Originally Posted By DAR For those of us who live in the USA or are citizens abroad politics aside we're still Americans and that's what counts in the end. And our leaders no matter what you may think just want what's best for us.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<And our leaders no matter what you may think just want what's best for us.>> I used to believe that. I no longer do.
Originally Posted By queenbee <<And our leaders no matter what you may think just want what's best for us.>> I haven't believed this since I was in high school. In fact, I think it's a very hazardous and naieve view.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***And our leaders no matter what you may think just want what's best for us.*** I'm afraid that's a terribly naive way of looking at things. DAR, you think in terms of black and white, when in reality there are a million shades of grey. Put it this way, think back throughout history and tell me what percentage of powerful leaders had their citizens' best interests at heart. 30%? 50%? 70%? (if you're feeling really generous) And you think America just happens to bat 1000? I'll say this much, the candidate you support doesn't give a damn about America imho...not with his reckless and irresponsible choices of late. He just cares about getting elected, no matter the cost. ***For those of us who live in the USA or are citizens abroad politics aside we're still Americans and that's what counts in the end.*** Replace "Americans" with "people", "humans", or "citizens of the world", and I'd gladly agree with that sentiment though.
Originally Posted By DAR I was hoping to avoid this kind of rhetoric for at least today. Both McCain and Obama have done it I figured maybe we could to. Sadly I was mistaken.
Originally Posted By mele <<And our leaders no matter what you may think just want what's best for us.>> HA! Good one.
Originally Posted By mele <<I was hoping to avoid this kind of rhetoric for at least today.>> I think the rhetoric you're using is far more disrespectful.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I'm going to take this thread in the spirit it was intended by DAR. The candidates have promised a day of no negative campaigning, so I'm going to follow their lead. Tomorrow, we'll all assume our usual places, but for today I'd rather just reflect on how this day.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan ...reflect on how this day impacted our country and the lives of so many.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 FWIW, today was the first 9/11 since '01 that I took my normal subway route to work. I have been nervous on previous 9/11's. I can't help it - normally I'm fine with it, and in fact went back to work on 9/13/01, the first day the subways were running normally, because I thought it was important not to give in to the fear. But on the anniversary itself I get a little skittish - if you lived through it in NY the day does conjure up strong feelings - and intentionally chose a route that would take me neither through Brooklyn's busiest station (a prime potential target, and one which WAS targeted by some homegrown would-be bombers a few years ago, thankfully thwarted by the NYPD) nor over the Manhattan Bridge, another potential target. It's out of my way, but the vibe I still get on the morning of 9/11 was enough to make me do it. This year, I didn't. Took my normal route. A small thing, but it was good not to feel so fearful.
Originally Posted By fkurucz OK, I'll concede that McCain and Obama both would like to prevent another 9/11. But in the bigger picture, I don't believe that McCain really cares a whole lot about the economic welfare of the middle class. This especially rings true to me when I consider the type of people he has working on his campaign (like Carly Fiorina). The message I am getting from the GOP is that it is the party of, for and by Corporate America. And I know that Corporate America is actively working at getting US middle class wages in line (as in lower) with the rest of the world. Any wonder why corporations that are making record profits won't give their employees cost of living raises? Obviously they can't just call us all into a meeting and tell us that our pay has been reduced to the same level as in the Bangalore division. We would walk out and start over in new careers. But if they slowly let inflation bleed us away they will probably achieve that goal in a decade or two. If inflation is running 5% (and its actually more) and you don't get a cost of living raise, you are basically getting a 5% cut every year. It adds up fast.
Originally Posted By ecdc I appreciate DAR's thoughts and comments. I also appreciate the spirit that he's trying to develop in this thread. My only other comment would be that I also understand why people post their frustration as well. For some, 9/11 might mean that we should be united and put aside our politics. For others, and I'll confess I lean this way, it's a strong, painful reminder of why this election is so important to some of us. It reminds me that who we elect really does matter. That's why, although again I genuinely appreciate DAR's comments, I find I can't entirely join in with the "let's put everything aside today" approach, even though I respect the sentiment.
Originally Posted By Ursula I agree with DAR and 2oony. Pencils down. God (or the deity of your choice) Bless America.
Originally Posted By DAR One other thing that come out of this was how many people decided to enlist in our Armed Forces. No matter what you may think of what's happened since, the debt and gratitude we owe these people will never truly be paid.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn One thing this day should teach us ... defend our land... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLUrEe-7tEA" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...rEe-7tEA</a>
Originally Posted By dshyates "the debt and gratitude we owe these people will never truly be paid." Many have given all. Others their sons and daughters, Fathers and Mothers, family and friends. To the soldiers and their families I say thank you. The insufficiency of that statement is obvious.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I am sad to say that yesterday I chose to work from home in the morning in fear of getting on the train to work. When I went home, there were cops and crowds all over St Pancras because of a fire in the channel tunnel. I felt sick, and it reminded me our time could be up any time. I really would love to return to the pre 9/11 world where I would travel happy. Now every day is a risk, and I refure to go to work without kissing my wife and kids goodbye for fear it may be my last. Working as a government advisor does not help my risk factor any either.
