September 11th, 2007 By Justin Williams
Open Thread: September 11. Did You Forget?
Seeing that today is September 11, I find it appropriate to dedicate this open thread to what happened six years ago. Here’s what I’m interested in knowing:
- Where were you when you heard?
- Do you think we have forgotten the significance of the event a mere six years later? Why?
I was a freshman at Purdue in my second week of class and was watching the morning news shows when the news came in. I couldn’t be pried away from the TV. It was a surreal week of nonstop news for me.
As for forgetting September 11, I definitely think we have. I think a lot of it has to do with the Bush administration’s lack of approval, and his Iraq war deflecting our attention from the tragic event. It’s hard to focus on 2000 lives lost six years ago, when our troops our losing theirs every day.
What’s your take? Tell us in the comments.
photo courtesy of by victoriapeckham
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Christina
September 11, 2007 @ 08:54AM
I was driving to work in Chandler at Kimball when I first heard the news. When I arrived.. everyone was quiet.. a tv had been placed in the office and everyone it seemed.. had stopped working most of the day. My daughter was about 6 months old at the time.. and all I wanted to do was go home and hug her. It made me realize how precious life is. It’s a day I’ll never forget.
Jenna
September 11, 2007 @ 10:47AM
I was in my senior year of high school, sitting in AP English when it happened. Of course I didn’t know just when it happened, but when the bell rang, the school pulled all of the kids into the gym to tell us. I didn’t really understand until I saw it on tv—which was in and on in every class from there on out. I do remember calling my dad after like “omg, pop?” I think because it scared me and I couldn’t really fathom it…and by that point I’d seen it on the tv so much.
I want to say yes we have forgotten, and no we haven’t forgotten. I say yes because of Bush and his gov’ts tactics. It is all his presidency (a lot of it) has been about, and possibly in the wrong way and over extending it, thus over extending the hurt. It makes a lot of people angry. But I say no because you have seen, since that very morning, more and more people coming together for their causes or standing up for each other, looking out for each other. I think it has made us sympathize more as a whole country instead of as sections of the country.
Chimpie
September 11, 2007 @ 12:50PM
I had just moved to Sarasota, Florida about two weeks prior to 9/11. That’s right, where Pres. Bush was visiting an elementary school. I was just waking up when the planes were crashing into the Towers and logging on to AIM when a friend IM’d me and told me to turn on the news because two planes had crashed into the WTC. I figured it was just some ultralites because a week prior a parachuter (sp?) got hung up on the Statue of Liberty. I turned on the news and say the towers burning.
I ran over to my brother’s side of the house (I was staying with him till I found a place to live) and told them to turn on the TV (which they never had on). Even though he is in law enforcement and I was in private security, fire and EMS, we still felt that it had to be an accident. When the news broke that the Pentagon was hit we knew that we were under attack. We were at war.
I believe that for the most part 9/11 has been forgotten. I’m out of the security industry now but stay in touch throuh forums and friends. I believe that 9/11 has done very little in the way of security. Security has not tighten. Our borders are still wide open. Training has not evolved. For years people said, “When something major happens here in our country, things will change. People will wake up.” Well, something happened in our country and very little has changed. It was like we woke up the next day and kept going on with our normal routine thinking everything will be alright.
Chimp
Jerry
September 11, 2007 @ 03:26PM
I was sitting in the office at Memorial High School UN-enrolling my middle son after his 2 day Memorial career. My oldest son (guess who) was in his freshman year at Purdue and I actually called Purdue security freaking out. My daughter was in 3rd grade at Castle Elementary trying to escape.
Chimpie
September 11, 2007 @ 03:35PM
Jerry…let me ask:
(unrelated to the thread)Why were you un-enrolling your son at Memorial? (/unrelated to the thread)
Why were you calling Purdue Security freaking out?
Why was your daughter trying to escape?
AmericanZero
September 11, 2007 @ 03:46PM
I was in homeroom when I first heard. And the guy I heard it from was a huge jerk and tried to make a joke out of it. We didn’t have a TV in homeroom so I went to find one. I think I turned on the TV right as the first tower came down. I really couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I just kept thinking about the people inside, and when someone told me about 10,000 people work in the towers…was when reality hit hard. I remember the long lines at the gas station that day and all the rumors of more attacks to come. One thing that stuck out was I remember laying in a hammock on Labor Day and looking at all the planes in the sky, then realizing a few days later…there would be none. It was very surreal.
