Thread for discussion on The World Trade attacks -post here

[SlaverTickler]

Hay guys I just wanted to say to any NY and all my American cusins (Canadians and Americans are more like brothers/sisters really) that I'm sorry about the thing with the world trade center. It is a horrible thing. I hope it was an accedent but two planes flying right into the the Center seems to stretch that. I hope nobody on the forum had a loved one working in there.

Thank You.

[Myriads]

Your thoughts are appreciated.

[SlaverTickler]

Myraid, and anyone elts. Join me in the Chat room if your up to it.

[Marauder]

I can't say how shocked I am to hear about this horrible tragedy. I still have a hard time realizing that this is real, not some media prank. There's really not much I can say. Nothing suffices. This catastrophy is like a shotgun-blast to the heart of the free world. My heart flies to you.

[Haltickling]

My heart goes out to the people of the United States of America. This tragedy is simply too huge to verbalize my feelings. I visited the WTC just a few months ago, and I can't believe I will never see it again. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims!

May all terrorists burn in hell forever!

[Bootman]

I just hope that something will be done about this..NYC is a great place and my soon to be ex works there..But it's a tragedy where such a great country like ours gets hit on the WTT, white house, and pentagon..My heart goes out to those who have died...<puts head down>:(

[Rhys]

I just came in and found out about this tragedy.
My dad says '3rd World war'.
He just might be right. First the World Trade Center and now the Pentagon.
I'm British, but this is day I will never forget.
What will happen to this evening SmackDown tapings, huh?
I believe two HYJACKED passenger jets crashed into each of the WTC Towers, and then another Jet crashed into the jet.
I Believe the jets were hyjacked from Boston, Mass.
My sincere condolences go to the American people.

May the terroists be executed and burn in hell.
PS Is this the worlds biggest terroists attack?
1,000 - 10,000 killed.
Britain will help.

[Myriads]

All pulled from various confirmed news sources:

• In the first attack, a plane smashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in Manhattan shortly before 9 a.m., followed by another plane into the second tower about 20 minutes later. Both towers later collapsed. Sources told CNN that one of the planes was an American Airlines Boeing 767 that had been hijacked after take-off from Boston.

• About an hour later, a plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, part of which later collapsed.

• Sources say a second plane was heading toward the Pentagon; F-16 jets were in the air monitoring it.

• The Pentagon, the White House, the State Department, the Justice Department, the Capitol, the CIA and all other government buildings in Washington evacuated.

• In the first ever national ground stop of aircraft, all flights nationwide have been stopped at their departure airports.

• All international flights were diverted to Canada.

• Israel has evacuated all its missions around the world.

• President Bush cancelled an appearance in Florida to return to Washington, calling the crashes "apparent terrorist attacks" and "a national tragedy."

• In Chicago, the Sears Tower was evacuated; United Nations in New York evacuated.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta was evacuated.

• The New York Port Authority said it had closed all bridges and tunnels into the city.

• New York's Bellevue Hospital was designated command central for handling the catastrophe. Several hospitals have already reported receiving victims with burns and head injuries.

• Large plane crashed 80 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but it was unknown if this crash was connected to terrorist attacks.

• U.S. stock markets were closed after the New York attacks.

[Shem the Penman]

My fiancee, whom some of you know as Nightfall, was at work in the World Financial Center, near the WTC, and witnessed the attacks. She was, I hope, evacuated soon after one of the towers collapsed. I haven't heard from her yet. Those of you who know Night, please join me in hoping the best for her.

[Sandman]

Rhys, who gives a damn about "Smackdown" when this crap is going on? Damn man, people are dying out there. Smackdown can be put on a hold.

Myraids, great info.

This is shocking. I can't believe it is really going down. I woke up and every single channel had this on.

Initially it was assumed to be a horrible accident, but while coverage continued of the first crash, news cameras clearly picked up the second plane crash into the second tower. What I'm hearing now is that two planes were hijacked in the area and flown into the buildings. This is fucking terrifying. And I've never been so happy ot have a republican president in the White House. George W., please do something drastic.............

I know people in big buildings in a lot of city's and they are scared to death and rightfully so.

John Hancock building in Boston has been shut down.
The Arch in STL has as well as well as all the trains and airlines.
There is hardly any traffic on the street and masses are going on all over the place for the dead.

They are still missing many plains and 200 or more firefighters who could be dead.

Scariest day in the US since Pearl Harbor?

Bush has to do something about this soon. They can't get away with this crap and the US won't let them. I doubt anyone really feels safe right now.

Is this not a act of war? Damn right it is.

I have a lot of friends that work in those two buildings and I am more than shocked by all this. This honestly makes Pearl Harbor look trivial. A pure civilian attack in NY like this is unreal and there must be an extreme and severe form of payback.

I tip my hat to the brave police, firefighters, and rescue personnel that are working around the NY and D.C. areas. Thousands and thousands are dead for sure. Sickens me.. Planes flying from NY to San Fran and Boston to LA has been highjacked.


Niagara Falls and all federal buildings have been evacuated in Buffalo.The Falls has one of the countrys largest power plants and supplies to millions in the U.S. and Canada.

