September 13, 2001 continued…
More talk of war on the radio. Not a single act of retaliation, but a war. J. told me that L’s daughter, who just joined the Navy to get education benefits, had a going away party within the last couple of days before this. Apparently, troops are already being sent off, although the public is unaware of this.
My thoughts are shifting to the changes in our lives which are hinted at in being a country truly at war. We are about to enter a full-fledged war and this is a very sobering thought given our world-wide capacity to destroy all life on earth. Is this the end of my life coming up? I will record what happens. It would be wonderful to produce a book of the heroic scenes and the people’s stories from this tragic week.
Terrorist — what is a terrorist? On a radio roundtable “Today’s terrorist is tomorrow’s freedom fighter.” Many leaders (Israel and Saudi Arabia) are former terrorists. How do we “fight” terrorists, how do we wage a war on terrorism? Can you put a finger on it? I heard a quote from a Russian (and then forgot the last word). He said “We learned terrorism is not a military _________(the word conveying that military actions or methods don’t work against terrorism.) From another source: “And this terrorist attack is something altogether different—no demands were made.” Quite right…
The president is still proclaiming we are going to get them. I worry constantly about our charging blindly off to war. So we are going to kill thousands of civilians to avenge this tragedy? I despise this stupid saber rattling. There is talk on the radio of people crying for vengeance…who, where? I have not heard it. Not among my circle of friends. We are sad. We are not angry.
Music—during the first day I heard background music playing throughout the news. I was greatly disturbed. What did they think this is, a Hollywood movie?
September 14, 2001 Friday
I planted a sumac today around 12:30. I enclosed this note in a glass jar, buried under the tree:
“In memory of all those who died September 11, 2001 in the attack on the World Trade Center, all those who sacrificed their lives helping others. Planted in the hope that there will be healing for the suffering of the survivors and the people of this country, and that we will learn about strength and courage and solidarity. It is my hope that we do not seek revenge and choose hatred. War is not the answer. If there is a war, we shall all surely die. Planted this day, just after noon, a Rocky Mountain sumac, whose leaves turn red even now and drop to the ground to be renewed into life each spring. In remembrance of this sad week. September 14, 2001 Cynthia Manuel, Blue Moon Farm”
Went back to work on Thursday at 2 p.m. Bouncy popular music was playing on the radio. “Why don’t you have the news on?” I asked. “We couldn’t take it any longer, we’re tired of it.” Just great, I thought. The most important days in the history of their country during their lifetime and they want it to go away like a boring tv show. I marveled at how cheerfully A. greeted us upon her arrival, but later I realized that she was throwing herself into the minutiae of organizing kiddie stickers, and making many cash register mistakes throughout the afternoon, so that I saw how transparent was her cover-up.
On the surface it seemed all the women were more concerned with the sale of our trinkets than the fact that we might soon be at war again. Business was good that day—over $1,000. Two days after the world’s worst terrorist attack. We even had the customer from Hell.
to be continued…
Tags: Remembering Sept. 11
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