There will be no shortage of 9/11 posts today. There will be no shortage of moments of silence, bowed heads, looks back and grieving remembrances.
This is one more, yet as I am wont to do - I ask a question - what's new?
I remember during Passover, one of the questions my father used to read was "What makes this night different from all other nights?"
I'm not sure why but that question always stuck out in my mind. It wasn't a happy special or an exciting Christmas morning-like paradigm shift from the ordinary.
It was somber. It was proud. Eloquent in its poetry of historical context, moving in its personal parallel, it fell like grey silk on those present - dark yet uplifting, melancholy but hopeful.
It is this same type of mood 9/11 brings me. It is of course different in that I was alive when it happened, I remember distinctly, as does everyone else, where I was, what I was doing. I obviously don't recall the Exodus from Egypt.
Yet it stirs within me, and I would think within many others, that same sense of a personal narrative, a deep seated connection to the events and the people involved - something that we, as a nation and a people, all have in common. This is our tragedy, our story.
We look back upon it, with sorrow and reflection, but also with pride, with hope, with strength.
In the eleven years since that morning, much has changed in this world, and greatly due to our actions.
9/11 catapulted us into two wars that we are still waging, that have claimed the lives of thousands of US soldiers. Here at home, our economy has bent and nearly broken under the burden of bad decisions and corrupt leadership. Our government is horribly splintered and inefficient, stalling and suffocating progress.
In many ways, we are worse off now than we were then.
Yet we look back with that somber pride of overcoming, of finding strength and unity.
Have we? Are we more united, more strong? Or do you we just reserve these feelings of togetherness and progress for this day - this day different than all other days?
What has changed?
What have we gained from the experience as opposed to lost?
Osama Bin Laden is dead. Our relationship with Pakistan is more strained than ever as we continue to pummel them with drone strikes, arguably growing terrorist ranks by default.
We are still occupying Iraq and Afghanistan, one of which had nothing to do with these attacks.
We have spent ungodly amounts of money on these endeavors while our people struggle to get by. Ironically enough, several articles today discuss the plight of surviving 9/11 families and the work of non-profit organizations to raise money, countering the lack of federal support.
We live under the most inefficient Congress in history - an ever deepening abyss of left/right hate fueling an all but stalled engine, kicking back smoke on progress and political engagement.
So, really - what is new? What makes this different than a lip service tradition? Have we, as a nation gotten better because of this - as is suggested?
This morning at Ground Zero, the family members of those who died read the names of the deceased aloud to the din of New York and the rapid clicks of cameras.
Politicians were present but none spoke - marking the first anniversary where no politicians took to the podium.
Obama gave a speech remarking on the resilience of our nation and expressing his grief for the attacks.
I listened for a few minutes and then turned off my radio.
I just sat in silence, remembering the urgent knocking on our classroom door, the distressed teacher on the other side asking that everyone come to the auditorium for an announcement.
I remember looking at my father, a historian and a New Yorker, as he watched the news, quiet and solemn. I've never seen him cry - his generation has endured many national tragedies. This was my first. As a writer and a man of words, he had little to say. His eyes could fill a book as they reflected the repeating images on the screen.
That wasn't like Passover. That wasn't a look back - that was a first look, a first impression of terror and tragedy.
For months, it was a keystone of conversation, and then, as events do, it faded from the news, and gradually from our day-to-day.
It would not do otherwise - we have to move on, as people and as a nation.
But, as we move on - wasn't the point to take those heavy words from countless speeches with us? To implement the change, the strength, the unity?
As I sat in silence this morning, I let myself cry. Not just for the victims and their families.
But for the soldiers, the innocent civilians in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq. The homeless, poor and disenfranchised who suffer under this broken system of dis-unified corruption. The Americans who wanted strength and unity and got weakness and division instead. And in anger, in sorrow...
We are fully capable of progress. We are capable of being those people in the speeches, but we can't just be them for a day.
We can't just come together and remember, we have to come together and look forwards.
That would be a true honor to those victims, and to ourselves, as people, as Americans.
Showing posts with label terrorism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label terrorism. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Nosy Bastards
Did you ever have a co-worker or friend in school that was always so damn annoyingly nosy? You couldn't get from the front door to your desk without being asked questions on what you did last night, if a Roman orgy is the reason you look tired and you have a slight limp...
Well, that's kind of how we are, or US is...
Obama's little tour of parts of Asia ended with little accomplished other than making a few predictable speeches about partnership and outlining what he expects other countries to do for us in exchange for not being put on our "to bomb" list.
For example, when he visited Indonesia, he praised them for their religious tolerance, remarking how their moderate form of Islam was a beacon to other countries. Simultaneously, however, he was sure to mention the still acute threat of terrorism in the region, and offered financial backing to Kopassus, the anti-terrorism special forces. Interestingly enough, Kopassus is more of a pro-terrorism organization, having more than a slightly checkered past including human rights violations against mostly their own people...hmmmm, well done Obama.
