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America coming together in a time of need shows the real heart of America. Most Americans tithe at church, each Sunday, to show our love and unity towards God. Today is a time to come together to show our love and unity towards one another in this terrible tragedy. God shares with us that we should tithe in anyway we can, but he doesn't say it has to go directly to the church. We should tithe to help people in need, because God helps in mysterious ways, but I believe he works through us.

We are messengers of God, and we should deliver his love and affection to one another. Today we all should unite and help Gods children in need, If every church around the United States, took up there offering on Sunday, Sept. 23,2001, and gave it towards the crisis, it would show the enemy WE the UNITED STATES comes together as one, (E Pluribus Unum) and no one can stop us now!

Remember September 23, 2001, Show Your Support.

Kids Struggle to Find Answers as History Unravels Before Them

From The LA Times
During this unusual time, we hope that the LA Times will not mind our borrowing this piece.

The "essential question" written on the board in Mr. Smiley's American history class was this: "Why, in 20 years, did we change from happy loyal British subjects into disloyal rebellious scum?"

But no one was much interested in the American Revolution that morning. The question on the minds of Brent Smiley's eighth-graders was this: Why, overnight, did we change from invincible superpower to helpless victim of terrorism?

And on this morning--as they watched silent television images of the World Trade Center reduced to rubble--their grim-faced teacher had no good answer. "There is no such thing as total safety," Smiley told them. Terrorism is no new phenomenon. We are going through what other countries have endured for years. "But this is America," one girl piped up. And--in their worldview, at least--America has always been better, smarter, stronger than any other country; invulnerable to the atrocities that less-favored nations had to face.

Now, suddenly, these kids are grappling with emotions unimaginable before: what it feels like to be pitied and hated; to feel unprotected and insecure; to be angry enough to want retribution, but frightened by the thought of war.

The day before in Smiley's class, they had talked of "defining moments"--those events in history that change the course of a country, shape its will, measure the character of its people.

These children couldn't know it last Tuesday--when their day began with televised images of carnage, along with their cocoa and Cheerios--but we are in the midst of one. Their world has tilted on its axis, even if they don't yet feel the shift.

And as Smiley walked them through the morning's devastation--using the same even, measured tones he might have used to explain the Boston Tea Party the day before--you could see them struggling to come to grips with the magnitude of the unfolding tragedy.

Their questions were basic and straightforward, reflecting a childlike allegiance to fair play and an adolescent's self-centeredness, along with the sophistication of a generation raised on "Armageddon" and "Independence Day."

How many people died? Will this make things more expensive? How could they get past airport security? Are we going to bomb them back when we find out who did it?

It feels like a movie, one boy said; like it can't be really happening. It is history, his teacher told him, but you can't make it out while it's happening.

It was through the tentacles of the disaster that the children glimpsed its power: All the country's airplanes grounded. Baseball games and high school football canceled. The Emmys postponed. Shopping malls shut down. Amusement parks closed. Even MTV was off the air. This was big, all right. And each new revelation stood to heighten their fear. "You think they'll come here next?" one girl asked.

Smiley reassured them with this guarantee: "Nobody is going to crash a plane into Lawrence Middle School." They chuckled and looked at one another, but I saw nervousness in their smiles.

They'd seen their country's insecurities unmasked that morning. We were naked in our vulnerability.

One day, I tell my daughters, their children will regard this as a history lesson, and they'll be asked to recount for their kids just where they were, what they were doing, how they felt when the news came down.

My oldest says she'll remember the horror--the sight of men and women leaping to their death from the crumbling World Trade Center's top floors. My 12-year-old will recall how confused and frightened she felt as she watched me weep that morning, my tears sprinkling the steering wheel as I listened to the news on our drive to school. And my little one will remember the words of her teacher, who had his own defining moment to share.

He'd been her age when Pearl Harbor was bombed, and our country went to war. "We will get through this, just like we survived that," he told them. "We're a strong country. We're brave, and we will go on."

What he didn't share is what he told me later, the other lesson Pearl Harbor taught us: That things will change, that life can never be the same.

And I worry for a generation that will come of age in the shadow of fear cast by terrorists.

This is from a Canadian newspaper

America: The Good Neighbor

Widespread but only partial news coverage was given recently to a remarkable editorial broadcast from Toronto by Gordon Sinclair, a Canadian television commentator. What follows is the full text of his trenchant remarks as printed in the Congressional Record:

"This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as the most generous and possibly the least appreciated people on all the earth. Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy were lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who poured in billions of dollars and forgave other billions in debts. None of these countries is today paying even the interest on its remaining debts to the United States. When France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans who propped it up, and their reward was to be insulted and swindled on the streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it. When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is the United States that hurries in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped. The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped billions of dollars! into discouraged countries. Now newspapers in those countries are writing about the decadent, warmongering Americans. I'd like to see just one of those countries that is gloating over the erosion of the United States dollar build its own airplane. Does any other country in the world have a plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas DC10? If so, why don't they fly them? Why do all the International lines except Russia fly American Planes? Why does no other land on earth even consider putting a man or woman on the moon? You talk about Japanese technocracy, and you get radios. You talk about German technocracy, and you get automobiles. You talk about American technocracy, and you find men on the moon -! not once, but several times - and safely home again. You talk about scandals, and the Americans put theirs right in the store window for everybody to look at. Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are here on our streets, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend here. When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking down through age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them. When the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke. I can name you 5000 times when the Americans raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can you name me even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake. Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them get kicked around. They will come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada is not one of those."

This is one of the best editorials that I have ever read regarding the United States. It is nice that one man realizes it. I only wish that the rest of the world would realize it. We are always blamed for everything and never even get a thank you for the things we do. I would hope that each of you would send this to as many people as you can and emphasize that they should send it to as many of their friends until this letter is sent to every person on the web. I am just a single American that has read this.I SURE HOPE THAT A LOT MORE READ IT SOON.

September 12, 2001

I am stranded for a time as a consequence of the nearly incomprehensible terrorist attacks launched against the US in New York and Washington. Words fail in the face of such savagery. Now, more than ever, the Internet must be wielded along with other media to cast bright lights on all who would destroy freedom in the world.

Information is the torch of truth and its free flow is the bloodstream of democracy. The price of such free flow may be information we do NOT like or believe, but the antidote to misinformation is more information, not less.

Your thoughts and prayers for all victims of terrorism, where ever this evil has touched lives, will be welcomed and appreciated. Your determination to eradicate this evil from our society will be needed if our 21st century global culture is to evolve into something we would want our children and their children to inherit.

Vinton Cerf

See: http://www.icdri.org/words_for_all_of_us_from_vinton_.htm

A Letter from Deepak Chopra

The Deeper Wound

As fate would have it, I was leaving New York on a jet flight that took off 45 minutes before the unthinkable happened. By the time we landed in Detroit, chaos had broken out. When I grasped the fact that American security had broken down so tragically, I couldn't respond at first. My wife and son were also in the air on separate flights, one to Los Angeles, one to San Diego. My body went absolutely rigid with fear. All I could think about was their safety, and it took several hours before I found out that their flights had been diverted and both were safe.

Strangely, when the good news came, my body still felt that it had been hit by a truck. Of its own accord it seemed to feel a far greater trauma that reached out to the thousands who would not survive and the tens of thousands who would survive only to live through months and years of hell. And I asked myself, Why didn't I feel this way last week? Why didn't my body go stiff during the bombing of Iraq or Bosnia? Around the world my horror and worry are experienced every day. Mothers weep over horrendous loss, civilians are bombed mercilessly, refugees are ripped from any sense of home or homeland. Why did I not feel their anguish enough to call a halt to it?

As we hear the calls for tightened American security and a fierce military response to terrorism, it is obvious that none of us has any answers. However, we feel compelled to ask some questions. Everything has a cause, so we have to ask, What was the root cause of this evil? We must find out not superficially but at the deepest level. There is no doubt that such evil is alive all around the world and is even celebrated.

Does this evil grow from the suffering and anguish felt by people we don't know and therefore ignore? Have they lived in this condition for a long time?

One assumes that whoever did this attack feels implacable hatred for America. Why were we selected to be the focus of suffering around the world? All this hatred and anguish seems to have religion at its basis. Isn't something terribly wrong when jihads and wars develop in the name of God? Isn't God invoked with hatred in Ireland, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Israel, Palestine, and even among the intolerant sects of America?

Can any military response make the slightest difference in the underlying cause? Is there not a deep wound at the heart of humanity?

If there is a deep wound, doesn't it affect everyone?

When generations of suffering respond with bombs, suicidal attacks, and biological warfare, who first developed these weapons? Who sells them? Who gave birth to the satanic technologies now being turned against us?

If all of us are wounded, will revenge work? Will punishment in any form toward anyone solve the wound or aggravate it? Will an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and limb for a limb, leave us all blind, toothless and crippled?

Tribal warfare has been going on for two thousand years and has now been magnified globally. Can tribal warfare be brought to an end? Is patriotism and nationalism even relevant anymore, or is this another form of tribalism?

What are you and I as persons going to do about what is happening? Can we afford to let the deeper wound fester any longer?