I don’t think our country has forgotten, but the war in Iraq has caused our attention to be focused elsewhere. Also the fear of another attack is something that our president has been relying on way too much in order to expand his power, and keep his office out of check. Also I think the media capitalizes on this day. Sure the tributes are nice, but they are way too overdone and it cheapens the holiday. I almost dread 9-11 for the overkill of tribute coverage, and I even work in the media.
SUPERBANANABOMB
September 11, 2007 @ 03:48PM
If anyone actually thinks that 9/11 was a legitimate terrorist attack, they are sorely mistaken.
9/11 was an inside job from the beginning, and we needed a scapegoat. 9/11 was just something they needed to set new laws into place that give the fed more power over the people. People, don’t let ignorance and blind patriotism brainwash you…
Chimpie
September 11, 2007 @ 03:52PM
“If anyone actually thinks that 9/11 was a legitimate terrorist attack, they are sorely mistaken.”
So Osama is just playing along right?
Justin Williams
September 11, 2007 @ 03:56PM
@superbananabomb: did you watch Loose Change or are you basing that on something else?
I have considered it being a partially inside job in the aspect of the government knowing something about it, but not acting, but I’m never able to fully commit to the thought.
AmericanZero
September 11, 2007 @ 05:01PM
If you believe that 9/11 was an inside job I need you to hand me your wallet so I can have funds to investigate this.
If you’re dumb enough to believe that, your dumb enough to believe I would investigate a conspiracy theory.
I’ve been to the pentagon, I’ve heard the stories. People who think that it is an inside job need to go visit those sites and reevaluate.
SUPERBANANABOMB
September 11, 2007 @ 05:10PM
Osama is/was a CIA operative. It’s documented. Do you ever wonder why we haven’t been able to catch Bin Laden, even though he’s an aging 6’7” arab man on dialysis?
“Loose Change” is just one of many 9/11 documentaries, and most of them, especially ones funded by major media organizations (such as NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN and Fox) are clever about omitting certain important details altogether.
Fact is, the planes did not bring down the towers. The towers were DESIGNED to withstand such an attack. Also, no steel framed building has EVER collapses from a fire. Jet fuel does not burn hot enough to cause enough structural damage. As you can see in many home videos, explosion charges are clearly seen going off just prior to the towers’ collapse.
Any experienced demolition expert who watches the videos can instantly see proof of secondary explosions. Also, the rubble was not contained for any sort of a forsensics report, tests, or anything else of the sort. The entire remains of the towers was shipped off to an undisclosed location. And during the cleanup time you can clearly see iron beams that have literally been sliced diagonally. Metal just doesn’t BREAK like that. It just so happens that’s how they weaken the structure so it collapses upon itself.
And let me also bring up World Trade Center 7. No plane hit it, yet it collapsed too. Gee, that’s a mystery. It was another building that was on fire (how did that happen?) and it collapsed upon itself also. And yes, it was another steel-framed building.
It’s not necessarily “the government” that are behind it. Certain members of the government, yes. People need to realize that it’s not politians who rule the world. It’s the people with the money. The international bankers, military industrial complex, large corporations, gang/drug empires, etc. Oh, and most people don’t know this but Israel pretty much controls the United States. But that’s something you will never learn about or even read in an American classroom because what we see and hear is so filtered and distorted. They write the textbooks. No wonder America keeps slipping when it comes to education compared to other countries. We’re a nation of reality tv, iPod obsessed idiots.
Trust me, I could go on for days about 9/11. Most people have this mentality that anyone who goes against the grain is a “conspiracy theorist” and therefore crazy and untrustworthy.
Chimpie
September 11, 2007 @ 05:21PM
“Most people have this mentality that anyone who goes against the grain is a “conspiracy theorist†and therefore crazy and untrustworthy.”
So we must be the conspiracy theorists then huh?
