September 11th

Before I begin my blog, I just want to respond to Olyvia's question about me doing poetry. No, really I'm not into reading or writing poetry. Poetry for small children can be cute, but it's just not my favorite form of writing. In spite of that, I will still encourage students to experiment with poetry because it might be something they will really enjoy. I'm glad you enjoyed my poem though--either that or you're just being polite. ;)

As for my response to Krystina's recent comment on my fashion blog...Christmas sweaters?! Yikes! lol No--I know what you mean. I'm sure you will be able to make it stylish in some way. :)

Ok---now for tonight's blog topic: September 11th...

Today marks the day six years ago, when terrorists managed to kill thousands of innocent people, bring down two towers, destroy a section of the Pentagon, and crash into a field--all with the use of four planes carrying innocent civilians-turned-heroes. Despite their efforts, however, they did NOT manage to bring down the American spirit. One thing that amazes me is that a lot of good came out of something so horrid--it brought Americans together.

Back then, we as a nation banded together in support of our great country and in support of those who lost so much that day. Six years later, some of that has faded. Many have moved on with their lives. In some respects, that fact is saddening, but on the other hand, moving on is a way of healing. Although I can sympathize with the victims' families and friends, I cannot truly comprehend the sadness because I did not lose anyone, but I still get teary hearing their stories and watching footage of that fateful day even now.

To this day, I still remember exactly where I was when I first heard the news of the attack. I was in tenth grade--in Mr. Wilson's English class. My class was in the library for some reason, instead of our usual classroom. The principal's voice came over the loudspeaker, and he said that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I had never heard of the World Trade Center before this occurred, but I could tell by the name it was an important place. At first, I thought the plane crash might have been just a terrible accident, but once I heard of the second plane, I knew something was terribly wrong--it was no accident. The rest of the day at school, people were somber, and teachers kept their televisions on for news coverage.

I couldn't comprehend why 'people' (using the term loosely) would be filled with so much hate that they would kill themselves for the sake of killing others. And now to know that there are thousands more just like them who would do the same in the name of extremism is beyond me. It doesn't make sense that people fall for this "religion" and/or cults (like the KKK and Black Panthers). Why is violence so appealing to those who have no support system? Terrorists (and cults and gangs) prey on people--especially young people--who lack hope and a promising future. These people are brainwashed in order to be recruited. If Osama Bin Laden was not such a coward, why did he need others to do his dirty work? Do you notice how the majority of 'people' (using the term loosely again) like Osama Bin Laden (i.e., Hitler, Ahmedinejad of Iran, Stalin, etc.) force mostly uneducated, hopeless, and often times poor people to do their unmentionable deeds for false rewards? It is past time for Muslims to stand up against the radicals in their religion. Earth to terrorists: There is no reward for blowing people up!

I pray for the those who lost loved ones, and I pray for our country's and its people's safety. I also pray that the terrorists' efforts will be thwarted every time, so that we will not have to witness another attack. God bless America!