My thoughts and prayers are will all of the people involved, including all of the TMF faithful involved in any of these major cities. Your updates are appreciated, if for no other reason to let all of us know that you're still there.

[Sandman]

Did you see the damn Palestinians partying in the streets?
Throwing candy in the air. Makes me sick on my stomach. Who knows who did it though....

I own a hockeyfight board with a friend of mine who lived in NY. A pretty big one. He works down town in NY city and I can't get ahold of him what so ever right now. Pretty scary...

[Latin_Boy]

My heart sincerely goes out to all the victims and families. I'm very concerned for the friends I've made here that live in the affected areas.

Since I also live in a big city and everything is being evacuated, I wish you all the best as we cope through something this unbelievable

Best wishes to all

[Myriads]

Sandman, your post was deleted because I was meging the two threads. Since I merged them it was no longer needed.

[Myriads]

I've merged all the Attacks on the US threads into this one with a title that is a bit clearer.

The one for the personal notifications of safety can stand alone for ease of information.

[icetickler]

Watching on TV the scenes were like seeing a disaster movie-only you knew they were terribly real. From an English member to all American members I feel so sad for you all.

[cloudgazer2k]

all joking aside, and all forgive for any foul language that may be found in the following:

my friends, on tuesday, september 11th, we have seen a very disgusting display of destruction. many unfortunate souls witnessed the awesome destructive force that evil can weild. this brings back memories of seeing old footage of pearl harbor so many years ago. as i walked to a friend's house, i saw many sad and angry faces. sadly, many of us are civilians that will only be able to lend a small hand to the families that have sustained mental and physical wounds. others will be able to get revenge for the u.s.a. this act is unforgiveable. no matter who you are, i cannot see how somone can condone the acts of killing hundreds of innocent civilians and consider it a well-won victory. we must unite now against a common enemy. we may be walking in WW 3, but so be it. it is the price our enemies face for performing this hideous act of villainy. be it bin ladin, saddam, it will not matter in the end. they have opened pandora's box, and i know in the next few days all hell will break loose. i wish all the families who were forced to face this pain luck, and i hope our NY, DC, and surrounding area members of the TMF can find solace. my prayers go to those who needlessly lost their lives in this terrorist attack. and MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON THOSE WHO DID THIS TO US!!!

[MN Tikl]

I think I speak for the entire group when I offer my hopes and prayers that you are ok.

[Giantfan]

There isn't anyway to appreciate what happened today in NYC and Washington. For my generation this is our Pearl Harbor. I will never forget what I saw today. I work in NJ with a clear view of the WTC some 25 miles to my north. I will never forget seeing that second tower collapse right in front of my eyes. I have friends and family that work in that area. I pray for them. I pray for all the innocent people who have been lost today. God take care of them.

[Myriads]

For those of you without video at hand, here is a shot of the catastrophic failure of the North tower from AP.

<center>http://www.ticklingforum.com/Randompics/News1.jpg</center>

[MTP Jeff]

I just want to add my thoughts and prayers to everyone being affected by this tragedy, and especially for Shem's fiance.

[arion30]

Im from Bergen CTY, NJ (all you NYCers know where that is) I used to work in the world Trade 2 months ago for the Port Authority, till my contract expired. I Have family who lives down on Chamber street. Hope theyre OK. All incoming phone service to NYCs been cut off.
Shem, Hope your fiancees ok

[TICKLERBOY123]

I hardly think that we are heading towards a third world war. the entire free world and every democratic country has united in condoning the actions of whoever may be responsible for this hideous atrocity. Whilst i am sure bin laden and hussain could put up a very good fight, they would not surely be mad enough to declare war on Great Britain and Ireland, Germany, France and of course the good old US of A.
The real perpetrators will probably never be caught, but their nations will suffer badly.

LETS GO AND KICK SOME TERRORIST ASS

[qjakal]

And so it begins....the fools who think we are too weak and irresolute to act against them are once again deluding themselves. The United States is a very tolerant, relatively easy going country, which is why we haven't annexed the rest of the world at the various times in our history when we have had the ability and technology to accomplish such an act. The lesson of the horrors that were visited upon Japan after "poking the sleeping giant" are obviously being forgotten throughout the world. The cowardly deeds of terrorism enacted today will have repercusssions that will echo through the next decade. I almost went into the city today, but decided to sleep late and do another few projects instead. Admittedly, one less Qjakal wouldn't have stopped the world from spinning, but I sure am happy to be such a lazy goober! Normally I try to take a pretty tolerant view towards the sanctity of life, and innocent civilians in general, but I think these attacks were the result of YEARS of planning and needed the financial resources of a government to execute. This government has forfeited its right to EXIST at this point in time in my opinion, and we should exert our will and military might to accomplish this objective. There will be speeches and pontificating galore tonight on national TV, and the polls will be taken, and the American people will rise up and shout to the government that this MUST not be allowed to happen again, and that there WILL be consequences for any nation harboring and abetting these monsters. Toss your candy wisely O joyful cowardly slayers of innocence and innocents, for your time of retribution draws nigh.......