His stay at the G20 summit was about as uneventful as a flight over the desert, and just as barren of fruitful gains. The only thing he really accomplished was argue with China, something of a sticky subject considering they own us. But we just couldn't help but stick our noses in their financial business and smelling the acrid airs of competition, wave our flags and cry out foul play. Of course, we're doing the same exact thing we accused China of: manipulating the currency to keep it at artificially low levels with the hopes of bolstering trade.
From there, Obama's visit in India was just as much a sugar coated gun to the head as Indonesia. He praised India's "beauty and dynamism," prophetically promising that their relationship would be "one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century." At this climax, he furthered the ecstasy of his praise by publicly announcing his support for India's permanent membership on the U.N. Security Council, something India has long coveted. I'm not really sure as to why - the U.N. is more effective at diplomatically wooing hot actresses and taking notes on disasters than actually doing anything, but as per usual in politics, the title is what matters.
As the applause roared through the crowd, Obama turned the speech towards thinly veiled demands, giving a perfect example of what Naomi Klein so aptly named "The Shock Doctrine." He noted how India was too laissez-faire when it came to the doings of it's terrorist neighbours such as Iran and Myanmar. Basically, if you want that seat, you have to be a nosy bastard like us, so get to work. He further chastised India's other neighbour, Pakistan for harboring terrorists and failing to work with the global community in a fight to bring them to justice. Meanwhile, outside Obama's cushy Indian quarters, Hindu extremists slink from injustice to injustice under the noses of Indian authorities who couldn't give a shit how many Kashmiris they brutally murder. As with any political favoritism, there are dollar signs behind this one. India is yet another country supporting our cash flow while recently allowing the US to sell them over $10 billion worth of goods, thereby creating tens of thousands of US jobs. So who cares that you allow atrocious terrorist actions against your own people? Oh, will you sign that check please, thanks.
The nosy bastards have an agenda. The US might suck at governing our own people but we seem very keen on telling other countries how to govern by steering them with our bullying power.
Meanwhile, back at home, our economy is still royally fucked and Obama hasn't said much about it since the heinous results of his midterm elections. He should focus less on funding international guns and dictating their aim and focus more on the doings of his own country.
Isolationism isn't an option anymore but piloting the actions of foreign governments shouldn't be either. We need to back the fuck off. Maybe if we knew more about the countries we so brashly police and attempt to govern, we could support our nosiness with at least a solid base. However, we don't. There is nothing up for debate there. Obama knows dick about Indonesia's governing system, despite his extensive four years there as a small child. He also doesn't even begin to fathom the complexities of a country like India. It's not as easy as saying you support these people and fuck those people. You can't make promises like that, you can't pick and choose enemies when it's not all that black and white.
It's more important for us to mind our own business, particularly now. The more alliances we form, the more people we shut out, the worse it gets for us. Let's step away from the Bush-style "America's the best" mentality and focus in on our needs as a country. Counter-terrorism starts with our mindset, our dealings and workings all across the globe, and this nosy bastard, do this and that approach isn't the answer.
Well, that's kind of how we are, or US is...
Obama's little tour of parts of Asia ended with little accomplished other than making a few predictable speeches about partnership and outlining what he expects other countries to do for us in exchange for not being put on our "to bomb" list.
For example, when he visited Indonesia, he praised them for their religious tolerance, remarking how their moderate form of Islam was a beacon to other countries. Simultaneously, however, he was sure to mention the still acute threat of terrorism in the region, and offered financial backing to Kopassus, the anti-terrorism special forces. Interestingly enough, Kopassus is more of a pro-terrorism organization, having more than a slightly checkered past including human rights violations against mostly their own people...hmmmm, well done Obama.
His stay at the G20 summit was about as uneventful as a flight over the desert, and just as barren of fruitful gains. The only thing he really accomplished was argue with China, something of a sticky subject considering they own us. But we just couldn't help but stick our noses in their financial business and smelling the acrid airs of competition, wave our flags and cry out foul play. Of course, we're doing the same exact thing we accused China of: manipulating the currency to keep it at artificially low levels with the hopes of bolstering trade.
From there, Obama's visit in India was just as much a sugar coated gun to the head as Indonesia. He praised India's "beauty and dynamism," prophetically promising that their relationship would be "one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century." At this climax, he furthered the ecstasy of his praise by publicly announcing his support for India's permanent membership on the U.N. Security Council, something India has long coveted. I'm not really sure as to why - the U.N. is more effective at diplomatically wooing hot actresses and taking notes on disasters than actually doing anything, but as per usual in politics, the title is what matters.
