September 11, 2007

Today the Prime Minister of Canada in his address to the Australian Parliament said:
“September 11, 2001 was truly a day that shook the world. Six years on, the horrific images from that morning still evoke anger, sorrow and – as intended – terror. The buildings may have been American, but the targets were every one of us: every country and every person who chooses tolerance over hatred, pluralism over extremism, democracy over tyranny”.

So we are targets because we have chosen tolerance, pluralism and democracy as a way of living. Should I laugh or cry? Both, first laugh then cry! Was the United States attacked because it had chosen tolerance, pluralism or democracy? Can we say this of other nations that have been subjected to attacks by terrorists?

Americans have been the targets for attacks because there are individuals around the world who disagree with American foreign policy, American interest in foreign economies for the wealthy Americans to become wealthier and to protect their interests abroad. There are many individuals around the world who say that America’s involvement in Iraq was not for any hidden weapons of mass destruction which have never been found but because of the resource, oil. It has been said that it is that simple.

Is Canada in the American back pocket? When it came to Iraq perhaps the answer is no; concerning Afghanistan, perhaps the answer is a big YES.

Now, a poem which was written on September 12 and published on September 13, 2001.



September 11, 2001

This day etched forever in a mind,
A deed so cruel, so unjust, so unkind,
In disbelief we saw so much,
Knowing death would so many touch.

Our tears were shed, emotions enflamed,
Our understanding and thoughts were drained.
But many found much courage deep,
They gave their lives, now they sleep.

Thus left behind, family and friends,
And many who wonder how to make amends.
Some in anger, some in fear,
War is the word we did often hear.

But American leadership is very strong,
Voices were raised in patriotic song,
A people in crises always do unite,
The scoundrel, the villain, they will fight.

And those with wounds do suffer now,
For you in the future we do vow,
Remembrance, you served your country
When struck by the common enemy.

For in our freedom we do share.
All those who worked with much care,
To rescue all who could be saved,
So many images in our minds engraved.

This day we will never forget,
A remembrance day to beget,
A day for strength to renew,
With blessings, many to accrue!

© September 12, 2001 by Louis Henry Reeves