DISQUS

paidtwice · 2 years ago

Thank you.

plonkee · 2 years ago

I feel like I am intruding on a private grief, but posting is a public statement and I want to respond for my part.

I wouldn't exactly say that you are overreacting, just that your instincts are right, in terms of global tragedy the direct events of 6 years ago are probably a relatively small thing. Reactions to them might prove to be different, but the actual event was another example of tragedies that occur and have occurred continuously somewhere around the world. I also think that its always worth trying to understand the why of human actions. Learning more about what makes people do good things and do bad things probably won't make anything worse and it might make the future better.

Finally, it is helpful to hear that you weren't worried about your 401(k) and so on in the face of disaster like this. It reminds me that there are more important things than the trappings of civilisation and if it came down to it, there is a chance that I could retain sufficient presence of mind to function through this scale of tragedy.

The Financial Blogger · 2 years ago

I remember when it happened, I was in a business school and everybody was more concerned about the stock market reaction than anything else. I felt like I was one of the few thinking about these poor victims and their family. I agree with Plonkee, there is definitely more important things than money!

bripblap · 2 years ago

Thanks all, and @plonkee: it's not a private grief - if I posted, it's meant to be public and hopefully provide some perspective. :)

I usually view 9-11 in terms of other tragedies I have been around. I was in Moscow during the apartment bombings - I passed through a metro station 30 minutes before it was blown to smithereens. They were all terrible tragedies and maybe worthy of retribution. But at some point someone in this world will have to be the first to forgive. It hasn't ever really happened yet, but someday, maybe it will.

Kyle · 2 years ago

Thanks for your perspecitve on 9/11. What I find interesting is how the cable news channels just are so absorbed by this anniversary, it is just completely over the top in my opinion. Of course it was one of the darkest days in US history, we ALL know this. Yet, I find it interesting how December 7th comes and goes every year without barely a mention. That anniversary doesn't sell newspapers. My 2 cents.

Alice Hohl · 2 years ago

Thank you for your moving post. I have forwarded this to several Salvation Army officers and workers in my area in Ohio, because it provides a rare insight into how The Army's role can be more than helping the direct victims. I had never before thought about the cathartic power of volunteering in such a situation. I do understand the feeling of helplessness when we can't do anything, but I hadn't thought of the empowerment that would come from being able to do SOMETHING. Anything. Thank you for all your efforts and donations. Please know they are gratefully received, humbly accepted, and used in the most efficient and affective charity on Earth.

Patrick · 2 years ago

I am moved to read your story. I know there are thousands of similar stories - many with different endings. I was in the USAF and living in England when this terrible event happened, and it was almost surreal to watch the events in my home country unfold when I was hundreds of miles away. Several friends and family members called me and vice versa. I must have spent a hundred dollars on phone calls, and others likely spent the same to call me. And I don't think anyone cared about the money. The important thing was to reach out to the people you care about and reassure try to reassure yourself that everything would be all right. Good, bad, or just different, I think September 11th changed all of us.

bripblap · 2 years ago

Thanks you again, everyone, for the kind words. I won't editorialize too much about it, since it's such a grim subject, but it means a lot that you commented on what I wrote. I am deeply appreciate of everything each of you wrote.

FourPillars · 2 years ago

Fascinating post - I can't imagine that 9-11 affected most Canadians as much as most Americans but I can remember that day like it was yesterday. We ended up getting a couple of days off work and I spent every minute watching CNN.

Mike
p.s. I'm a bit behind in my reading.

dawn · 1 year ago

Oh Brip Blap ... it's so weird that after a couple of months being absent from the blogosphere I come to your posting now. 9-11 was a terrible act of human aggression & violence ... and I empathize with what New Yorkers went through. My community & state is suffering through destructive & devastating floods right now ... and a couple of weeks ago a horrible tornado FLATTENED our neighboring community of Parkersburg. Luckily my family was spared - but I have family and friends WIPED OUT. They have lost everything. There is a profound sense of violation ... such a sense of no control ... I'm confused & speechless to all that seems to be happening in the world these days ...