On the second anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, I'm not sure what to say. I'm quite conflicted. I'm saddened by the deaths and injuries caused by the attacks, outraged at the perpetrators, and appalled by the actions of the United States government.
I certainly can't put my thoughts and emotions into comprehensible words without being offensive to at least someone. I hate this feeling, just as I hate the way the President uses the tragedy of the day to further his own ends.
The blatant misrepresentation of who was behind the attacks and what is being done about them continues, most recently with a U.S. Army General in Iraq connecting the occupation by his men of a former Saddam Presidential Palace with the "war on terrorism" this morning on Good Morning America.
I should probably stop here.
On to some links:
Nathan Newman tries to put the 3,000 deaths in the attacks into perspective, while saying that he still mourns the tragedy. Check it out for an eye opener.
To see the world's reaction, check out this image gallery, link provided by Atrios. Please note the reactions in countries opposed to our war in Iraq and our treatment of Muslims. Criticism of France and Russia should bear in minf that Jaques Chirac was devastated and the flags at the Kremlin flew at half-staff. All of this goodwill has been squandered by the Bush Administrations tactics and stances since September 11th, 2001.
Finally, check out the restrictions on our liberties and abuses against foreigners in our borders -- we are on ur way to becoming that which we hate.
Posted by Chris at September 11, 2003 01:00 PM