Almost all of the several dozen readers who wrote to us about the Sept. 10 piece were angered by the Nobel peace laureate’s blunt views about the United States; some were disturbed by the fact that the interview was published just one day before the anniversary of last year’s terror attacks. “That you would publish his insult to all decent humans on the worst day in our history–when tens of thousands are mourning the loss of 3,000 lives most acutely–is deeply, profoundly wrong,” wrote one reader, describing America as “the greatest nation on earth.” Mandela’s comment, said another, “was a slap in the face to not only the victims of the largest domestic terrorist attack, but to the citizens of the world who recognize that terrorism is the true threat–not the president of the United States.”
“Such anti-American bulls–t does nothing to further world peace, only to continue to fuel the fires of unrest and urge fanatical and terroristic groups to act in aggression against our great land,” wrote another. Several readers also criticized Mandela’s referring toIsrael as a white state and Iraq as black. “Even the most obtuse observer on any street in Israel would be struck by the remarkable racial diversity of the Israeli population,” wrote a Woodmere, N.Y., reader. “There may be all sorts of divisions in the Arab-Israeli conflict, but black vs. white is not one of them.” A few readers, however, thanked us for providing another perspective on U.S. views. “I am delighted to see Mandela speaking out about our country’s foreign policies,” wrote a reader from Northboro, Mass. “I strongly believe our country needs to start practicing what it preaches more often.”
OUR READERS REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11
We asked you to share your thoughts about the day. Here is a selection from our mailbag:
My response to the attacks on that day is that they were beyond description. Never in my most delusional dreams did I imagine such tragedies resting on the shoulders of every American, no matter where he/she was at the time. Because of the attacks and as a result of them, I have come to value home and family so much more. I try to hug my child as often as I can because I realize without him my joy wouldn’t be half as intense as it is with him. He represents the continuation of life and if something of that nature were to ever happen to either me or to his father, we would want to leave him knowing we loved him more than life itself. September 11 has definitely taught me how to appreciate everything.
Jeri A. Washington
Charleston, South Carolina
Being someone who has always believed in a ‘higher power’, I must admit there was a part of me that questioned my own faith. How could the God I know allow this to happen? However, I have also been one who believes that everything, no matter how horrific it may be, happens for a reason. With that belief, I slowly began to realize some of the more positive effects 9-11 has had on me. My family has always been one to give hugs and kisses and say “I love you” every single day. However, since 9-11, these simple acts of love mean so much more. I no longer take for granted that I am guaranteed a place in this world at the end of the day. I refuse to let the attacks of 9-11 stop myself or my family from being happy. Live for today, because tomorrow may never come!
Joan Dodge
Chase, Maryland
I feel very bad writing this, but unfortunately, it is true. Since September 11, I find myself being very cautious whenever a person of Middle-Eastern descent is around me–whether it is at the airport of at the mall. My parents did not raise me to be a racist person and I don’t think I am. It’s just every time I see an Arabic person, I think of the destruction of September 11 happening all over again. Believe me, I wish I could make those thoughts go away.
Elle Woods
San Diego
My life as a whole has not changed so much, I still carry on everyday just as I used to, I think. As I type this I cannot control my tears, maybe this has affected me more than I realize. I find myself watching all the news reports remembering what happened and I feel that lump in my throat every time. I hate watching it because I get utterly depressed but I can’t turn the television off either. I feel compelled to keep watching. I look at my children and I sob more wondering what kind of world I have brought them into. I do see good things in this world and especially in America but I guess 9-11 will never be out of my mind or heart, I guess maybe I will never carry on as I used to. P.S. God bless all of America!
Karen Dahl
Medford, Minnesota
After September 11, I found myself crying everday and did not know how to stop so no one could see. I’m a 55-year-old grandmother with a good job and blessed with a good husband. My children are all grown and my grandchildren (all girls) look at me to be the all-knowing and strong example of a woman. On that horrible day, I lost control of everything and found myself crying in front of my co-workers (I am the only woman in the department) and I felt the fear that my mother and father must have felt intheir generation with World War II. I went to the dentist because my teeth hurt all the time. And I found out that I was gritting my teeth, which caused them to hurt and gave me headaches. I managed to hide my grief and did not show my granddaughters my fear. But now I’m just plain mad and feel that protective urge that a mother lion feels for her cubs. I’m still scared, but now I will show my grief in defense of my country. My life is dedicated to God, my country, and family. God Bless America.
