I’m sure there will be a flurry of posts about 9/11 over the next few days…and here are my thoughts…

For one, I saw that certain stations (some CNN) will be re-running the events live in their entirety, starting at 8:30 am tomorrow. Part of me thinks that it would be interesting to watch, with a more objective eye - as the events unfold…another part of me thinks that it’s a bit much…do we need to relive that all over again? I personally have no interest in watching the towers fall, and the Pentagon get hit, and all of the people who were hurt, killed, and lost loved ones. I mean, I know that things shouldn’t just be pushed aside and ignored…but shouldn’t there be a better way to honor heroes and remember lives lost than watching it happen all over again?*

Then of course there is the ABC mini-documentary that is under fire right now from many people. It’s too soon, we don’t have all the facts, the information is inaccurarte and it’s wrong to show, etc… Now, I’ll have to see it before I decide what I think…but it’s interesting that it has caused such an uproar. Perhaps because even though it’s a drama, it’s seen as more of a factual documentary as opposed to movies such as Flight 93 and World Trade Center.

And while it is important to remember this tragedy, it’s also going to fuel a lot more remembrance of the hatred and fear that many people felt causing the discrminiation against people from countries like Iraq and Afghanistan to be elevated yet again. Innocent people who don’t have ties to extremist groups or Muslims who follow the peace they seek are going to be seen as “taxi drivers by day and terrorists by night” all over again. Of course, there are those people among us who assimilate and do intend to cause harm to others…but no different than the person walking down the street planning to shoot a crowd of people, or the child bringing a gun to school, or even the other building bomb tragedies that have occured over the years. Which, is also to say, mostly done by caucasian males.

It’s hard to manage both remembering what happened and giving people the peace they desire. It’s difficult to separate threats from paranoia. And, it’s impossible to live now without the constant thought that someone, somewhere, is trying to hurt you. Airport travel, building security, and the way that people treat one another will perhaps never be the same, thanks to the war on terror and the miseducation of millions. Not to say that I know it all, or that I even understand everything…I too feel the annoyance and occasional slight fear of traveling on a plane, and I too notice when Muslims and other groups are discriminated against, and when more and more soldiers are dying.

To me, it’s not that the people who died on 9/11 “gave their lives to fight terrorism.” America didn’t completely know terror until 9/11, it wasn’t a daily part of our lives like it is for so many other people in the world. But, these people died because of terrorism, and now there are more dying in the war in Iraq because of it. Revenge is bittersweet. I’m not saying there is a clear or easy answer to any of this, and I’m not saying I’m right.

On this day tomorrow, and in the days that follow, I think it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together. We are all human - even extremist terrorist groups are someone’s brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers… and while many of the violent things that people do are unforgiveable and unfathomable…without taking a look at the bigger picture, nobody wins and nothing will ever be resolved. Maybe I’m just being an idealist and naive, but that’s what I think.

The strongest memory I have of 9/11, is of being on my college campus and the entire university coming together. The afternoon of, there was an elementary school style assembly in the theatre…and that night a candlelight vigil. Many students had parents and families in DC and NYC who were affected. I remember feeling the strength of so many gathered together in grief, confusion, and comfort. Some were angry and some were sad, and while it was a horrible reason to become one body, it was a powerful experience to all be bound by something that made us all the same.

So tomorrow, through the critics and the good and bad media coverage…just take a moment to remember that although it may be just another Monday…it also represents something much larger. America changed on 9/11/01…and I’m not sure if it will ever be the same.

*On a side note, don’t most people have to work? I mean, even if I wanted to sit and watch I couldn’t…

Tonight I attended the Ward 6 Rally for Adrian Fenty. It was being held at the home of someone I babysit for, so I was recruited to help out. I ended up being a part caterer, babysitter, and photographer. It was a fun time and I’m glad I got to experience it.

As I was there, standing among the crowds, I realized that I still do like politics. I like the energy it brings, the hope of something new, and the promise of something better. It can be inspiring and really make you realize and remember the pure greatness of our democracy. Sure, there are problems, there are shady politicians, and there are skeptics of the system. But, in the end (to me) it’s a beautiful process and I enjoy watching the social interaction and power of it all.

I’ve always liked politics for the parts most people don’t like, the behind the scenes work of it all. The wheelings and dealings and down and dirty side of it. I have worked on campaigns before, and tonight I watched the campaign people handle Fenty’s entry, speech, and exit - and it made me miss it. I actually enjoy the stress, the long hours, and the heart pounding wait for election results to come in. I miss the shaking hands and kissing babies, the schedules and deadlines. I was a little jealous actually watching the whole event unfold. I would love to be the one to organize a campaign, to delegate and watch my work turn into results. Maybe one day, if it pays more.

And well, off the record…aside from the power he held and my jealousy of his position, I thought Adrian’s campaign manager was pretty cute. I would be happy to console him if there is a loss on Tuesday, or congratulate him with a win. Heh. There is definitely another perk there to working in politics!

Everybody knows how the fighting in Israel has escalated into pretty much a full out open war. While tensions in the middle east in general remain high, you have to wonder what’s going to happen. Iraq and Afghanistan are certainly still unstable, people in Israel and Lebanon are getting killed every day, and Iran and North Korea are just sitting there taking it all in while playing with their nuclear missiles. While all of this is happening, let’s also remember that the entire world has problems - there are people in Africa and El Salvador and even here in America that are oppressed, that are poor, that are angry, and that are violent. This is the tip of the iceberg. World War III could very well come crashing down on us, before we can even blink.

