***Why Ground Zero Is Worse Live***

Stardate: 0111.21

[The Wizard]

I found out today why everyone who goes to Ground Zero comes away so shook up.......the life around it....

When you see that horrific view on TV it's usually a big full screen image from above, people and life aren't really visible...

When you're there, there's life and business and people walking and cars moving and a heavy PDNY presence.....and then you see the distruction right next to you, the twisted metal and the mauled buildings, and you know people died right there....

If you can deal with the hassels to get there, everyone should experience the feelings you get when the life all around you is framed by the twisted wreck of cement and metal......You can see the death in the empty windows, and feel the lingering horror... and understand the size of what happened

[The Wizard]

This, what I saw, be prepared for something you won't ever forget.....the crumpled building....the devistation.....you imediately go back to the day, and the collapse, and the firemen, cops, and people who are still there, and you can feel their horror....at least I did.......You will not expect it...

[Neets]

I work with a man...he is former a Police Commissioner, and a retired MG in the National Guard..he is currently an Instructor of Criminology where I work...75 yrs young, and over all great guy.

One day he called me into his office, to share an email he was writing to his children, describing his visit to Ground Zero.

Because of his connections, he was able to get an in-your-face look at the devistation.

It was extremely humbling and difficult for me, to sit there and read this with him..while watching the tears run down his face.

I'll never forget that moment.

I don't think I want to see GZ myself.

[Hildy]

I'm going to NY December 1 - 4. I will pay my respects to Downtown Manhatten.

[RightOnline]

"Was there a distinct odor?"

I haven't been there; don't live there, etc.........but I have talked to many who have, many who do. They ALL say exactly the same thing: The most profound thing you notice as you get close is "the smell". I'm not sure about right now, but they all said that the smell was overwhelming; permeating the whole area. Not just that "burning" smell, but "the smell of death". Never forget that thousands of people are still buried in that heap of twisted metal and rubble. It's a horrible thing.........and as has been pointed out, one that we will never, EVER forget.

[The Wizard]

I know the feeling.....you feel kind of out of place....

[PoorMuttly]

Everyone, and I mean everyone should come down here, and stand at this place. Anyone with a soul will be changed. There is nothing to be said about it. One really "gets" the gravity, the reality of human suffering and barbarity, when seen, paritcipated in, just by being here. Don't worry about being from out of town, or from another country. We know what you're going to feel, and know...and it makes you one of us, and we, of you. We are all together now, and murderous death is our common enemy...from now on. We'd love to see you. If you have a uniform from somewhere, and wear it, on any of our streets, expect to see tears. They're from gratitude. It's hard to be alone at times like this, and we are grateful for your company.

[Libertarian_4_eva]

I live in staten island and a few miles from the landfill that they dump out the material from and its insane hearing them for the first few weeks dumping the tons of material and seeing the spotlights on all night.

I went to ground zero a few weeks ago and then you could smell a pretty discusting oder however the worse smell was that of just burning material. My father works for the T/A and he told me many people for the first few weeks had to put vicks on their nose to block the smell of rotting flesh.

[Norb2569]

Christiane Amanpour should just shut up about it.

Do ya hear that, Christiane, you 'war slut' - NOW SHUT THE HELL UP!!

[All-American Medic]

Thanks for coming down to the site, Its a lot better now than it has been. God Bless You and God Bless America.

[All-American Medic]

If you want to go down there, Let me know.

[Norb2569]

We are all together now, and murderous death is our common enemy...from now on. We'd love to see you.

I really want to go there, to witness it firsthand.

To stand there and let the tears roll down my face till there are no more.

I want to feel the just anger boil in my blood.

I want to feel the sorrow of those who lost loved ones and friends and co-workers and jobs and livlihoods and businesses.

I want to walk on hallowed ground.

