Frank -Thank you for the sentiment.  I have avoided this all day just to watch the responses.  I see that the responses are about what I would expect.  The sadness I feel is not over the deaths of so many but the lack of understanding of what we are up against, the empathy, the uninformed, the wishful thinkers, the lack of a "code" by most.  It continues to amaze me that those that have never been oppressed, or seen the oppressed seem to know so much about oppression.

The attack on 9/11 was not an attack on America, it was an attack on a set of ideals, the victims were American but primarily it was an attack on the American way of life.

To those that think there is a better place in this world I would urge them to go, live the life, then talk to me about it.  I have been in 53 countries, seen the good, the bad, and the rest that most would not believe.

I harbor no illusions, mine or anyone elses.

Remember, Peace is only a period of time between wars to rest, recuperate, and reload.

Sorry for those that don't get it.

I apologize for making this statement here.

Just to be clear, I am not anti-U.S., although I feel the terms "patriot" and "hero" have been diluted by their misuse and overuse. Today was termed "Patriots Day" by our government. Why? Do we know for a fact that any of those who died on this day were bleeding red, white and blue? More likely, those in power took advantage of the martyr factor to stir up the populace and push an agenda. It was horrible and sad for our country and for the families, but for certain political factions, it was advantageous. Saying this is not being unpatriotic; it's being honest.

Wills, I do not think you can turn all of the minds of all of the radicals by being nice. But you also will not alienate any more people by showing compassion, openness and humanity. I do agree with bringing folks home and securing the borders. You cannot attack what you cannot access. And if you are not making people furious abroad, they are less likely to seek you out. It was no small matter to attack our country's symbols on our soil. Terrorists are made, not born. Someone, somewhere, really pissed those people off.

We should never forget (and the TV channels will not allow it because it is ratings gold), but we should also not be sheep. Far too many Americans give away their power and ability to think because it is easier. Mindless programming and junk food washes away a litany of sins. It worked for the Romans. The only difference is our gladiators are Kardashians. Just think before reacting in the fashion you are coached. Not every country or religion that spawns a terrorist is guilty and deserving an attack.

NOTE: For the NSA, who I am sure is listening/watching me by now. I loathe guns and own none. I am no fan of violence. I am disappointed, not disgruntled. And I truly wish we could stop wasting money in other lands when we have so many issues that need addressing here. Feed the hungry. House the homeless. Make stuff here for once. Do this, and we can again strive to be the mark to beat in this world. (We're good? OK. Now go do surveillance on someone who does more than grow figs. Thanks.)

I tried not to read this thread.


I was supposed to be downtown that day.
It was a beautiful Tuesday.
I was falling in love.

The whole thing happened while I was driving,
and the radio painted the pictures.

What happened on that day was incomprehensible.
It made us feel vulnerable, unsafe, angry, desperate.

After years of nightmares and anxiety attacks, I made
peace with it.

Anniversaries are painful when they mark a loss.
All of us lost something 12 years ago.

As we go through our lives, we will lose and heal, scar
and lose again.
The world isn't fair.
Every time I see an ambulance zipping by with sirens
blaring, I'm grateful that it wasn't my turn to have
a horrible day.
It wasn't my turn to lose.
But every day, someone is losing something that's precious
to them.

I was going crazy, trying to comprehend why, how...

Now I come home, give my wife a kiss, give my son
a huggy, call my mom on the weekend, and appreciate
what I have...for now.

Oh, and I'd like to be appreciating a Florea cutting
this winter! PM me ;)

I was as shocked and disgusted as anyone else when this murderous tragedy occurred. That said however I believe that our fig forum is the completely wrong place to discuss this event. There are thousand of websites and forums where politics and policy can be discussed, but not here. Moderators, do your job and delete this post and keep a sharp eye out for all posts political and religious. This post and the replies are completely inappropriate in this context. Let's all stay friends.