[Rhys]

Okay my mistake. SD is now live on Thursday.
Sham, my heart goes out to you.
Palitinians. What a bunch of jerks. Throwing sweets (Candy) in th air. What a bunch of utter crap.
Let me say this. I have been watching this unfold on the UK Television and TICKLERBOY123 pretty much sumed it up.
3rd World War is a distinct possiblity, but how would commit such a crime. George (Dubya) W. Bush has said as has Sir Tevor McDonold, the UK's nber 1 newsreader, why would anybody admit to a hidious crime, when the UK, Russia, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Israel, Korea, New Zeeland, and of course the good old US of A would chase them and in the end will kill them.
If you gusy won't sleep tonite, why - blame the purpotartor of this awful act, and my that person, be it Bin Laden, Hussian, Arrfat (Doubt the latter, after all he's git Israel top worry about), or anyone.
Because which ever way you look at it, there are a few dead men walking.
I do know one thing about the UKs thoughts.
Centre Point, a major building near Oxford Street in London has closed. Security around the country is stepped up, etc. etc. You know the score.

So I say as a civilisated
LETS KICK THE TERRORISTs SCUMS ASSES!

[nmilke]

I'm no writer, but I would like to join you all in mourning the loss we have all suffered this day. My heart cries for the souls lost today, and hope goes out to those who aren't. Everyone who has family, or lives in NY, I am praying for you. I am not a religious person per se, but I hope God is listening this day.

[strokeofgenius]

I need to share some thoughts with all of you...

I'm as Catholic as they come and as slow to anger as one can be, but this is just TOO MUCH....

A bunch of cowardly assholes who hide behind hatred and sickening Nazi-like beliefs have caused the deaths of thousands of innocent people. I agree, they will probably never truly be found out and exposed, and I have to tell you, man....part of me wants soooooo bad to just drop a million nukes on and blast the whole mid-east region off the face of the earth...but hey, what would it accomplish...not every person over there is guilty and more fanatics would just take their place...

And as for those people dancing and celebrating in the streets of palestine or whereever the fuck they are....I hope they fuckin' rot in hell. Forget all the politics, skin color, religious beleifs..FUCK all that!! Dancing in the streets when thousands of poeple just lost their lives is almost as big a disgrace as the bombings themselves. These people have no respect for humanity and human life. As far as I'm concerned, they are all Satan himself.

Now I'm gonna calm down for a minute and make a plea...I don't know how many of you are religious, but PLEASE...offer up every prayer in your very soul for the lives of the victims and their families. If you're not religious, well, offer up ANYTHING.

These people will need every ounce of help and strength to get through this difficult time.

PLEASE, folks...laern something from this tragedy. Someone said to me that this whole thing could serve as a wake-up call to the world...God, I hope so. The world is too good for religious nuts and zealots to cut into so many people's lives....

I've seen people rally around others in this forum (like around Jeff with all this Gabrielle/feathersex stuff....) Well, I hope that sense of 'community' can continue on a wider scale.

I hope God is with all of those families. And thanks to all of you for letting me get this off my chest.

Peace and love. It's the way of the world...(or, at least it should be!)

[thenaveltickler]

I have finally made my way home to Hoboken, NJ from Downtown, NY in what has to be the worst day in my life. I call...I called all my family and friends to let them no I'm ok...my building is literally right in front of the World Trade Center..luckily got in early this morning or probably would have been walking through WTC at the time the attack occured. I know so many people who worked at WTC and I'm praying are safe but the scene was just beyond imagination. I heard the second plane hit as it almost went right over my building; everyone amazingly didn't panic but did rush hurriedly down the stairs and made it outside. I looked up and saw both towers on fire and couldn't believe my own eyes..I began walking uptown when there was just a huge explosive sound and as I turned back I saw the first tower collapse...it was the most terrifying thing I've ever witnessed..I could only imagine how many people had lost their lives.
The smoke just engulfed downtown...I still can't believe the WTC is gone. I have no doubt that NY and America likewise will come back stronger than ever but this has been the biggest wake-up call to what kind of world we live in that we could possibly incurred...I apologize for my rambling but am still somewhat in shock...

[red indian]

My thoughts are with you all on this appalling day, and I am sure Britain will do what we can to help if needed. Its so hard to find the right words to fit this horrific act of violence on so many innocent people, and the devastation caused to their famillies my thoughts go out to them.

[Machinehead]

I know this is totally off subject. But I think are thoughts and prays need to be with all the victiams of the world trade center crash. The passggers on the airlines.
that is all!

[Krokus]

I cant believe this shit. I am sorry about my language but I am an American and I live in Texas and this is an outrage! Thousands of innocent people were killed......if this starts WW3.....then so be it.....I would rather fight and die than see all those defensless people die.....may we fight back and bring death to our enemies.

[Carthoris]

I think we all should not forget those unfortunate people who happened to be onboard the planes that were used for this horrific tragedy. Yes there are thousands of people in NY that have been injured or killed and my hopes go out to those people and their families. But please don't forget that the people in the buildings were not the only ones involved today.