[PoorMuttly]

My friend, you are on hallowed ground. That's one of the things you realize. Make it here when you can. It's another permanent National Monument now. It'll take quite a while to fix, so no rush...and of course it has to be cleaned up for a number of reasons...but when they speak of what to build in its place, I think, "O.K., replace the Towers...but everybody should stand here, and see this!"

Your tears, shed wherever you are, are proof that America has done a good thing in your heart, and that you are part of the best about America, and that which causes so many of other nations to not only envy our material wealth, but who we really are. May God continue to bless America, and Americans, and help them to improve the lot of the rest of humanity, as they are now even more determined to do. May this terrible thing bear good and noble fruit for us, and the world. That they will not have died in vain.

[Timesink]

Try having your Christmas party at 1 Liberty from 6:00 to 11:00.

I think that will be a very special Christmas party, if organized properly. I wouldn't pass up such a chance to be there.

[Sceaming_Gerbil]

I will be getting ten days off for Christmas and New Years, so could come down then (will be coming from Michigan).

What is the best way to get to Ground Zero (which freeways, exits, where to park, where to stay, etc.?

--------

Everyone, and I mean everyone should come down here, and stand at this place. Anyone with a soul will be changed. There is nothing to be said about it. One really "gets" the gravity, the reality of human suffering and barbarity, when seen, paritcipated in, just by being here. Don't worry about being from out of town, or from another country...

[PoorMuttly]

By then, it should be easier.

[stlnative]

For those who are not able to visit Ground Zero,
here is 3 links with 100's of photos taken by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Some of them are the best close-up pictures you will ever see.

Ground Zero 1 (8 Pages of Thumbnails)
Ground Zero 2 (10 Pages of Thumbnails)
Pentagon (3 Pages of Thumbnails)

WE WILL NEVER FORGET 9-11-01

[wayne_shrugged]

How close can you get? I've been wanting to go since I think its something every American should see in person if they can. I've got to come a long way - Seattle.

I convinced my family from California to fly to NYC for Christmas.

I was there at the end of June 2001 and stayed at the Financial Centre Marriott, one block form the WTC, so the area became my home for 1 week. Then I went back 1 week after 09/11. It's still hard to believe...there are NOT words to describe it.

When I was there, I saw trucks leaving Manhattan with cars smashed to about 3 feet tall -- cars of victims, cars of innocents...and suddenly for some reason, it became incredibly real...

[All-American Medic]

Depending on where you are staying, If you are staying on the west side, take the west side highway as far south as you can, park in a lot off the highway and walk down, you should be able to get within a block of the site, if you are staying on the east side, go west til you hit broadway and go south until you see signs for battery park/financial district, then park and walk west towards the river..

[Quix]

It may actually be the best Christmas party ever, because you should be reminded as to what really is important.

FOR SURE. Have encouraged a friend who tends to freak out on family holiday entertaining. . . to focus on relationships . . .

THINGS YOU MIGHT ASK DURING THE HOLIDAY OR OVER DINNER . . .

--What would you like to do differently this year in light of 11 SEP?

--What do you value more now about your relationship(s) with ____________ in light of 11 SEP?

--What actions have you taken/are you taking/will you take to improve the quality of your primary relationships in light of 11 SEP?

--Has 11 SEP caused you to grow spiritually or to live more on the surface to avoid the pain?

--What thoughtful things would you most like people around you, who love you, to do this coming year?

--What thoughtful things have you learned to enjoy doing more since 11 SEP?

--IF _______________ had died in 11 SEP, what would you have wanted to say to him/her first? Have you said it yet? What would you have liked to have done with them? Have you done it yet? If not, when will you make time for it?

--IF 11 SEP hasn't gotten your attention, what will it take?

--Are you paying more attention in your relationships after 11 SEP?

--What little pleasures in life are you noticing more after 11 SEP? What little pleasures are you giving away more?

--How has your relationship with God changed after 11 SEP?

--What has touched you the most and how about 11 SEP?

--How are you handling fears triggered by 11 SEP?

--Has your communication style and frequency with those you love most changed any since 11 SEP?