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COLUMN BY MATT PRANGER |
Previous columnsList of columns written by Matt Pranger | |
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A new sound of freedom
posted 09/14/01
After two days of silent skies, the whir of a single-engine Cessna drew my attention yesterday. As the small plane climbed away from the Friday Harbor Airport Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, at about 12:30 p.m., I smiled, comforted by the whirring emitting from the Cessna's propeller. For me, the buzz from that plane signaled the start of the return to normal life in this part of America. Although everything didn't grind to a halt here after the terrorists' attacks -- hundreds of people had to continue working -- Friday Harbor did become unnaturally quiet at the end of the vibrant summer vacation season. Parking spaces were available during peak hours on Spring Street as families remained in their homes, watching the news reports stream in from New York City, Washington, D.C. and near Pittsburgh. Islanders turn now from disbelief that something so horrific could happen on our soil to mourning and remembrance. Hundreds of islanders will be attending memorial ceremonies today in honor of those killed in the unprovoked attacks. Skip lunch if you must, but please don some red, white and blue and attend. Celebrate the lives of those lost in the attack, especially the firefighters, police officers and emergency medical workers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Help the survivors by donating blood or giving money to the Red Cross or other established aid agencies. After mourning an appropriate period, and when mentally able, try to resume as normal a life as possible. Let the cowards, who do not claim responsibility for this atrocity, know that America's will will not be crushed. Demand -- from government and private companies -- greater safety in airplanes and other modes of transportation. Let them know the inconvenience of less luggage and longer waits while being searched and paying extra, are worth it. Also, tell the defense budget builders to stop wasting money on million-dollar conventional weapons that are worthless in waging a war against terrorism. Support efforts to bring the attack's mastermind and his minions to justice. This might include some covert tactics previously deemed morally objectionable. If justice is going to be swift, it must be done with as few losses of innocent lives as possible. Remain tolerant of others, even if their nationality or faith matches those of suspected terrorists. The overwhelming majority of the world's citizens want peace and extremists reflect the views of only the most fanatical. Remember: Acceptance of all races and creeds made the U.S.A. greater than any other nation on earth. Leave racism and stereotyping in the 20th century. Adapt to America's new form of freedom -- one with greater limits on mobility -- with grace and an open mind. For years experts warned we were highly vulnerable to terrorism. Now the most costly attack on U.S. soil confirms it: Our security blanket can be ripped from our hands. We need to find what's left of that blanket, stitch its tattered pieces back together and clutch it tightly and proudly again. * * * About a week ago, I had planned to rant against college football scheduling games on Friday nights, a time previously reserved for high school contests. I'll save that blast for some other time. Instead, encourage San Juan Islanders to cheer on the Friday Harbor Wolverines tonight. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. against Liberty Bell of Winthrop. |
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