Everyone is calling this an attack on America, but is it not a rift in our collective soul? Isn't this an attack on civilization from without that is also from within?

When we have secured our safety once more and cared for the wounded, after the period of shock and mourning is over, it will be time for soul searching. I only hope that these questions are confronted with the deepest spiritual intent. None of us will feel safe again behind the shield of military might and stockpiled arsenals. There can be no safety until the root cause is faced. In this moment of shock I don't think anyone of us has the answers. It is imperative that we pray and offer solace and help to each other. But if you and I are having a single thought of violence or hatred against anyone in the world at this moment, we are contributing to the wounding of the world.

Love,

Deepak

A Fireman's Prayer

In regard to the recent tragedy, The Taylor Brothers invite you to use their song in tribute to the fallen heroes of New York City.

Download the MP3 copy of A Fireman's Prayer, The Song [free download]

A part of me died today as I watched her burning.
A part of me died today as I saw her great walls succumb.
A part of me died today as I looked at the crushed rescue vehicles below
where she once stood so proudly.
A part of me died today.

Thousands of lives have been lost, Families now permanently scarred.
We as Americans will never surrender to evil, as my Flag proudly is
displayed.
As the days pass solemnly by, our thoughts are with those we've lost.
We say our prayers, hold our vigils, and console those around us.
We will move ever slowly back to normalcy as we heal from this madness.

Yet a part of me died today, and each day since it happened.
How ironic I think, for the date to be 911.
Was this date part of their sick plan?
Was killing hundreds of my Brothers and Sisters part of their 911 doomsday?

A part of me died today, when I heard of the Civilians lost.
A part of me died today, when I heard of the Police Officers lost.
A part of me died today, when I heard of the Fire Fighters lost.
A part of me dies more each day, when I don't hear any mention of my fellow
Brothers and Sisters in EMS, who entered the beast with their medical skills
only to become forgotten victims, amidst the other heroes who are honored
and
remembered by all.

A part of me died today, a part of me died today, but nothing will ever kill
my spirit. I will remember you, Dear Brothers, Dear Sisters, I will remember
you. You died the forgotten hero's, but I will remember you. Each time I
feel
that void in my heart grow for the proud Emergency Medical Technicians and
Paramedics I will remember you. I will remember your comrades of the Police
and Fire Departments. I will remember all of Gods people who fought the
beast
that day, from the public and private.

You worked in EMS as the forgotten unsung hero, but you did not die that
way.
A part of me died today, but I will remember you.

From an EMT (emergency medical technician)

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say;.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven, Here I dwell with God above;
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight;
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
"It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on"
"I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do;.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight;
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years;.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned;.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over;
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night........My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile;
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free;
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
P.S. God Sends his love

Bomb Them with Butter, Bribe Them with Hope

A military response, particularly an attack on Afghanistan, is exactly what the terrorists want. It will strengthen and swell their small but fanatical ranks.

Instead, bomb Afghanistan with butter, with rice, bread, clothing and medicine. It will cost less than conventional arms, poses no threat of US casualties and just might get the populace thinking that maybe the Taliban don't have the answers. After three years of drought and with starvation looming, let's offer the Afghani people the vision of a new future. One that includes full stomachs.

Bomb them with information. Video players and cassettes of world leaders, particularly Islamic leaders, condemning terrorism. Carpet the country with magazines and newspapers showing the horror of terrorism committed by their "guest". Blitz them with laptop computers and DVD players filled with a perspective that is denied them by their government. Saturation bombing with hope will mean that some of it gets through. Send so much that the Taliban can't collect and hide it all.

The Taliban are telling their people to prepare for Jihad. Instead, let's give the Afghani people their first good meal in years. Seeing your family fully fed and the prospect of stability in terms of food and a future is a powerful deterrent to martyrdom. All we ask in return is that they, as a people, agree to enter the civilized world. That includes handing over terrorists in their midst.

In responding to terrorism we need to do something different. Something unexpected ... something that addresses the root of the problem. We need to take away the well of despair, ignorance and brutality from which the Osama bin Laden's of the world water their gardens of terror.

As the soot and dirt and ash rained down,
We became one color.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the
burning building,
We became one class.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope,
We became one generation.
As the firefighters and police officers fought their
way into the inferno,
We became one gender.
As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength,
We became one faith.
As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement,
We spoke one language.
As we gave our blood in lines a mile long,
We became one body.
As we mourned together the great loss,
We became one family.
As we cried tears of grief and loss,
We became one soul.
As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heros,
We become one people.

We are The Power of One.
We are United.
We are America.

Copyright © Dr. Cheryl Sawyer