Jerry
September 11, 2007 @ 05:41PM
in response to “chimpie”
A. he decided to transfer to Castle after being kicked out of Day School
B. I am overprotective
C. she is spoiled and wanted to go back to Gay School. (spelled correct)
AmericanZero
September 11, 2007 @ 05:43PM
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=911_morons
AmericanZero
September 11, 2007 @ 05:44PM
http://wtc.nist.gov/pubs/factsheets/faqs82006.htm
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/1227842.html
—You think you have proof…well I have proof from people with degrees. Or are colleges in on the conspiracy too?—
Chimpie
September 11, 2007 @ 05:49PM
So I’m guessing after getting kicked out of Day School, he realized that Memorial was just as tough and he couldn’t handle another private school and went for a public school?
No, you’re not overprotective, you’re obnoxious. What did screaming at Purdue Security accomplish?
I’m guessing Gay School is your funny way of saying Day School. If I’m wrong please correct me. And you’re daughter was literally trying to escape?
Is your whole family un-rational?
SUPERBANANABOMB
September 11, 2007 @ 06:58PM
@ americanzero:
In response to your “Popular Mechanics” link: http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20060826165457842 (That pretty much sums up how I feel about the PM article.)
Do you think that it is not the full-time job for many, many people to “debunk” this?
The people with the money are in control. It goes above and beyond the power of the government. The Federal Reserve System, which ISSUES our currency, is a privately-owned bank comprised of international bankers. Most people don’t realize that. Have you ever wondered why the hell we’re actually in the middle east? And why we aren’t out already? Why we’re not only planning on staying there longer, but to also elevate our operations?
It’s MONEY. Money is power, power that stretches beyond courts, laws and nations.
Do I think that universities are in on it? No. I don’t think any university as a WHOLE is “in on it,” but the biggest assets to any educational institution are the most gifted scholars / researchers. Are they paid to be the in someone else’s back pocket? Most likely.
And about the Pentagon… funny how a jet supposedly crashed into it yet there were no remains of a jet ever found. That seems strange. It also seems strange that this jet was able to go through SEVERAL layers of steel-reinforced concrete, each very thick. It’s also strange how the hole was perfectly cylindrical, and how windows right next to the hole were still intact. You’d think that if a jetliner, with wings and all, crashed into the side of a building, pretty much all the windows within a pretty decent radius would be shattered.
All of this terror crap, 9/11, Fox News “elevator terror alert” and the like was created specifically to scare the American public into thinking they are in danger. The fact is, we have more to fear from our own government than any other nation in the world… except North Korea. That’s actually a pretty serious situation.
Stuff like the Patriot Act, HR6166 and various other legislation have been passed by congress without a second thought. These unconstitutional bits of legislation are stripping Americans of their rights, and it’s happening more and more every day. People are going to remain ignorant and uninformed until the hammer comes down and then it will be too late. We’re all slaves and don’t even know it.
AmericanZero
September 11, 2007 @ 07:01PM
Well you better hide superbanana bomb, the government is coming for you! They know you’re on to them, better hide in your bomb shelter that you built for Y2K….maybe you can drink that cyanide laced kool-aid and get on the UFO following the comet before the government gets you.
Just make sure you leave me all your money. I have PayPal.
peacock
September 11, 2007 @ 08:16PM
This is in response to Chumpie… I mean Chimpie…You can not speak until you have walked a mile in one mans shoes. This man sounds as if he did not know where next to turn. You sound like a know it all. Have you been there? Your day will come… everyones does in due time. Remember this in a few years. You are a young pup in the game of life. You will not come away from life unscathed. No one does. Its the game of Life. Signed Been There Done That and Proud of It.
Justin Williams
September 11, 2007 @ 08:21PM
Can we please get back on topic? kthx.
Justin Williams
September 11, 2007 @ 08:22PM
The Patriot Act is frightening stuff. I totally agree with superbananabomb on that.
braindeadly
September 11, 2007 @ 08:37PM
So I wake up in my apartment at USI to find my roomates glued to the TV. I found this odd since they should have been in class. When they saw me walk in the living room they just looked at me, didn’t say a word- and continued watching CNN or whatever news station it was. By the time I woke up all of the attacks were over. All I could to was ask my roomates what happened. I was in disbelief that the twin towers were just gone. I sat down and watched TV with them until I got ready for my first class. On campus, it was surreal. I remember what a beautiful day it was, and looking up and not seeing a single jet exhaust trail in the sky. I had a debate class, and the prof was Dr. Drebushenko. I’m sure some of you know who this professor is. He was just speechless. The class turned into a question/answer session with Dr. Drebushenko, and he had nothing to say for himself. Dr. Drebushenko- one of the most controversial and opinionated professors at USI, and he was dumbfounded.