Zandra L. Gurney
Houston, Texas
September 11 changed our lives. My husband and I are much closer to one another. We never do anything alone and we are so much closer to our friends and family. We hate what has happened to the world. We have not taken a trip since 9-11. My husband and I were trying to have a baby, but after 9-11, we didn’t want to bring a child into this world.
Gregory and Miranda Wright
Cedar Hill, Texas
It has made me more aware of the goings on in our world. I now watch the news to find out what is happening. I used to think “Not my problem” when I heard of these other countries at war, or famine. But it was brought home for me and everyone else that fateful day that it CAN and HAS become everyone’s problem. I use to cry for myself and how hard my life seemed. Now I cry for all those that lost so much that day, but they have also made me smile through the tears. They have taught me that no matter what the adversity to pick myself up and go on, and to help others to do the same. The strength of the survivors gives me hope for myself. I send all my support and love to those who survived and to those who lost so much but have been an inspiration to others. You are the true generals of this war that we are waging to save our world. From a Canadian Friend
Shawna Gulley
Langley, British Columbia Canada
The 9-11 attack had the most effect on my youngest son who is 22 years old. Since September 11 he has quite college and joined the Army. As his mother I had no idea that he would do something like that. He told me the reason he did it was that 9-11 attack made him stop and ask himself what it meant to him to be an American. He is like most kids in America; they don’t really understand adversity. He took measure of himself and his country and decided to act. He is now learning how to repair helicopters for the Army. There is strength in our nation’s youth.
Diane Harrell
Tampa, Florida
September 11 confirmed my belief that there is still so much love in the world that hatred and evil can never fully prevail. We have to step out of our individual little worlds and become a part of the solution to such hatred by reaching out to others. The smallest gestures can have the greatest impact and can make the most heartfelt difference in another person’s life. We don’t have to do things on a grand scale–reach out to a lonely person, speak to the person next to you on the train–simply exchange a warm smile with another human being.
Wanda Wells
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
My life changed overnight. I had a dear friend who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and who died that horrible, fateful day. Since then, I have felt compelled to do all I can to help those in need. I’ve always been a very giving person, but at a distance. Because of 9-11, I am now driven. I’ve gone back to school to study counseling for those souls in trouble with drugs and alcohol. I am learning sign language…something I used to only dream of. Life is different, it truly means something to get up every day and thank God for the sunrise. I still feel immeasurable sadness and unrelenting sorrow for all we lost that day, but I am turning my pain into glory and hope for the future. Knowing that God is always with us comforts me. And to all the lost souls, please know that Angels wrapped their wings around each and every one and carried them into the heavens, and placed them gently in the palms of God.
Susan C. Russo
Pearland, Texas
I’m a news producer at an all-news radio station in Los Angeles. I’ve covered the L.A. Riots, the Northridge earthquake, the Malibu firestorms, the crash of Flight 800, the Oklahoma City bombing, the Columbine school shooting just to mention a few amazingly emotional stories…stories that sent me home craving the sweet voices and warm embraces of my little boys more than ever. September 11th and the affect it had on my life can barely be put into words….words that are the nuts and bolts of my profession.
It isn’t until now…the time when newsrooms around the world are preparing their one-year anniversary reports that I realize I’ve been coping. I’ve stood outside looking “in”. I’ve reported the aftermath of 9-11, the War in Afghanistan, the rumors, the anthrax scares, the “where in the world is Osama bin Laden?” stories. Some days it’s just too much to think about. I’m not ready for it to be one year later. The pain is still fresh, the memories of September 11 are raw. The healing has hardly begun. And now in September 2002 we are reliving what we are really still reeling from.
I’m already planning to be in church on Wednesday night with my three boys–the very place we rushed to one year ago on 9-11. A place of comfort and peace and hopefulness. Since last year at this time I’ve become more passionate. More appreciative. More patient. More religious. More focused–focused on what matters. I work, I play, I cry, I plan, I laugh, I love, I dream. I chase snails. Snails, you ask? Think about it…you can’t run too fast on the hamster wheel of life when you’re chasing snails. I chase those snails with my boys and other loved ones. In essence, September 11 has made me remember to call my Mom and Dad to tell them I love them more. It’s made me stop cleaning the house and start playing more with my kids. It’s made me not go to bed angry. It’s made me stop to help a person in need. It’s made me listen to friends who need to talk. It’s made me appreciate life.
Kelly Whelihan
Burbank, California
It has been a year since this tragedy took place, how has it affected me? I look at people differently (with love and care) even if they’re strangers to me. My heart still ached with sadness for those who died and the loss to their families. Airplane trips will never feel the same, ever. I thank God everyday that my family and I are alive. Our American Patriotism has never been so strong.
