On September 11, 2001, I was teaching a welfare-to-work job training class as part of a community outreach program from Albany State University. My boss stepped into class and said, “turn on the T.V…. something is happening in New York.”
When we realized what happened, one of my students quickly said, “I am glad I am a Christian because Muslims are terrorists.” I asked the class if we have ever had Christian terrorists in our nation’s history and they said, “Of course not.” Some people really did not pay attention in high school history class but that is a discussion for some other time.
Today, we remember the tragic events of that fateful morning, pray for the souls that are gone and keep their families in our hearts. Since the students knew I once worked in the U.S. Capitol complex in the past, they asked me what was next. I told them it was time to stand behind the president and congress who were elected and selected to lead in crisis.
We also remember that Abraham, the father of Isaac and Ishmael, was indirectly the father of three religions. The eagle that was embossed on my congressional staff business cards had an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other.
Project Logic Ga 
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/esp_sociopol_911_111.htm
Once again Slyram, you are right on target and eloquent as ever. I hope you’re planning to write a book. He He.
I read this blog today that was quite intriguing and had to share it since it intertwines today (Remembrance of 9-11) and this week’s outburst from a Congressman. Read below.
Needless to say, I’ve already made contact with Dr. Westen and plan to have him join me on my radio program to discuss emotions and political decisions. Fascinating, indeed….
Just Sayin’ – What happened to national unity?
Posted: 06:25 AM ET
Carol Costello – Correspondent, CNN’s American Morning
Filed under: Just Sayin’
By Carol Costello and Ronni Berke
Remember how 9/11 drew us together as a country? We were unified – we would do anything for one another.
An American flag flies in front of the construction site of the former World Trade Center site on September 8, 2009.
An American flag flies in front of the construction site of the former World Trade Center site on September 8, 2009.
Now there’s shouting, name-calling and even a congressman calling the president a liar. It’s not that we’ve forgotten what happened on that day. The lingering pain makes that impossible for many of us.
But some visiting the 9/11 Tribute Center memorial in New York this week wondered if we remember enough. “This was a terrible time in our lives and we need to step back and remember and teach everyone what we saw,” says visitor Charlotte Harris.
Not just the pain, but what we shared. “From 9/11 it was everybody together and this health care thing has got everybody tore apart,” said Connie Shrock.
It leads us to wonder: Is unity still possible?
Watch: Where’s the national unity? » Video
“The vast majority of Americans want good for all,” says Republican Strategist Ed Rollins. “But I think at the end of the day, they now have a lot in their faces and there’s a lot of uncertainty and a lot about their own lives they don’t control.”
It has had a chilling effect on compromise and civility: if you don’t agree with me – you’re unpatriotic. Drew Westen, a psychology professor and Obama supporter, says the president, as the nation’s moral authority, needs to step up.
“The problem with his approach has been when someone’s (un)civil, he’s been quiet. And that’s not leadership. That’s actually a failure of leadership.”
Westen says Mr. Obama lost an opportunity to lead during his speech to Congress by not addressing Representative Joe Wilson’s heckling on the spot. He should have said, according to Westen: “This is an exact example of what I’m talking about. This isn’t how we solve our nation’s problems.”
For those committed to seeking common ground, the two dominant political parties are the source of much divisiveness. “The way the political process is structured relies on the society being fragmented and disunified,” says independent political activist Jackie Salit, president of independentvoting.org.
Although the intense patriotism felt by many after 9/11 may have receded, Salit says the key is for people to recognize their shared goals. “When people create together, one’s ideological differences don’t matter as much.”
What do you think? Is national unity still possible?
Helen I could not agree wih you more! We are more divided than ever as nation. Yet, after 9/11 we were so committed to a “more perfect union!”
I also agree with you that President Obama was right not to address Wilson in his speech. 85% of Americans agreed that Wilson was wrong. I feel that the Prez led by ignoring Wilson and staying on track! The Eritreans say that camels do not stop walking b/c they hear dogs barking!