Watching some of the 20th anniversary memorials for 9/11 takes me right back to that day. I imagine it is the same for all of us. Certain historical events mark us; each one removing some of the innocence and naivete we were born with and replacing it with fear. Kennedy's assasination in junior high where my memories include: my science teacher vaulting over his desk to rush to the door; high schoolers crying in the hallways; the constant television coverage and Jack Ruby's shooting of Oswald.
On 9/11/01, I was monitoring a MIOSHA grantee class at Eastern Michigan University when people told us to come into the office to watch it unfold onscreen. I remember calling my daughter at college and my husband fishing with his parents just to be sure things were the same in my family and then seeing the faces of the young ROTC students in the same building walking around showing a mixture of shell-shock and determination. Watching the video of the second plane as it approaches the tower still makes me catch my breath in choked anticipation.
Coming together as a nation is something we do as Americans when the threat is external. Too bad we can't show the same compassion for other divisive internal issues. Knowledge that "terrorists" do not follow the rules of war, that most nation-states do, has led to over-reach sometimes for the sake of security. Freedom is not free as the saying goes and one has to decide whether security is worth the restrictions and lack of privacy.
But then again "certain" people have no problem invading privacy and restricting the freedom of others for their own personal agenda. Talking to you Gov. Abbot (Texas). As you claim you will eliminate the need for abortion in the case of rape by eliminating rapes I have to ask "is dementia a new thing for you"? Since we usually do not hold any of the "fathers" accountable for their actions, however, how is it anyone's business besides the woman? How clever to let the "citizens" narc on their neighbors for a big payoff.
I am no constitutional expert but I find it strange that some of the "Supremies" are willing to sit on their black- robed hands when a State blatantly passes laws that are contrary to the law of the land. To place it in perspective, suppose California passed a law that it was illegal to attend church and the atheists had full authority to catch and prosecute any they believed had offended the ban. Oh yes, and offer a bounty for every successful "catch". The "Supremies" would roll out objections at Bugatti-like speed to stop infringement on the guaranteed freedom to worship. All this Texas law will do is drive women into dangerous situations and bankrupt taxi drivers, nurses and medical facility clerks. But I suppose attacking a pregnant woman directly would have been too obvious.
How ironic that the anti-vaxers do not see their own hypocrisy posting signs "My body My Choice". Where is the same passion for sex education, birth control, support for single Mothers, or for that matter gun control, as children keep getting attacked and killed in schools. But it works as a rallying cry for the unscrupulous. An interesting and obvious statistic; States that have strong sex education programs in the schools have fewer abortions. Duh. Keep them dumb and defenseless apparently; and condemn those who ask for help as immoral and lazy.
Changing gears. As we nibbled on left-overs from our big party last weekend we contemplated on whether these were snacks or a meal? As my grandson has pointed out there is a difference especially when I tried to count the amount and variety of all the snacks he had the other day really consituted a lunch. He vehemently objected. Apparently there is a protocol. Not sure if one has to be sitting down or the deciding factor is quantity consumed at one sitting. No matter-he knows.
Apropos of nothing I came across a book signed by the author that I received several years ago. The lady worked for me at one point and was an excellent scientist but rather rigid. Compromise was not her long suit. She actually asked me to review the manuscript and make comments before she turned it over to her publisher. It was very good utilizing her police/firefighter background with a murder mystery and a smattering of mysticism. Though I remember being surprised that her protagonist was a lesbian and the love interest was with another woman. No big deal but I mentioned it to my supervisor and our media specialist as we were driving to an assignment and they both roared. Didn't you realize C---- was gay? No not really. She was into the occult which I found fascinating, but guess I am not only color-blind but gender neutral as well. LOL. Her marriage to a lady a few years ago was my final clue.
New quest/project. In debating whether to install a "one plug fits all" solution to our increasingly more frequent power blips, or installing the magical Generac we invited an electrician to discuss options. The all-inclusive magic machine was my preference until we got the estimate. Not only was it way over my elusive economic comfort zone, but it did not even include hiring an HVAC person to run a line and another big chunk for Consumers to put in a new meter. That new generator and "one plug" option seems to have obtained number one status. Either way I won't have to cringe every time bad weather is predicted or trees decide they are done supporting themselves and/or Consumers finally replaces aging equipment.
Resting on my podcast "laurels" at the moment with three in the can. Oddly enough the one scheduled for next week is "Planning for Emergencies: Are You Prepared?". I had not thought of the 9/11 anniversary until after I approved the next offering which actually uses information about the World Trade Center and how many people survived due to pre-planning.
Meeting with the prospective bride and groom to go over all the fun things I am planning for the wedding...again. Other inevitable bridal emergencies being handled by Big Sis but fingers crossed third time's the charm. Though I am fully expecting a surprise bolt of lightening at the moment of truth. "It's electrifying" as they sing in the movie Grease-just adds to the day!
Compliments to President Bush and his 9/11 speech yesterday. He rightfully called out and condemned the January 6 mob as domestic terrorists and of course he is being villified for it. When even a Republican ex-president can see the blatant attack on our democracy for what it is, these deniers need to take a long, long look in the mirror....and at their hero...
No comments:
Post a Comment