As we remember the horror of September 11, 2001, it is important to recognize belief in the preeminence of one human being over another remains a threat to our nation. The difference is today the monster is not only external but internal as well. We have forgotten how we rallied together as one in the days after the senseless attack on New York City and the Pentagon. We have forgotten how for a brief moment we stood together as brothers and sisters and defied evil. No American was superior to another on that day or in the days that followed; all Americans drank from the same fountain of unity.
As we remember and say a prayer for the lives lost on that tragic day, let us not forget to say a prayer for ourselves. From the ashes of 911, America found itself briefly, but lately, we have lost ourselves again. To have differences of opinion is common; to debate those differences is healthy; to be unwilling or incapable of working through those differences is foolish and dangerous. We should not be a nation ruled by hate and mistrust or divided by conservative and liberal ideas, religious beliefs, lifestyle choices, or racial tensions. As a nation we are united by a Constitution, philosophy, common sense, and decency that says all men and women are created equal and have the right of expression and personal pursuit of happiness. In America, to believe otherwise is oppression.
The destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City is a reminder of the destructive power of hate and a warped sense of superiority. It is a reminder that such evil can bring the greatest of nations to its knees. It is time we drink from the same fountain of unity once again. It is time we tear the tags, labels, and dialogue of division from the fountain and welcome all to drink – if not for our sake, for the sake of our children and the future of America.
May God bless America and the freedom and shining good she represents for all people.
Jl
©Jack Linton, September 11, 2016
I Don't Mean to Offend, but . . . . 