[strokeofgenius]

Amen to that.

[Shem the Penman]

Well, Nightfall returned about half an hour ago, shaken up but otherwise well. Thanks to Jeff, arion30, Cosmo_AC, Rhys, and those others who offered us your sympathy.

[Krokus]

One of my close friends......jboarder, you may remember him from the old ez boards TMF......he was a regular contributor to the stories section.....was in NYC this morning and I just recieved the message, and I am deeply hurt and enraged......he was on vacation.....he always said that he wanted to go to NYC.....and when he finally got to, this is what he gets.....no one deserved this.....this has gone beyond personal for me.....I cant express the shock I am in.....It just goes to show that your here one minute and gone the next.....I want to dedicate this post to my dear friend......rest in peace jboarder.....you will be missed. Once again, may we fight back and bring death to our enemies.....I may not post for awhile.....I know his mother very well.....I am going to help her in this time of mourning.....my thoughts and prayers go out to all the family's of the lost......peace

[jorus5]

This is going to be one of those catastrophic, "where were you when you heard events." I know I have 8 family members that live in NYC, but fortunately they are all okay. I think if it starts World War III depends on one thing: was a country responsible, or a terrorist group? If it is a terrorist group (and hijacking planes to fly them into buildings sounds more like terrorists than a country to me) than we will take revenge however Bush sees fit. If it is a COUNTRY, well... then it is an act of war. I don't think we would have any choice at all if a foreign nation committed it. Prayers for everyone in NY and DC right now.
Jorus5
DONATE BLOOD!!!!

[dvnc]

Shem, thanks for cluin' us to Night's appearance. I was worryin'. I remember her from when she visited us out here, on the west coast, and you both from NEST. It's good to know she's safe.

Folks, I know we're angry, worldwide, about this whole horrific nightmare. We don't yet know, concretely, who did it, though. Yes, we've seen the nasty video, with folks heartless enough to celebrate the faceless enemy they see in our country. Yes, some mad weasels attacked us. Yes, we're going to put a hurtin' on someone.

Let's just make sure it's the right one.

My pal, from gradeschool, is worrying about his grandparents, who have Arabic blood, and appearances to match. Those fine old folks have been here for decades, and bounced me on their knees.

One of the MidWest NEST crew is misfortunate, at this time, to be with skin of a paler shade of brown, and she's already getting treated poorly, and she's not only not related to such enemies, SHE LIVES IN FREAKIN' OHIO.

Keep wary, Americans, that we're all colors, creeds, races, religions, etc., and work to avoid judging those that MAY or MAY NOT be related to whomever was heartless and soulless enough to do this to so many Americans. Don't join what we despise.

Yeah, this is ugly as sin. Uglier, likely. Just share the love for our own, while you're at it. There's a lot of US, here, that are worth lovin', and that's really more important than anything. Else. Love ours first, defend them second, and crush the fuck outta whomever misstepped third.

Peace,

dvnc

[Machinehead]

I think all of are thoughts and prayers should be with the victams famliy.b

[MistressMia]

My heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to the victims and the families. Mu, I'm truly sorry for your loss.

Jorus,
you have a good point...DONATE BLOOD!

[Myriads]

Doing what I can to provide you with recent information:

From MSNBC

WTC Buildings number 1, 2, (The towers) and 6 are down, and building 7 is burning uncontrolably on its east side and is also expected to come down shortly.

[tummyticklish01]

im very comforted and happy that this forum is actually more of a family than just a tickling forum, we've come together to support each other in need, and truly... hard times bring the worst of friends together.

[Myriads]

And #7 just went down.

My suport to all Forum members who have lost someone to this act of terrorism. If any one needs to talk drop a line through the forums contact links.

Myriads

[nontkl]

Just because I can't really concentrate on much else, I wanted to post some thoughts:

First off, I've got to tell those of you who don't know what the World Trade Center (and that entire area) is like at 9:00 in the morning on a weekday. You feel like an ant. That's how many people are around. That's how many people are going to work and that's how many people work in and around the vicinity of the World Trade Center (and the World Financial Center). Their timing was impeccable. They couldn't pick a time where there was more people in the building. Ironically enough, there wasn't one time I was there where I didn't think to myself about the threat of a terrorist attack. When I think of the people trapped in the wreckage that had a fighting chance until the buildings collapsed....it's as bad as putting myself in the position of the poor folks on the hijacked planes...who KNEW what was going to happen....if not just until the moments before the crash.

DVNC, I am totally with you. Though "they" dehumanize us and so celebrate in the streets at our tragedy....let's not fall into the trap of dehumanizing others. Ultimately, we all are merely pawns in the game.....both us, the victims, and the people in Palestine cheering in the streets. The situation in the world is very complex and EVERYBODY'S hands are dirty, and that includes the US, and when we have a global system that is fueled by greed and exploitation with alot of lip service paid to "higher values" then you are bound to create situations of great resentment. Those responsible deserve to be hunted down and punished because to rob someone of their life is the greatest crime but let's not take the racist, kill-em-all tact....I say this because today I saw real, genuine grief from people of all nationalities, including those from the Middle East. I hear they attacked some guy's deli and I don't know that that's fair. (For instance,Bin Laden is a multimillionaire because of his business acumen, not because his family were working in New York delis and cabs, sending him back their earnings!) I would just hate to see things get too ugly, when what we're really fighting are multi-national individuals with an extreme ideology versus a country like Germany in World War II, or even Iraq in the Gulf War.

