.
Sometimes a thing like seeing our flag can set your bearings and remind you that this is God's Country.
I'm going to put my flag out tomorrow morning, it is the easiest way to show my heart in view of this horrible attack against our nation, and it is possibly the only thing I can do right now.

[ladyinred]

I think we have all gone through the range of emotions, shock, fear, disbelief, and rage. At least I have. My anger is directed at the monsters who would do this, and the media who would second guess the actions of the President of the United States. For them to play politics at a time like this is just despicable.
I cannot see how this country can come together as we must when the press continues to divide us for their own political agenda even on a day such as this.

[The Kitten]

I feel nothing but anger. There were few things I loved better about New York City than walking by the World Trade Center and just being there.

Nuke 'em till their hole in the Afghan mountains is a sheet of radioactive glass.

[Maelstrom]

Hell...I hate NYC.

But it's MY CITY in MY State, in MY COUNTRY...nobody does this and lives.

[Hedgehog]

Glad to know you're okay, able to post. Your anger is well justified.

[riley1992]

The anger is the best thing that could happen. It is far, far better than fear.

[Yooper_Hondo]

Does anyone know of a website that lists all of the businesses that were housed in the World Trade Center?

[Poohbah]

Nuke Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Sudan, and any nation whose government says a cross word about us nuking the countries I just named.

Massive overreaction is probably the best deterrence mode for dealing with subhuman filth like these folks.

[Mark17]

America Reacts: As Shock Subsides, Anger Wells

So, ah, is the sleeping giant waking up? Let's hope so, and let's hope he is being filled with a terrible resolve.

[TomServo]

The anger is the best thing that could happen. It is far, far better than fear.

Totally agree.

[ottoisa1]

THERE IS AN ANGEL IN THE WHIRLWIND...

[c. l. coffman]

Having a hard time figuring out how to explain to my 8 and 6 year-olds that the world has ceased to exist as we know it. Fortunately, my 2-month old is blissfully unaware.

[Mulder]

We need to completely eradicate the bastards who did this.

[sonsofliberty2000]

I'm in NC near Lejeune and Cherry Point. On my way home I saw flags at half staff and banners saying they support the military.

[JerseyHighlander]

wtca.org

[Monti Cello]

This is a pivotal time in history and I fear it's going to get ugly. I am sure we will retaliate savagely, and I think these terrorist factions have contingencies lined up.

After the cunning and execution we witnessed today, we would be foolish to think that Plans B, C and D, and host more aren't already lined up by these people. These methods and targets are just part of a wide range of vulnerabilities we have.

I hope we have the military strength and national resolve to get through this. The American way of life is about to be attacked with death and destruction from abroad and by liberal capitulators from within.

[sonsofliberty2000]

Just thought of an appropriate quote:

"Every normal man must be tempted at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." H.L. Mencken

[Maquisard]

As I have been watching the news of todays events, And in checking the posts on the board, I would like to offer my thoughts as a former member of the U.S. Military. First of all, everybody MUST remain calm. If we all get bent out of shape, and start demanding martial law to make us safer, 2 things happen. 1. We will lose some of our freedoms in the name of safety. 2. The terrorists win by creating such fear in ourselves, that we are afraid to go outside, or even fly. AMERICA WILL GO ON!!!!!!!! Today we have seen the BEST come out of Americans, and the rest of the freedom loving world. As I said in a earlier post, this is what sets us apart. Tragedy in this country only makes us stronger. But now is NOT the time to go off half cocked, and start seeking revenge. Yes, those who did this will be dealt with, and dealt with harshly. But the cries for "NO MERCY" must stop. We must collectively pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and continue with our lives. But do not think this act of cowardice will be forgotten. As proof of this, I need only offer the words of ADM. Isoroku Yamamoto, After the Japanese attack on Pearl harbor. While his comrades were celebrating ( As the Palestinians are doing) Adm. Yamamoto quietly walked out and looked over the waters of Tokyo bay from the quarterdeck of the Battleship Yamato. When asked why he was not celebrating with the others at this great success, He quietly replied....(And I Quote) " I fear all we have done today is to awaken a sleeping giant, And have filled him with a terrible resolve. " Today my friends, The sleeping giant has awoken once more. Pray for the Vicitims and the families of this deliberate, and cowardly attack, on the United States of America. God Bless us all.........

[Poohbah]

Notice that the "usual suspects" are tripping over each other to say, "It wasn't me! It wasn't me!"

They understand that we are going to exterminate anyone who supports these scumbags.