As far as the Israel conflict goes, I think it annnoys me the most to think that of the say, 60% of Americans who are actually paying attention to the news and watching what’s happening (and maybe 60% is an optimistic number), only about 40% (again, maybe optimistic) actually understand it. And, it is a complicated issue for sure, and I don’t really think there is a right or wrong party here. I have the sinking feeling that most people in this country believe it’s the same battles as Iraq, that all of the middle east is the same, and it’s all TERRORISTS. Maybe I don’t give people enough credit, but I think that people are so self absorbed, that they just don’t notice or even care. It’s too far away to affect them (other than higher gas prices) and they don’t understand it, so they dismiss what’s happening.

Speaking of terrorists, George W. doesn’t know his ass from his elbow - and personally I think he’s a little trigger happy. We’re already in a tight situation in Iraq, that I believe GW got us into less for “finding terrorists” and more for oil and revenge for his father. Tell me I’m unpatriotic, and tell me I’m not supporting our government. I believe in protection and justice. But the idea of preemptive strike, of relating ALL of the middle east back to 9/11 and terrorists…how can I support that? How can I support Bush being the only world leader to say “sure, you’re justified in killing hundreds of people” and other world leaders are calling on all parties to be at fault, and all to make amends. On another note, Condi - where are YOU on all of this?


The U.S. fully backs Israel, and always has. But, it’s not a simple black and white argument. The Palestinians are not WRONG either. It’s more than the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. They have been forced into refugee camps for decades, pushed off land, and for what? The majority of fights in the middle east, and every other country - boils down to fighting over land, and over religion. It doesn’t make either side right or wrong. This recent violence began because two soldiers were captured. But, to kill hundreds of civilians and innocent people over it is unecessary. The primary antagonist in this situation is Hezbollah, an extremist group. The thing is, every country has extremist groups. In Iraq, in Israel, in Africa, in Asia, even in America there are extremist groups - militant, religious, etc… People need to realize that terrorists do exist, but that not everyone is a terrorist.

There is so much wrong in the world today, that I think it’s much easier to live not knowing that the entire world is oppressed. I can say I’m guilty of turning a blind eye, and being one of those self absorbed Americans…and I admit it. But, I’m also one who can see the bigger picture, who understands that while we in America have more consumer choices and options than you can imagine, there are people all over the world without the basic necessities to live. They are poor, they are starving, they are are oppressed, they are sick (AIDS), they are weakened….and if they haven’t completely given up hope, they are angry. Even in America. It’s a shame that while there are so many resources to help people, there is not enough help available to even begin to make a change.

I think this country will continue to turn away, to think it doesn’t affect them. That is, until the entire world is up in arms, and suddenly America too is thrown even deeper into battle, and maybe then people will start to pay attention.

Debate:
How can Congress really be forced to vote on the issue of gay marriage? Shouldn’t the very institution of marriage be sacred - even if it’s not in a church? I feel that years from now, people will look at this much the same way as people look at the banning of interracial marriages. They will be shocked and ashamed of it and wonder why, with so much ugliness in the world, that people chose to argue about another human being’s right to happiness. Really, aren’t there more pressing matters for Congress to be addressing - say perhaps Haditha, or the status and unstable nature of Iraq in general? Where are our MORALS there?!?

Discuss:
We’ve all said it before, but I’ll say it again…the DC dating scene blows. I have tons of gorgeous, skinny, smart, laidback and cool girl friends that are single, and people ask why. Why? The guys in DC (with exceptions) are all some balding beta males who believe that they all deserve to date 10’s…but even worse are the girls (with exceptions) that are all pushy bitches who think that they are hot shit and deserve perfect rich men. Then these girls are bitchy to the beta males, and therefore, nobody gets laid.

I got news for you ladies though…unless you are of the 10% of the population on the Maxim Hot 100 list, then get it together because you are likely whiny, needy, insecure, unintelligent, and worst of all…average looking. What makes everyone around here think that they deserve Brad Pitt or Eva Longoria? Because you work for a Congressman, making copies and running reports? Oh, it’s because you work for a lobbyist and push around those people who make copies and run reports. Or maybe you’re the lawyer who ties them all together.

All in all, DC has a few select people who deserve to be at the top of the dating food chain, but for the rest of the city…come on. Give it up. Come down from the power trip and knock the supermodel/Prince Charming off the pedestal and join the rest of the world in reality, because DC is no LA. This is West Wing, not Melrose Place.

Debate:
People, is this really fashion? Would you spend money on it? *shudder* It’s from Nordstrom’s for the love of God…

Discuss:
I went to the gym tonight and it was a very sad state of affairs. However, I feel a little better knowing I at least pretended to do something. Hopefully I’ll get back in a routine again and get it together for real. Speaking of working out, my roomie ran a 10K this weekend! YAAAY roomie!!!! She even kicked her boyfriend’s ass (shhh don’t tell). Hehe.

Debate:
My trip to the lawyer leaves me with a bill for $900. Hmm…charge $900 and pay it off, or risk getting my license revoked or going to jail? I’ll take increase in debt for $900, Alex. Is getting a lawyer worth it in my case? I think so…

Discuss:
Why is it that the days you have “off” from work are usually the busiest? I wasn’t feeling well this morning, so I took the day off since I had to leave early anyway to go to the lawyer’s office. Well, damn if I didn’t work my ass off anyway!

Debate:
Other than the obvious point that I would get to mold young minds…damn why didn’t I become a teacher? This working 8-10 hour days (or more) is shit man. Summers off is the way to go. Or either that become an executive so high up that nobody gives two shits if you spend all your time golfing and away on “business” and out to 3 hour lunches. How come more people don’t choose to become teachers, other than the obvious (and unfortunate) pay disparity?

Discuss:
Does anyone have any good tips for moving? I think I’m pretty good at it, being a military brat and all. I can pack and unpack like a pro, but hey…even pros miss things.