I am NOT going to talk about the politics of this and how it relates to Bush and Clinton (neither who I like, by the way)..but believe me, I have very strong opinions indeed!!!

Shem, I'm really so happy your girl got home safe and hope she's calming down.....I'm not a usually a praying man, but I said one for her. I also am hoping my friends, particularly a sax player I know named Lars is okay and definitely all the different people in the different offices I'd worked at as a temp, I hope they somehow made it out okay.

I hope this post did not offend anybody. (and by the way, I am not anti-American in any way, I am definitely OF America, but I am pro-Earth!)

[Dave2112]

Living in upstate NY, I have many friends in NYC. But I think that after something like this, we must all be friends. We must come together and not allow a faceless coward ruin what this nation has fought for. The attack on the Pentagon may have been a military issue, but to destroy the most recognizable feature of the most popular city on Earth is a personal attack on us, the people, on our freedom, our dreams, and our way of life. Let us all pray for the families and friends of those killed in this horrific act. Pray also for God's intervention in our lives. I know this sounds like a soap-box sort of thing, but we ALL need to join together for the sake of our own survival. We are all brothers and sisters and this has irrevocably changed us all. I have more thoughts on this, but I'm just too upset to write anymore. God bless all of us:(

[Myriads]

Kabul, Afghanistan is under attack. CNN has live footage. Planes flying overhead, explosions consistent with missile fire. Tracer fire and anti-aircraft fire has begun in response.

No idea who's attacking them, but somebody is.

US government denying that it is us at this time.

[qjakal]

Good point dvnc...I found myself staring at the guys who run the local 7-11, and was ashamed of what I was thinking. Painting with too wide a brush in matters of this import isn't smart, but I and a few million others aren't feeling smart, merely blindingly angry and yes, vengeful. As I write, Afghanistans government center is ablaze, sources unknown. Doubt this was our work, we tend to be more...careful, and much more time consuming. The point of my post s is this...our reaction should be of such a dramatic nature that the NEXT idiot who thinks about advancing his "cause" at the expense of American lives will realize that all he/she would actually be doing is dooming their faction to a speedy inevitable extinction! I don't WANT to see more innocents harmed, either in this country or even in the abode of the terrorists, be they an arm of the government or merely supported by several rogue governments, but....this needs to be avenged, in a manner that sends an unequivocal message to the world regarding our tolerance level for acts of this nature. Anything less is a disgrace and unworthy of our past history and those who died defending and protecting our rights. Q

[MTJpub]

Having watched various programs about events such as the assassination of JFK and the attack on Pearl Harbor and having spoken with people that were alive when these events took place. I thought I understood the impact these actions has had on history, people and the world.

I did not until this day.

I am overwhelmed with grief like I have never felt my entire life. I truly wish that I have not had to experience this in my lifetime. My sympathy goes out to all of the victims, their families, and friends. I selfishly hope as I type this that all of my friends, customers, and members of this forum are safe and well.

My heart sank when I read Shem's first post, I desperately scanned the rest of the messages looking for news of "Nighfall's" safety. I was very relieved to find that she was safe but the post had brought the full impact of today's events directly into my life. While I have never met "Nightfall" she has written for my magazine and I had met Shem several years ago at a NEST gathering. The small thread the connected them to my life had magnified the horror of today. A horror that had already deeply effected me.

Those lives lost today will not ever be forgotten. Those responsible should be given no quarter.

Jim a.k.a. Morandilas

[tklr5150]

Expressing one's sympathy and prayers in this matter simply cannot be overdone.

It's a terrifying thought . . . one day, the most devastating news you can hear is that the Broncos lost Ed McCaffery for the season . . .then you wake up and your country is at war.

The City of Chicago has been shut down from more or less top to bottom. Downtown has been evacuated completely and most of the city has been closed, including Lincoln Park and Navy Pier. Columbia, Northwestern, and DePaul have cancelled classes. Wrigley Field is barren. It's frightening to think that if any further attacks come, I'm living in one of the most likely targets.


I must also agree with the comments made by dvnc, nontkl, and some others: this tragedy has left our nation angry, hurt, grieving, and simply numbed. But we must not let it foster hate and persecution of more innocents, or else not only have we sunk to the reprehensible level of the perpetrators, but we have handed them a victory. Those that would seek to undermine the Free World would do it through inspiring fear and division.

Let those who committed this heinous act burn on Earth and in Hell eternal. Let those who may share their skin color, ethnicity, or religion remain in peace and recover, as we all must, from this attack on not only America but humanity at large.

[arion30]

to expand a little on the WTC, its also a major commuter intersection, where people from all 5 boros and jersey stop and switch trians or disembark for work, adding a lot more to the casualty toll. PLUS there a huge shopping mall underneath it.