As the applause roared through the crowd, Obama turned the speech towards thinly veiled demands, giving a perfect example of what Naomi Klein so aptly named "The Shock Doctrine." He noted how India was too laissez-faire when it came to the doings of it's terrorist neighbours such as Iran and Myanmar. Basically, if you want that seat, you have to be a nosy bastard like us, so get to work. He further chastised India's other neighbour, Pakistan for harboring terrorists and failing to work with the global community in a fight to bring them to justice. Meanwhile, outside Obama's cushy Indian quarters, Hindu extremists slink from injustice to injustice under the noses of Indian authorities who couldn't give a shit how many Kashmiris they brutally murder. As with any political favoritism, there are dollar signs behind this one. India is yet another country supporting our cash flow while recently allowing the US to sell them over $10 billion worth of goods, thereby creating tens of thousands of US jobs. So who cares that you allow atrocious terrorist actions against your own people? Oh, will you sign that check please, thanks.
The nosy bastards have an agenda. The US might suck at governing our own people but we seem very keen on telling other countries how to govern by steering them with our bullying power.
Meanwhile, back at home, our economy is still royally fucked and Obama hasn't said much about it since the heinous results of his midterm elections. He should focus less on funding international guns and dictating their aim and focus more on the doings of his own country.
Isolationism isn't an option anymore but piloting the actions of foreign governments shouldn't be either. We need to back the fuck off. Maybe if we knew more about the countries we so brashly police and attempt to govern, we could support our nosiness with at least a solid base. However, we don't. There is nothing up for debate there. Obama knows dick about Indonesia's governing system, despite his extensive four years there as a small child. He also doesn't even begin to fathom the complexities of a country like India. It's not as easy as saying you support these people and fuck those people. You can't make promises like that, you can't pick and choose enemies when it's not all that black and white.
It's more important for us to mind our own business, particularly now. The more alliances we form, the more people we shut out, the worse it gets for us. Let's step away from the Bush-style "America's the best" mentality and focus in on our needs as a country. Counter-terrorism starts with our mindset, our dealings and workings all across the globe, and this nosy bastard, do this and that approach isn't the answer.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
This party's got a cover
Ever been to a club and the bouncer that's the size of a blue whale demands you fork over your ID and cash cover. Yeah, that's US. The glorious US of A is now that dimwitted mound of lard and muscle grabbing $14 from international travelers coming in to the states from a seemingly randomly selected group of 36 countries, the bulk of which are European. Yep, unless you have a visa or are friends with Donald Rumsfeld, your ass is coughing up some cash before you even get to the miniature statues of liberty and angry cab drivers.
The tax has been christened, the "operational and travel promotion" fee which is government speak for "we're poor and hate foreigners."
Basically what happens is if you live in any of those 36 countries (list can be found here: then you are allowed to come to the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. This visa waiver program (WVP) is governed by the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an online screening process that dictates whether you're fit to enter the country or not.
The gist is, you go online (sucks for you if you don't have a computer or internet) and answer a string of questions, which you must answer in English, because let's be honest, who the fuck speaks other languages? Quoted from cbp.gov: "The traveler must provide, in English, biographical data including name, birth date and passport information. The traveler also must answer VWP eligibility questions regarding communicable diseases, arrests and convictions for certain crimes, past history of visa revocation or deportation and other questions. The traveler will also need their credit card information to pay the associated fees in order to complete the ESTA application."
Yes, indeed. You will need a visa, master card, discover or american express to be allowed into our country :)
Up until now, this process was free. "This process" being what advocates call "extra time and resources to check a traveler's name against "no fly" lists and other terrorist databases." Oh yeah, and it's run by the Department of Homeland Security aka Organized Crime (with shittier suits and less morals).
So, here you are with a cheaper alternative to getting a visa, which can sometimes cost up to $100. But then again, that's a visa. A visa is a visa. This shit is, well, shit. Between the mandatory credit card, and internet connection, Homeland Security has made sure not to miss another opportunity to hoard as much information as they can get their hands on. Oh, did I not mention that?
ESTA application material is stored for 12 years, regardless of whether you're approved or not. Quote: "The information collected by and maintained in ESTA may be used by other components of DHS on a need-to-know basis consistent with the component’s mission." aka your information is out there, for the world to see! Herbie the Hacker and friends have 12 years to wander thru the shadowy, electronic highways and find out about your snickers bar theft and passport number.
So, for all of you dirty foreigners that thought the visa waiver program seemed like a great idea, bust out your modems and your credit cards and welcome to the U S of A!
The tax has been christened, the "operational and travel promotion" fee which is government speak for "we're poor and hate foreigners."
Basically what happens is if you live in any of those 36 countries (list can be found here: then you are allowed to come to the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. This visa waiver program (WVP) is governed by the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an online screening process that dictates whether you're fit to enter the country or not.
