When I hear the numbers "9/11" I do one of several things: lookfor the exit , flip the channel, or fight a compelling urge tostuff large wads of cotton in my aching ears. And, if someone yellsthem in a particularly distressful tone, I suppose I'll call forbackup.
This weekend, we will all hear those numbers loud and clear,remembering one fateful day in American history. Yes, that's right.Get ready to run; close this paper before I say it. This weekendmarks the third anniversary of "9/11."
We'll remember that tragic day, and the tragedy of it will bebeaten even further into our brains than usual. We will, of course,be told how evil terrorism is, and how we must defeat it in all itsforms. Our dubious leader will shake a dusty fist at us and declarethat, damn it, "we WILL win this 'War on Terror', a war that can'ttruly be won, but one that we'll win anyhow, if you see what Imean!" Some of us will nod our heads and cry; some of us will turnthe channel, because we know what's coming. "And that, my goodAmerican people, is why we must stand our ground and, in our greatcompassion, rebuild a nation for the sake of the Iraqi people (who,for some reason, keep killing us)."
Maybe it's just me, but I'm sick of hearing about "9/11" and allthe clich�s that come with it. Don't get me wrong, it was ahorrible atrocity. But with all the hype, one would think it wasthe worst thing since the Holocaust. If we were so determined tosmite terrorism to the core, why do we ignore so much of it?Because it did not happen on our soil? Because it doesn't fit intoour schedule?
While our nation is thinking about terrorism this weekend andwe're all caught up in the horrors of death, let's take a look atthe current "holocaust" in Sudan:
-Nearly two million people dead; four million displaced fromtheir homes
-"Divide and Destroy" tactic implemented by the Sudanesegovernment to create hatred among ethnic groups.
-Mass starvation.
-Enslavement of women and children.
-Bombing of hospitals and schools.
-Persecution on account of race, ethnicity and religion.
This is blatant terrorism. According to our claims abouthumanitarian concerns, we should be all over the Sudanesegovernment, up to our necks in compassion for our fellow humanbeings. How many troops have we dedicated to this cause? How muchreal effort have we made in ending THIS atrocity?
None.
That's two million people dead, and we don't act. Why? What dowe really care about?
What about those poor children in Russia? Innocent children heldhostage, killed, maimed. Terrorism? Definitely. But how many peoplethis Saturday will give them more than a few fleeting thoughts amidthe mourning of our own tragedies?
So, come Saturday, when we make to slap our "God Bless the USA"stickers more firmly on our cars, let's think twice about what thatreally says. We are selfish. It's true. Just accept it. But realizethat we are not alone in our struggles against the evils of thisworld. And as you observe our leaders on "9/11," just think likeTiny Tim and say to yourself, "God bless us, everyone."
Write to Nick at
nick_davidson02@yahoo.com
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