I walked into the UC and and saw a girl that was in my English class sitting by herself crying. I sat down with her and she finally asked me what was happening. She told me she knew something terrible happened and was too nervous to watch TV or look it up online. How was I supposed to describe what happened to a girl I barley knew. I told her everything I knew and got up and left.
I remember how quiet campus was but there was still some guy with his subs turned up loud “thumpin” through University Boulavard. I remember being furious at him.
My friend called my cell phone and told me gass prices were going to go over $4 a gallon and to fill up as soon as possible. I must have waited a half hour at the Tobacco Road/Wendy’s to fill up.
That night I called my girlfriend who was still in highschool at the time. We tried to start the conversation off normal, but we didn’t have anything to say. I remember the conversation as being short and uncomfortable.
jim
September 11, 2007 @ 09:22PM
Is it the nepotism that allows your dad(?) to refer to Day School as Gay School?
I have seen you delete comments in the past, but I never saw what they contained. They must have been pretty bad!
Justin Williams
September 11, 2007 @ 10:31PM
I only delete comments when I consider them excessively offensive or completely off topic. It takes a lot for me to get to that point. Feel free to read the comment policy and e-mail me if you have questions or concerns about it.
zrx1200r
September 12, 2007 @ 12:41AM
i was waiting tables at a bar during lunch that day. it was eerie, how everyone was quiet and numb (and tipped well), watching tv, listening to everything. the next day, as we kept the tvs on news for more information, people didn’t care: they talked, gossiped, bitched (and didn’t tip that well).
as for the conspiracy theories, here’s something to consider to refute that bush or his regime knew anything about it:
monica lewinsky.
that’s right: monica lewinsky.
if bill clinton, considered one of the smartest, slickest presidents, couldn’t hide a clandestine oral meeting with an intern, how is bush (a dunderhead by the opinion of most) going to hide all the people that would have been involved?
i’m not saying there aren’t some fishy things. but consider monica.
SUPERBANANABOMB
September 12, 2007 @ 01:41PM
Why is it that people always resort to some sort of lowbrow humor when they are “backed up into a corner” and can’t hang in a debate? Sure, making fun of me or my views might get a chuckle out of some readers but it also cemented the fact that I know what the hell I’m talking about. Ask most ex-military or government people you’ll meet about just how bad and deep the corruption is. People have noooooooo idea just how bad it really is.
And regarding the Monica Lewinsky bit: It’s all about money, remember? Lewinsky just wanted exposure and money, and that’s what she got. Bush is hardly a mastermind. He’s just a figurehead doing the bidding of other people that are really in charge, such as his father. People are making far too much money from this whole war in the middle east / against “terror” to even think about blowing the whistle.
As most people know, Dick Cheney has ties with Halliburton, who just so happen to have gotten the contract for supplies in the middle east. Whenever a soldier goes to a mess hall to get a plate of food, guess how much the styrofoam plate is costing our government? Six dollars. What if he wanted 2 plates so he could keep his food hot as he brought it to someone? That’s $12 of taxpayer money right there. This is just an example. People are making billions off of this.
zrx1200r
September 12, 2007 @ 11:55PM
well, monica wasn’t in it for the money or fame. initially. she got ratted out by her she-male friend. then it was all about the p.r.
but think how many people would have to have been involved with 9/11. and yet no one—not one single person—has come forward with a tale to tell. for money, fame, to expose the illuminati, stop the impending north american union.
i listen to coast to coast a.m.
i’ve browsed prisonplanet.com
i’ve watched the shows on history and national geographic.
but i’m no expert.
war is often about money. war creates money. it always has.
Chimpie
September 13, 2007 @ 04:24PM
“Why is it that people always resort to some sort of lowbrow humor when they are “backed up into a corner†and can’t hang in a debate? Sure, making fun of me or my views might get a chuckle out of some readers but it also cemented the fact that I know what the hell I’m talking about. Ask most ex-military or government people you’ll meet about just how bad and deep the corruption is. People have noooooooo idea just how bad it really is.”
Just because we have different views doesn’t mean we have to debate them. I’m a very open minded person. I believe in what I saw on TV that day. Could what you said happened have actually happened? Maybe, maybe not. I don’t believe there was a conspiracy though.