This September marks the sixth anniversary of the worst terror attack on United States soil in American history. Six years ago, the very essence of freedom and free will was torn to shreds like an old cloak. Not only were two beautiful buildings completely destroyed but almost two thousand people were visciously murdered. The worst of humanity became evident on that crisp September morning and has echoed continuously throughout our lives. The hope of humanity’s struggle to abolish terrorism and hatred seemed to dwindle before our very eyes.
I’ve been told that I shouldn’t include what I’m about to write. I was told that many people on this campus come from various backgrounds and upbringings. Many have different views on the spiritual realm, but that’s exactly why this country is so adored. As an American I have the right to speak my mind; as a writer, I have the obligation to stir your souls and form questions that many of us dare not ask. But I would not’ be totally honest with you if I beat around the bush, and if you read my article this past May, you know that I’m not the type of person to sit back and take things lightly. When I read the newspaper I want to be challenged. I want to say to myself, ‘Hey, this guy doesn’t give a hoot and tells it like it is!’ That’s the type of person I am, and’ that’s the type of writer I long to be.
I’m not easily amazed, but my faith in my fellow man was restored on the day after September 11, 2001. A line of American flags adorned my neighborhood, grown men cried, children were silent and women prayed for strength on this darkest of days. At once the beliefs of our forefathers sprung up all around the country to remind us that God is watching out for us no matter what the situation might be. I’m not a theologian and I don’t claim to be. I’ve tried to come to grips with what happened on that day and wondered why a benevolent God would allow such a horrific plan to unfold. But I don’t have that answer and honestly folks, I’m not sure if my finite mind could even begin to understand why it DID happen. Whatever the answer is, I loved my country the most on September 11, 2001.
I was proud of my fellow New Yorkers because we stepped up to the plate and made the best of a dire situation, we looked evil in the eye and for the first time our hearts and minds were opened to the belief that immorality is invading our culture and our lives. We knew that evil in its purest form is the hardest thing to battle, to conquer and to eliminate. But we took a chance, broke the mold and dropped to our knees to pray for those lost souls in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.
But I’m ashamed now. Six years later and the majority of people have all but forgotten the sacrifices that were made that day. The pride and pain that we as a nation went through has been pushed aside and tucked over with mindless nonsense. Have any of you noticed that in six years so little has been rebuilt at Ground Zero? But no, we’re so quick to build baseball stadiums and catering halls. All the crap that we (and myself included) think is relevant turns out to be pure muck. The idolizing of celebrities, sports stars and politicians overwhelms our youth and saturates our daily lives and nobody seems to do anything about it but watch. We hate and seethe, curse and mock when all we really need to do is follow the simplest of steps: Love one another, do good to those who hurt you, bless those who curse you.
I admit that my life was spent mostly loving myself, doing good things for myself and cursing the idiots on the Long Island Expressway.
There is no excuse for terrorism, there’s no excuse for wars and famines. But honestly, don’t we terrorize the weak and rage war with our pesky neighbors? When we pass homeless people on the street don’t we allow them to wallow in their own famines? I’m no saint people, but where in heck have all the Good Samaritans gone? Where have we gone wrong?
Throughout history war and death has wreaked havoc on human civilization. Unfortunately, it’s probably something that will never change. Ever since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden we’ve killed, lied, lusted and wanted what was not ours to have. These past six years should have been a critical turning point in our country. I love my country but I’ve grown to despise the absolute disregard for morality, self-control, respect and discretion. I’m not all doom and gloom, guys and gals. There is goodness and glory in this country as well, like the vast plains of the Heartland, the rolling mountains of the Northeast, the beautiful Pacific ocean, the Grand Canyon’hellip;when we look upon these wonderful sites, let’s not forget to remember that we have the freedom to do so only because we have men and women like the New York City policemen and firefighters who are willing to run into harm’s way and banish the evil workings of mad men. When the time comes for us to be still and silent this coming September 11, let’s bow our heads and remember the people who died, remember the reason why we’re so proud to call ourselves Americans.
Gabe Faraci
University Police
Public Safety Division Officer #567