Theres also an arab-run gas station/convience store around the corner from me. when I was there to get a pack of smokes, all the workers were gathered around the TV wondering how anyone could do this. Please dont judge other in your community by their skin color. Alot of them are just as shocked and dismayed as you are, and taking it out on them will just prove the terrorists who did this correct.

[tckleguy]

I hope and pray that anyone here that had a family member or loved one in or near the tragedy are alive and well.

Let's hope these people behind this are found and punished...quickly.

Tckleguy

[realtickling]

I'm deeply saddened by today's events. I still sit here shellshocked as I ponder who? why? what's the root cause?

Death at age 85 or 90 from "natural" causes is terrible. But death much earlier in life and by murder is so very hard to deal with for me. That is what happened today to probably 1000's & 1000's. My heart and thoughts are with them and their family members.

And while revenge is sweet momentarily and those responsible must pay, I'm very sad to realize as I sit her now that it will not bring any lasting relief to the families with now dead loved ones. I am sorry for not being a pillar of hope, and a "think positive" preacher, but there is nothing positive about this, nothing.

But once again, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.

Kathy

[Darkknight]

I had posted in another thread about the attacks.
I just wanted to add, I did not forget the people that died
that were on the planes.

I'm glad to hear your fiance is ok Shem. I can't imagine what was running thru your mind as you couldn't reach her.

My thoughts and everything to all those affected by this inhuman act.

I don't know what else to say...

DK

[Sandman]

I might not be on here for a while. My buddy and half owner with me of a hockey board sadly was one of the thousands that did not make it. Just found this out and I am in deep shock and can't believe this is going down.

[thefeatheroom95]

I am so glad we can take a little time out of tickling discussion to talk about this trajedy. This has been a nutty day. My friends dad is a pilot and he is now stuck in canada for the night. My uncle works at WTC and just a few minutes ago, I found out he escaped in time and is just fine. My neighbor was one of the last people to Leave from lambert in ST louis this morning. SO yeah, its been hectic,but they are all lucky to be ok. My heart goes out to the others who werent so lucky.

[Longbaugh]

My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this vile act of terrorism. I can't beleive this has happened, I'm almost numb from the shock of it all. We are the United States and we will overcome and those responsible will pay.

[nontkl]

Really, really sorry to hear about the loss of your buddy, Sandman. I'm sure he will be very missed and my sincere condolences go out to you, his friends and his family.

[CurtWild]

this is a dark day in history.it doesn`t seem like it`s real.all i can say is that our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost family and friends,and to all the people who have helped out on this tragic day

[Adam]

This was, without a doubt, the single biggest act of cowardice I have ever seen, and hopefully, ever will see. It's cases like this when I find myself deeply rooted in the belief that those responsible must be mass-executed, where normally, I'm more of a pacifist. I cannot wait. I cannot wait until those responsible are brought to justice and sent to Hell for what they've done. My prayers are with everyone on this, the saddest night in our Nation's history.

[Ticklebug]

This is such a terrible tradgedy. For those of you previously debating it ..

THIS is evil. Killing innocent people is evil. I sure hope the perpatrators are found and killed..

I also hope no children are killed in our retaliation.

All my troubles are by comparison are nothing.

We should all live the rest of our lives trying to be better peolpe. Life is so short and unpredictable.

I am deeply sorry for those that lost their lives or their families.

[Brooklyn]

I don't have much to add, just want to pass my condolences. Does anyone else from NY think that the best thing for the city would be to keep Guliani for 4 more years?

[njjen3953]

I just finished reading this thread. I have been sick all day about this situation and am hoping that those friends that have not yet been heard from are ok. I am truly sorry to hear about those that did not make it. Sandman, my thoughts are with you.
I have not heard from WallStreet since he e-mailed me last night(Sunday) and I sincerely hope that it is just a matter of inability to connect to the internet.
I am gratful to hear that other New Yorkers in our community are home and safe.
Despite recent conflicts, I do feel like TMF is a family and am honored to be a part of it.

Be Well All,
Jen

[Strelnikov]

Not much I can add to the above. Bin Laden seems to be the prime suspect, and his camp should be turned unto a smoking, glass-lined crater that glows in the dark. He's had help from the Taliban government, so Kabul deserves the same treatment. Enemy civilian casualties? God will know His own.

But why stop there? This should be a wake-up (or maybe shut-up) for those fuzzy thinkers who ever-so-faintly condoned terrorism because of real or imagined grievances. The usual suspects in the Middle East fell all over themselves denying responsibility. Let's exterminate them anyway. (I wouldn't object if the Israelis used automatic weapons for crowd control either.) We should say, "You've said that you're at war with the USA. It's time you found out what that really means. You're dead men walking, all of you, if it takes a year or 50 years."

After Pearl Harbor, Admiral Yamamoto said, "I fear that we have awakened a sleeping giant, and filled him with a terrible resolve."

DEATH AND DESTRUCTION!

