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!
You pretty much stated my feelings, in fact I would say I have the exact same thoughts about Sept. 11 and all the various memorials.
Agree. But, I would add to the list of heroes the firefighters and other first responders who rushed to the flames to save others and gave everything as a result
No there were lots and lots of heroes that day. Too many to try to go back in news and find them all. I recall one man who stayed with a coworker who was in a wheelchair and unable to leave the building. How about all the first responders who surely knew entering the building to try to help others was a suicide mission at best?
TV and the Internet have greatly changed the way we react to just about everything. I think your vanity is unfortunate, and yes, I read it.
I am glued to the TV today watching all the 9/11 shows. It reminds me that I do have a good reason to hate muslims and islam and to vote for those who are not too PC to admit the evils of islam.
I’m not watching TV / listening to radio today.
I am grieving in my own way, without prompting by a talking head or a politician.
Like almost everyone, I watched in shock and horror as the events of 9/11/01 played out.
I didn’t need to be told what to think or how to “feel” then, and I don’t need to today.
Can’t speak for all of the events of the day, but the memorial event down at ground zero seems dignified and appropriate. Good to see it.
There is a NCIS marathon on USA channel.
I’m sick of seeing all of the blowhard politicians and celebrities pontificating on 911.....this is not about them.
I’m tired of politicians from both parties using the 9/11 memorials as an excuse to put their two cents in.
I agree.
I believe I’m clear and unwavering in my understanding of the cause and the issues. Almost all of the government, media and other ceremonial handwringing is off point and counterproductive.
Sure, any flag waving and tribute to our troops is good, but all the abstracted calls for unity and understanding are subversive to the cause of our fellow countrymen understanding and facing a serious international and cultural threat.
The wallowing in and elevating of victimization is not a fitting tribute to those lost.
I disagree, this was an American tragedy and our coverage of the ten year anniversary of 9/11 shows the entire world we have not and will not forgotten.
Should have been forget not forgotten.
The only memorial I want to see are glowing craters where mecca, medina and that damnable well in Iran used to be.
BTW, I love sarah, too. I appreciate your viewpoint, but I don’t get that reaction from the funereal nature of the observances. It makes me feel the survivor’s sadness but it doesn’t say anything about how and why they died and who needs to pay for it.
I figure this is the one day of the year that liberal networks can try to perpetuate the lie that they don’t hate American completely with every single ounce of their collective black hearts.
>>>There is a NCIS marathon on USA channel.
That’s whats on my TV....
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