Marlo Thomas on the Daughters of 9/11:
I was with my best friend’s wife and son, getting ready for his funeral. He died in my driveway on 9/7. A number of people commented that he was needed ‘up there’ to help others over 4 days later. He was a beacon for sure, as are you on TuD Judith!
… and today, another memorial service, for a friend’s husband. Mostly a blessing; he had so many conditions and so much pain. Seems to be the time of year!
Yes, we all have stories, wonderful stories. Sharing them is, I think, contributes hugely to us becoming ‘family’. We can each put our own spin on the same event and end up with a totally different ‘reality’ about it. It’s a window to our individuality/personality.
This may not be a popular view, but I’m as disturbed by the things that have happened in this country since 9/11. I think that not only has a climate of fear and distrust taken over, sending us back to an earlier time of intolerance for differences, but also some basic individual rights have been eroded in the name of “combating terrorism”. I think international empathy for the U.S. immediately following 9/11 has withered in the light of our actions in the middle east, an already unstable area.
Was that an “I agree with your thoughts” type “yes, Zoe”, or a pat on the head, “there, there, deranged ranter” type “yes, Zoe”? LOL
Speaking only for myself of course, but our kids don’t seem to rise to trying to make change the way we did. I think having the war in Vietnam to raise our ire, having a cause to rally against (or for?) somehow awakened a part of us that was the antithesis of apathy. I don’t see that the next generation has anything similar to react/rise to, they are different for the lack.
+1 yes Zoe 
I thought so, Judith, from what I know of you, but I was just checking. At this point in my life I can live with the people that want to pat “ranting Zoe” on the head - it actually tickles me - it’s better than if they wanted to shoot me!
Yes, I know what you mean, jrtpup, we were definitely a unique generation.I’ve been a pacifist for nearly 50 years, and there definitely is less place for my views today. It’s not the same, but I do see some positive things today such as a willingness to do service to others and an acceptance of diversity and caring for the environment.
Kind of on the topic I chanced upon an interesting trilogy of novels the other day whose basic subject matter is Islamic fundamentalism. They’re written by an Algerian who uses the pseudonym of Yasmina Khadra. The first novel takes place in Afghanistan and the 3rd in Iraq (haven’t seen the middle one). They’re powerful, though not comfortable reads.
I can understand your husband’s frustration. Isn’t learning from one’s experience supposed to be one of the qualities that makes us human? I find it frustrating, in general to see how slow organizations are to change - starting with the ADA. I really think the process of debriefing crisis situations and then seeing what to do differently is essential in our world.
Sounds like a good read Zoe, I’ll see if I can find them.
Acceptance is something I’ve given some thought to after a recent piece on NPR - interviews with Islamic people who wear traditional dress- as part of their 9/11 coverage. I think that after 9/11 there were big steps backwards in acceptance of other cultures. So many people see someone they identify as Islamic and have immediate prejudice, perhaps fear as well. I won’t rant 
Environmentalism is definitely something I see in my kids’ generation much more strongly than in it’s budding stages in our generation. My daughter goes through my trash to make sure I haven’t mistakenly put something recyclable in the trash LOL. I hate to think about what we’re leaving them.
Good girl Zoe, you brought it back to D with mention of the ADA LOL. I would give you my definition of committees but it’s probably not appropriate here. Too many egos and too many people unwilling to embrace change for anything to change/improve quckly despite evidence that there’s a need.
Steppiing off my soapbox now