Carlie Medeiros Age 13
Carlsbad, California
The obvious, certainly most noticeable change is the constant anger and the sense of loss. I don’t believe I have had any awakened period of 30 minutes without thinking of the attacks. Anything, and everything seems to remind me of the murders. It is like the attacks occurred yesterday. They say time heals all, but I am not so certain.
I don’t take anything for granted any more, don’t have that luxury… God Bless America
Andy Faidley
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
My spiritual map changed profoundly as a result of the terrorist attacks on Sept 11. I tried to hate those who had done this, tried to shut myself off and make it “simple”, but hating tore my soul to shreds. There is too much going on; too many shades of gray. I am part of this world as the terrorists and their victims are, and I am as responsible for what happens in it as they are. We are all so connected. It took until March for me to be able to get to this, and to be able weep over the tragedy, and then the tears would not stop; deep, wracking sobs. I wondered if we as a race are going to make it, or are we going to blow ourselves to bits? I realize how sheltered we in the United States have been when Europe and the Middle East have been seeing terrorism close-up for decades. I am sadder, more vulnerable, but better off for it. I am closer to God and want more meaning in my life.
Alycia Keating
West Haven, Connecticut
I no longer believe in God.
K. Hall
Lincoln, Nebraska
After 9-11 I realized how small and non-important my problems were. I was safe in my office at the law firm where I work, my husband also safe at the pizza shop on the day the world stop turning. The loads of laundry, stresses of my jobs and bills piling up just did not mean anything. But there were endless amounts of families all across the country and world that were no so lucky. They lost moms, dads, husbands, sons, daughters, police and firefighters. I felt violated, sad, angry and in total disbelief. I became nicer to people, thankful for each day and listened more closely to people during conversation.
Stacy J. Joseph
Youngstown, Ohio
I have been more tolerant and mindful of people who are off different races and religions. You can’t judge a book by its cover and it’s not fair to those people to be shunned because of the actions of others. Being a black female I know what it’s like to be stereotyped and I don’t like it and I don’t do it nor do I allow others around me to do it. We just have to remember that not all white people are racist, not all black people are lazy, not all Arabic people are terrorists. Need I go on?
Charlene Taylor
Nassau, Bahamas
On that dreadful morning of 9-11, we watched out our office window as the World Trade Center was attacked. The horror, fear and disbelief of what was occurring will forever be etched in my mind. I was one of the fortunate ones who didn’t lose any friends or loved ones and was also fortunate to escape with my life. Since then, and throughout this whole year, I have come to realize the importance of the things I so often took for granted; freedom, family and friends, and life in general. I no longer complain about the many trivialities that once seemed so important. I’ve come to appreciate every day on a higher level and am truly thankful for bearing witness to another dawning day. September 11 will forever be etched in my mind and in my heart. The images of that day are still so vivid. I have found strength in my faith and say a silent prayer for those who perished in the Trade Center collapse as I pass the site daily. I refuse to allow terrorism to change the way I live my life. Granted, life and the world will never be the same after 9-11, but it is up to us to honor the memory of all who died that day by vowing to live our lives to the fullest and push forward with each passing day.
Gigi
North Bergen, NJ
I have become a penpal to many sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln. I want them to know that I appreciate and find courage in their bravery, in defending the future of my, the country’s and the world’s children. God Bless them and all those protecting us from harm’s way.
Claudia Marmolejo
Chicago, Illinois
I can not explain how have I been admiring the idea of turning my face to wait for the next slap. Now, after losing the best and most distinguished people of the world working at the WTC, Those who changed the course of events by their martyr, I put a doubt in the point. I changed by giving more care to friends and more hardship to foes regarding the event, as a principal regardless of my personal impression.
Abdolmajid Roohnia
Tehran, Iran
As an immigrant my life was somewhat affected by the September 11 tragedy. My son was among of thousands of people who lost their jobs right after the attacks… I also lost my job. I’m still unemployed. It is my feeling that President Bush is really pushing for war instead using diplomacy to resolve the serious problems with the Arab world. Things will get worse. It is just a matter of time… And life here will be more difficult.
