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911: A Firefighter Speaks Out

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY

Dear Buzz,

Thank you for being there for so many of us.

Last night as I sat with my fellow firefighters at our regular weekly training, we ended the evening with a tribute to September 11, and the 343 fallen firefighters. We had a choice: we could watch the presentation or sit it out. I almost sat out, but decided to participate. I feel a little better able to look back now; a little stronger, less shell-shocked, clearer in perspective.

The photographs and music were moving, but I could feel myself stiffening and my heart hardening. I scanned the room to see how others were reacting. Some had misty eyes, one guy appeared to be sleeping, one person left the room in tears. The fellow who put this together lost a lot of friends that day. He's very pro-Bush, and pro-war. He's taking Thursday off.

After the third picture of Bush, with accompanying "Braveheart" style quotes about our "freedom," I had to stop myself from walking out. I didn't want people worrying about my "grief," when in fact it was anger. Rage actually.

I am more furious now than I was two years ago. After seeing how our government handled the aftermath, and America's response, the squandered goodwill, lost resources, added danger and the relentless FEARmongering, I'm ready to explode.

Are other people having these same feelings and reactions? Please tell me I'm not alone in this. A local church held a "celebration" mass. We were to "celebrate our heroes and ourselves." Who, other than Bush, thinks of themselves as heroes? I was insulted. Have we all gone mad?

A BuzzFlash Reader

p.s. My pro-Bush friend told me he is involved with a committee, and standing shoulder to shoulder in protest with the WTC Families against the impending contruction on the former WTC site. There just may be hope after all.

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY