May 2, 2011

September 11, 2001: I had recently turned 23. That morning, I had a poetry writing class at Pensacola Junior College. Halfway through, I had to leave class and go home because of terrible cramps. And when I woke from my aspirin-induced nap that afternoon, the world had changed.

My mother called me and asked how I was. Ignorant of the political situation, my first thought was to wonder how she knew that I’d had to leave school. Then I learned.

While she told me about the terrible destruction, my eyes rested on two printouts stuck into my bedroom mirror. One was a plane schedule to New York City. The other was a brochure about the World Trade Center. My uncle and I had been planning to stay there in the beginning of November that year, while he gave a conference. And behind my eyes, explosions.

Ten years.

I was never for the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. I was protesting before they were even begun. And I’d be the first to admit that I hold George W. Bush responsible for allowing 9-11 to happen. It served a political purpose—as had been discussed by his associates, prior to the attack. It happened on his watch, and he is to blame.

And yet. I am glad of the news today.

I’m glad we now have a president with the right priorities. Serve justice, no matter how long it takes…then turn aside and move forward.

So I heard there was an election.
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2 Comments

Stephanie 3 May, 2011 at 2:36 pm

It’s funny how well we remember where we were when we first heard the news of the towers. I was sitting in high school American History, watching the same unfold on the TV that had been wheeled into our class the week before for a few Twilight Zone episodes. Felt like something straight out of that series, save for the color display and the glaring realization that this was reality.

“I’m glad we now have a president with the right priorities. Serve justice, no matter how long it takes…then turn aside and move forward.”

Thoroughly agree with you.

Love and miss ya, Vi. :)
Sharyn 5 May, 2011 at 8:10 pm

Politically, I agree with you. I’d like to add my admiration for our president who “got ‘er done” with no fanfare and lots of dignity, and has intelligently and maturely refused to release photos.