Julia Nobre
Tampa, Florida
September 11, 2001 made me realize more than ever that today’s children are growing up in an entirely different world than the one I grew up in as a child. I teach second grade in Texas. On that fateful day, I told my kids what had happened and we even watched bits of it on the news. So many of the kids go home after school with no parents at home due to work. I didn’t want them to go home, turn on the TV, and see what was happening and not understand. So, we talked about it and I had them write their feelings down in their journals and draw pictures (as I know every educator in America did). The things they wrote about, and the pictures they drew were quite insightful for 7 year olds. One of my kids wrote “I hope they don’t attack us.” What do you say to comfort and reassure them while trying to even understand it as an adult? I told them that unfortunately there were bad people in the world, but that I would protect them with my life…I meant it then, and I mean it now. That seemed to satisfy them. I was scared, upset, in shock and disbelief myself at what had happened, but I needed to be strong so they wouldn’t be afraid. Little did they know that THEY, in their innocence, were a great source of comfort to me on that tragic day.
Sandy Riley
Lake Jackson, Texas
While having to see all that happen I was in labor with my first child, Gracie Lynn. She was born at 7:06 p.m. on September 11, 2001. Weighing 9lbs and 2oz. When she gets old enough I am going to tell her about the tragic day she was born on. I know that is a day I will never forget.
Brandy Martin
Hornbeck, Louisiana
My life will never be the same. I retired from the fire service with 24 years on April 30, 2001. As a firefighter we are one big family. Captain Joe Farrelly and I grew up together, our fathers were volunteer firefighters together. Joe and I joined the volunteer fire service together; we both had the ideas of becoming professional firefighters as we learned the trade. Joe went and became a city fire fighter and I became a federal firefighter. We always talked about the calls we went on; Joe always had this idea and so did I about the dangers of the job. If you were to die that’s how it was suppose to be. After a while we went our own ways, but always staying in touch. When Joe became a NYFD firefighter, I could only think how lucky he was. I moved to Texas to ranch and cowboy for a living, but that had to fall in between firefighting. Since I’ve retired I have become a full-time teaching assistant. I’ll never forget 9-11, I was filling in for an English teacher when I heard of the attack. I went right to the computer and brought up www.firehouse.com, I could not believe what I was seeing. I had the bad feeling Joe was in the building. All day I had this heavy weight on my shoulders. That evening I just sat and watched the T.V. and cried to myself knowing what was going on. I called his wife Stacy, to see if she had heard anything. She was very quiet, saying she was waiting on some word. I knew Joe well and he always found his way around things, I really felt that he would be found alive. For the first week, I use to go outside at night and walk out by my horses, and looked up at the stars and just talk to Joe telling him to hang on, he would be found. The second week, I just would go outside and cry and look up and tell Joe that we all would miss him. I noticed during these couple of weeks that all the stars really were shining bright throughout this period. A few months later, Stacy told me, that they found his remains. My inner soul will never be the same. I’ve always tried not to be hateful toward anyone. But I can not maintain that feeling with these SOBS! Not just for me, but for ever family member and living soul that was affected by this.
Mike Stiles
White Wright, Texas
I have been a police officer for 20 years and have seen horrible things. As I sat on my couch watching MSNBC, I cried. The horror was mind-boggling! I found both of my children at their respective schools and held them, telling them how much I loved them, we prayed. We prayed for those who had been lost and those who had lost loved ones. We asked for strength and hope that the country would come together as one to support one another. I renewed my support for the President and I back him on his decisions. Most of all, I tell my children and those I hear saying otherwise that we should not judge an entire group of people based on the actions of a few individuals. We need to remember the past and present atrocities in our world or we shall repeat them. I touch base with all of my family more often. Tell my children and friends I love them at the end of every phone call and when we part. Life is ever so precious and you never know when it’s your time to go. Value/treasure every minute of your day and every minute you have on this earth. I shall protect my family, country and friends with my life. That feeling is even stronger today.
Jennifer Smith
Tallahassee, Florida
Where to begin? I am in the military and I just arrived in Germany on the 7th of September. I was a stranger in this new country and did not know much about my new duty station. I was so busy getting used to Germany and the new sleep schedule that I didn’t get a chance to call my parents. About five days later without much sleep at all and hours of classes and work, I got off early and turned on the TV. What I saw I will never forget. The events of that day have not only changed the lives of so many Americans but the lives of everybody in the world. I am now deployed to Kosovo, although it is a peace-keeping mission. My fellow soldiers and I believe we are making a difference. The best thing to come out of this past year was to go on leave this past April and see the U.S. flag everywhere. That made even more proud to serve my country. I am just one soldier and my opinion is very small, but I will serve my nation with pride. Edward C. Frady
Crossville, Tennessee
