Opinions Post: 9/11

  During World War 1 and 2 over a hundred million individuals were killed, most were innocent civilians. Between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries millions of African people were literally taken from their homes and shipped to the Americas. Similarly, Native Americans were massacred and marginalized for decades. Today, the United States and the world commemorate the tragedy of 9/11, arguably the most influential event of the twenty-first century. The terrorist attack, which took place now ten years ago, has affected the lives of thousands of people but let’s not forget these other events. Did World War 1 and 2 not permanently alter the perception of Eastern Europe? Has slavery not changed the livelihood of generations of African Americans? Is the Indian genocide not part of US history, or are these ideas too politically incorrect?

  The hijackers, who crashed planes both into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, were a select group of radical Islamists with a clear intention and goal: to take away the life of American citizens. There is no need to underestimate or dramatize the reality of this event. Americans have the right to remember the victims of this attack. However, a conglomeration of people around the world have been astounded by the political and social reaction of the United States. Animosity, interventionism, discrimination, are some of the words that come to mind. The immediate consequence of this strike was the war on terror with the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq to quench the desires of a baffled nation. But does anyone bother to remember the tens of thousands of peaceful Middle Easterners who perished in this unlawful aggression? Or has the US caucus also omitted the millions of expatriates who have to cope with the hypocrisy of a nation that intervenes generally when its interest is at stake but ignores the impoverished world the rest of the time? 

  Patriotism becomes a problem when transformed into racism. A selfless mindset, which choses to neglect the repercussions of an action or a word, is truly void of morality. The United States claims to be a Christian nation, a community that loves its neighbor as itself; lets prove to the world that this deep rooted belief is still authentically present even in these moments of grief.

Roger Mitchell

2 Corinthians 5:20

Opinions Post: 9/11

  This Sunday we remember the travesty that was the September 11^th attack on America. While Americans remember this attack they should also remember the attacks of March 11^th, 2005 in Madrid and July 7^th, 2005 in London. An enemy that hates Western Civilization and would do anything to destroy it and cause fear perpetrated these three attacks and many others. My point for this blog is simple: the West and the World has an enemy. Islamic extremists have shown the length they are willing to go to make us give up and give in. Our response to such viciousness should be nothing less than unyielding determination against their cause.

  America is not the only nation to have experienced loss at the hands of terrorists. That needs bearing in mind. So often we in America are tempted to be turned so fully on our own needs and our own views of the world. Since 9/11 and countless other attacks in the last decade, we share a common pain with many other nations around the world that have also suffered serious loss. This should unite us. 

  Now please note I am directing my words against terrorists. I understand there are moderate Muslims that decry the acts of Islamic extremists as much as I do. As history shows us time and time again, nothing is gained by targeting civilians who have nothing to do with the attacks. That includes everything from military attacks in other nations to dirty looks at Arab Americans. Let us not confuse our target.

  To remember and not act is worst than laziness; it is shameful. It dishonors the memory of those who were brutally murdered. The job of government is to promote justice and peace. Let’s not allow fear, unwillingness, or cowardice prevent us from that. America should care. The West should care. And we will never forget.

Tyler Holmes
Proverbs 14:15