The gist is, you go online (sucks for you if you don't have a computer or internet) and answer a string of questions, which you must answer in English, because let's be honest, who the fuck speaks other languages? Quoted from cbp.gov: "The traveler must provide, in English, biographical data including name, birth date and passport information. The traveler also must answer VWP eligibility questions regarding communicable diseases, arrests and convictions for certain crimes, past history of visa revocation or deportation and other questions. The traveler will also need their credit card information to pay the associated fees in order to complete the ESTA application."
Yes, indeed. You will need a visa, master card, discover or american express to be allowed into our country :)
Up until now, this process was free. "This process" being what advocates call "extra time and resources to check a traveler's name against "no fly" lists and other terrorist databases." Oh yeah, and it's run by the Department of Homeland Security aka Organized Crime (with shittier suits and less morals).
So, here you are with a cheaper alternative to getting a visa, which can sometimes cost up to $100. But then again, that's a visa. A visa is a visa. This shit is, well, shit. Between the mandatory credit card, and internet connection, Homeland Security has made sure not to miss another opportunity to hoard as much information as they can get their hands on. Oh, did I not mention that?
ESTA application material is stored for 12 years, regardless of whether you're approved or not. Quote: "The information collected by and maintained in ESTA may be used by other components of DHS on a need-to-know basis consistent with the component’s mission." aka your information is out there, for the world to see! Herbie the Hacker and friends have 12 years to wander thru the shadowy, electronic highways and find out about your snickers bar theft and passport number.
So, for all of you dirty foreigners that thought the visa waiver program seemed like a great idea, bust out your modems and your credit cards and welcome to the U S of A!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Really? A trap?
Did you hear? Apparently there's an evil plot afoot to give Republicans exactly what they asked for...shhhh, don't tell anyone!
That's right. Republicans have been bitching and moaning now since Obama released news of the Health Care summit, where he intends to invite members of both parties to an open dialogue on the controversial issue. Not only that, but it will be televised. Here's the catch. It's exactly what Republicans asked for.
Now I know that Democrats are awfully sneaky, what with their bipartisan talk, their endless wishy-washiness on key issues and juvenile need to impress and please the right. But here they are (or at least he is) taking a stand while simultaneously acquiescing to Republicans requests on Health Care. Holy shit!
Now, as you know, I'm not the Obama poster waving child of hope that believes he can do no wrong. But as of late, I have been a bit impressed with his moves to...shall we say...govern!? The Democrats are notorious for cha-cha-ing around issues, not moving forward unless Republicans say it's ok. However, Republicans are notorious for pushing back. Like some of the southerners I went to school with, or my next door neighbor in good ole North Carolina who claimed American cars had been going down hill ever since n%$#&rs started working on them, Republicans don't want to move into the 21st century. To their credit, they have more than 200 filibusters in three years, they haven't passed or helped pass any major legislation since the Patriot Act that could now potentially jail me for life for writing this post.
They excel at making loads of cash for doing nothing. Washington is stagnant and now some of the rust MIGHT just be coming off the wheels that move this nation forward. Meanwhile the Republicans pull hard on this tug-of-war crying "Trap!" and "Terrorists!"
C'mon. Really?
Put down your bible and your stogie and go do what you were voted to do, get shit done.
That's right. Republicans have been bitching and moaning now since Obama released news of the Health Care summit, where he intends to invite members of both parties to an open dialogue on the controversial issue. Not only that, but it will be televised. Here's the catch. It's exactly what Republicans asked for.
Now I know that Democrats are awfully sneaky, what with their bipartisan talk, their endless wishy-washiness on key issues and juvenile need to impress and please the right. But here they are (or at least he is) taking a stand while simultaneously acquiescing to Republicans requests on Health Care. Holy shit!
Now, as you know, I'm not the Obama poster waving child of hope that believes he can do no wrong. But as of late, I have been a bit impressed with his moves to...shall we say...govern!? The Democrats are notorious for cha-cha-ing around issues, not moving forward unless Republicans say it's ok. However, Republicans are notorious for pushing back. Like some of the southerners I went to school with, or my next door neighbor in good ole North Carolina who claimed American cars had been going down hill ever since n%$#&rs started working on them, Republicans don't want to move into the 21st century. To their credit, they have more than 200 filibusters in three years, they haven't passed or helped pass any major legislation since the Patriot Act that could now potentially jail me for life for writing this post.
They excel at making loads of cash for doing nothing. Washington is stagnant and now some of the rust MIGHT just be coming off the wheels that move this nation forward. Meanwhile the Republicans pull hard on this tug-of-war crying "Trap!" and "Terrorists!"
C'mon. Really?
Put down your bible and your stogie and go do what you were voted to do, get shit done.
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