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Nen
We cannot persuade our genetic composition to differ in
nature. We cannot select the time we are born. We cannot choose the first
system into which we are indoctrinated. We originate at some place at some
time in some way. That reality is immutable--who we become is not.
Horrific acts were committed in the United States on September
11, 2001. Preconceptions of safety were shattered. Misconceptions of detachment
were obliterated. It became personal. It happened at home. The United States
is not some haven where atrocities are unknown. Religious rifts, political
schisms and oppression in places such as Ireland, East Timor, the Gaza Strip,
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe are no longer distant news bulletins. Their ilk
is know here. The pain, the torment and the shock of enduring the manifestations
of such clashing are finally felt here. Know what it means to live in fear.
Know what it is to feel terror.
Such hope arose from this event. People sacrificed their
labor, goods, blood and lives for others regardless of age, nationality,
gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other prejudicial premise. They
did these things without thought of recompense. It was truly a glorious moment
for humanity. We glimpsed who we can become.
And now we turn to rumors, scuttlebutt and conspiracies.
We search for a Montague to our Capulet. And we care not if they are a Montague,
we only are concerned about whether or not they look or act like a one in
our perverted and distorted perception. Once again we return to military
occupations, pre-emptory strikes, actions of force, covert operations, conflicts
and wars. Once again we embrace petty financial woes, economic forecasts
and derisive capitalism. Once again we turn to unfounded hate. Once again
we relish in the epitome of complacency.
It is truly unfortunate that it took such a tragedy to
engender humanity in humanity, and to have the presence of that quality be
so very fleeting. Now we search for an enemy to loathe. Now we seek a people
to detest. No we look for a way of life to abhor. Now we return to old ways
only to build greater walls and retract further from reality in our reinforced
shells. Yesterday I wept at the loss of life. Then I wept at the selfless
acts. I weep again today.
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