Strelnikov

[njjen3953]

Subj: From an Israeli Newspaper
> Date Tue, 11 Sep 2001 7:44:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time
> Palestinians celebrate attacks; Arafat issues condemnation
>
> By Amos Harel, Ha'aretz Correspondent and Agencies
>
Palestinians celebrating the aircraft attacks on New York and Washington.
> There were scenes of celebration in the West Bank refugee camp of Balata,
and in the cities of Tul Karm and Bethlehem, also located in the West Bank.
>
> In the West Bank city of Nablus, Palestinians distributed sweets, motorists
honked their horns and gunmen fired into the air from assault rifles to cheer
on the attacks which unfolded in the space of a few hours.
>
> "I feel I am in a dream. I never believed that one day the United States
would come to pay a price for its support to Israel," said Mustafa, a
24-year-old Palestinian gunman.
>
> Several dozen Palestinian youths gathered in East Jerusalem to celebrate as
well, honking out wedding tunes on their car horns. "We are so happy that
America was hit. America is against us in supporting Israel," Suleiman, one
of the demonstrators, said.
>
> Arafat condemned the attacks which levelled the twin towers of the World
Trade Center in New York City and struck the Pentagon in Washington. He
expressed shock at the attacks, and offered the United States condolences and
help in hunting the attackers if it was requested. Several Palestinian
militant groups denied involvement.
>

[champ]

today's date, 911, will always be remembered. this is such a horrible tradegy! i cant explain how i felt when i saw that plane hit the building. it was just unbelievable! and all of those citizens running in horror, this is no doubt the worst thing that has happen in the u.s. durin my lifetime. my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones from this tradegic event.

[paszkowt]

The news hit me at 4 p.m local time, just as I returned home. I came in siad hello and saw my dad watching TV with a sorry face. He said "Hush! There were some terrible things in NY!" I looked on TV and saw one WTC tower down and in a few minutes the other collapsing. Next 6 hours I spent in front of TV set, translating CNN and NBC for my parents, or watching our local channels. For long, long hours I couldn't believe it, simply refused to acknowledge the facts. Then I started to think about my family in NY. They live in suburbs, but they run family business and God knows where they were at the time. Then I thought about their mother, who still lives here in Poland and surely was living through hell that hours. Then I thought about people from this group who live in NY or have families there. I am happy of anyone who survived and I send my condolencies for anyone who lost a friend of a relative. I am sure you, as a nation, overcame this terrible threat and respond in force, striking people guilty of this. Poland isn't a big country, but as our President said, we offer every possible support. My thoughts are with you.

[Boba]

Hello everyone, I just wanted to say that I, and everyone I know in Britain, is completely shocked at this horrible event. It was about 2:00 pm in England when it happened. There's still coverage on Sky News now. Just wanted you to know we're thinking of you.

Boba.

[soletk]

A sad day for the USA and for the whole world.

May those waiting for rescue be saved.

May the pain and shock be lessened with luck for the survivors and with grace for those who grieve.

May the world learn that this cannot be tolerated.

May justice be sure and tempered with finesse.

I wish those of us connected with this thing well, whether they have lost friends, loved ones, fellow citizens, or allies across the sea.

Soletk in Australia

[kingp]

The front of my home in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ looks out over the NYC skyline....Yesterday morning I left for work on an absolutely gorgeous day, and seeing that skyline in its majesty.....two hours later I am hurrying home on the NJ Turnpike with Tower 2 in smoke on my right side in clear view...I pass under a bridge, and when I come out, its gone....GONE! I had a clear view of the smoking area yesterday from home, and still can see the smoldering this morning....My wife actually saw the second plane hit the tower from Lyndhurst. My brother-in-law doesn't work in the tower, but was scheduled to go there yesterday...luckily he made it as far as Hoboken when all Hell broke loose...
We must let cooler heads prevail....Can't be a situation of "Ready, Fire, Aim"...We will find those responsible and they will die...In the meantime, the best way to beat those bastards is to go to work as normal, be as normal as possible...We get scared, they win...that was the objective overall. MY prayers to the families who must now deal with this tradgety..

KingP

[edv]

Being kind of a paranoid conspiracy minded person, I've been fearing this for years. I still just can't get over the shock of seeing those towers crumble. All I have to say is that all those who continue to beat the "death to America" drum need to be dealt with swiftly and with immense force. The chips are down folks, it's time for us to show what we've got. There WILL be hell to pay. I have friends & family in Manhatten and fortunatley they are all accounted for. My heart & prayers go out to those who weren't so lucky. Take care everyone and hug someone you love today...really tight.


Peace
:cool:
Ed

[icetickler]

Now 24 hours on from the atrocities of yesterday- my thoughts now of the incredible heroism shown by the police and firemen in trying to help people and then meeting their deaths when the towers collapsed- the anguish and terror of the passengers on the airliners who knew their fate and could do nothing about it- and the people who leaped to their deaths from the towers knowing if they stayed where they were they would lose their life anyway. The only other words I can find appropriate for now are found in a line from Ecclesiastes 3:
"A time to weep; and a time to laugh" At this moment we are doing the former; there will come a time when we shall be doing the latter.

To all the members from the United States of America my thoughts are with you

[Sandman]

Thanks for the support everyone.

