The Lesson of September 11,2001

Today is September 11^th.  It’s been 18 years since the day America was attacked. I remember that day well. I remember how I felt: the shock, the fear, the uncertainty. 

 

But in the days that followed, there was a growing resolve, a sense of hope, a commitment to purpose.

 

America had been hurt. Our enemies had drawn blood. But we weren’t dead yet. We weren’t beaten yet. We would rise up from the ashes and the rubble We would prevail.

 

In the years that have followed, I have lost that resolve, that hope, that purpose.

 

Enemies from outside America struck a blow against us on September 11, 2001. It was a terrible attack but not a fatal one.

 

What we’ve done to ourselves in the subsequent years threatens to do us more harm. 

 

I hate to do this on this most solemn of days but I must invoke Donald Trump.

 

Over a week ago, Hurricane Dorian decimated the Bahamas.  Much of the island is underwater, buildings shattered to sticks.  The people left there are in despair, in need for food, medicine and shelter. 

 

A mere hundred miles or so from the Bahamas is the United States, a potential refuge for many people in such desperate need.

 

Trump said no.

 

His reasoning, such as it is, is that could be some bad people who might slip into our country under cover of the hundreds of men, women and children who are in such real and desperate need. 

 

I have questions for Mr. Trump and those who support him.

 

When did the United States of America become so small? 

 

When did our nation become so weak?

 

When did this country become so afraid?

 

On September 11,2001, we were afraid but we had something to be afraid of. But we stood up, stood tall and confronted that fear.

 

Now, Donald Trump, a man who likes to think of himself as a tough guy, cowers in fear from the bad guy that might lurk in the midst of people who are hungry, sick and in need of help. 

 

We can’t help the many because the few might hurt us. 

 

I have tried to look at September 11,2001 as a crucible that tested us and did not find us wanting in courage and strength.

 

Today, the leadership of this nation and those who would follow such people are lacking in courage and strength.

 

In memory of a day when this country was hurt but we rose up to be strong, I would say to Donald Trump that he is small, weak and afraid.

 

Stop trying to make this country small, weak and afraid.  

 

We were better than that once upon a time. And maybe we can be better than that again someday.

The lesson of September 11,2001 is not that we can be hurt.

No, the lesson of September 11,2001 is  we can rise up from the hurt.