[*Tickle_Torture]

First off I'd let to give my condolences to all who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. I honestly can't believe this, at first I thought it was just a freak accident, but now that it's confirmed as being a terrorist attack I'm outraged.

Probably the most shocking part of this is how it's already affected me personally. My mother who is currently on vacation in the States (FYI: I live in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada) is now stranded there because of the airplane lockdown. She was supposed to come home this afternoon but now I have no idea when she'll be back. She's in Duluth Minnesota should anyone wanna know. I also work at the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball stadium. They play in the northern league and should have started the second round of the playoffs in Lincon Nebraska yesterday but that game was cancelled so I don't know when they'll return to play here again. Meaning I don't know when I'll be working next. This just really stunned me as to how something in another country miles away can effect me as a person way up here in Winnipeg. In fact it has me kinda worried. :(

On the other hand I demand vengence and retribution for these hanus crimes that have been done. None of those people on the planes or in the WTC or the Pentagon deserved what happened to them. This is truly a sad time. But I belive in the justice system, and being a pretty religious man I believe God will also do his part in punishing the wicked. I also believe in Karma, and Karma's a b!tch and what goes around comes around muther F*ckas! So you terrorist bastards party it up while you can. Your days are numbered. The people of North America and for that matter the World won't tollerate this crap. Somebody's gonna pay for this, I just hope it's the guilty who do get what they deserve. :mad:

On the other hand that is also the part that disturbes me the most. The fact that the World will see more bloodshed and death before this whole ordeal is over. When we will ever learn to live in peace?

As for the rest of us who have to sit by and watch this horror unfold, I can only give you some comforting words. Life will go on. We have to stick together as a functioning society. Otherwise if we just sit here and worry ourselves to death it'll be the terrorists who will have won. To quote one of my favorite movies: (Braveheart) "They can take our lives, but they can never take our freedom!!!"

Tickle_Torturer

P.S. I'd like to apologize to administration for cursing so much. Sorry guys, like most people seem to be I angry and felt it necessary to let out a little steam.

[TicklingIsLife]

I hope everyone puts tickling secondary for the next week or so (if you havent already, shame on you)

[soletk]

Hey there TicklingIsLife.

I appreciate the sentiment, but people need to grieve and deal with shock in their own ways without constraint.

As someone who grieves for a life partner who died a few years ago - there can be no single appropriate thing for us all to do. Some people need to be active (even vigoruously engaging in all life has to offer) and go about their normal lives until they 'face' their grief/shock, others need quite times and appropriate 'moral' restaint. Others need to take their minds off horror ANY way they can.

In my time (and I'm not so old) I've HAD to resort to all three.

So while I think you meant well with that message, I think we should try not to let any individual's needs hamper anybody elses at this time.

Stay well
Best wishes

Soletk

[Daumantas]

I am desperately sick over the thousands of lives wasted yesterday, at the thousands of husbands and fathers, wives and mothers, who will never again see or hear their loved ones, who will never see children grow up, all because of the dreams of glory of sick fanatics.

Worrying about starting WWIII is needless. It isn't going to happen. No one, Russia and China included, will condone this kind of barbarism, since that would be giving it tacit approval (if you can bomb the USA, in other words, why not Russia)? What's going to happen instead is this: the tiny handful of animals who perform acts of this nature, and the miserable handful of countries that support them, will find themselves isolated and alone. They will find themselves armed with rusted 20-year-old weapons and standing against the greatest military machine in human history. Already, after yesterday's hideous celebrations of "heroism" triggered by the actions of people who skulk around airports like dogs and preying on the innocent, Afghanistan -- now confronted with the possibility that they might have to actually stand and fight for REAL -- is sniveling to the United States, "please don't bomb us."

The mercy shown to the people who carried out this act, and the nations supporting them, should be directly proportional to the amount of mercy THEY displayed yesterday in causing the deaths of thousands of people who never did a single thing to harm any of them.

God bless the souls of the departed and bring comfort to those grieving for lost family and friends.

God bless all of you reading this too.

Righteousness will prevail.

[JPie1]

1st of all I want to say Shem I am so glad nightfall is ok! My prayers, my thoughts and my heart go out to all the victims all the families and the wonderful people who unselfeshly rise to the occasion to aid in the rescue.

I grew up and spent most of my life in NYC, always considering myself a NY gal and proud of it. I relished walking along the street and taking in all the wonderful sites and feel that can be found there. 2 year ago I brought my adopted son home through JFK and as we flew past the World Trade Center I wispered to him that he was home and he was American. These cowards destoyed lives, they destroyed our sense of security but they will NOT destroy this country. Americans are too strong! I live in the suburbs about an hour to the north in CT, my neighbor who works for a large company in the Trade Center just happened to be taking a vacation day now awaits any word for most of his coworkers, we pray with him. My sister, military for many years has many friends who work at the Pentagon and the company that she works for now lost 3 employees there. This has touched each and every one of us! We must all remain united and proud!

Tomorrow my company and many others that I know are having an American Day and we are all wearing red, white and blue, we are hanging flags. We are standing as one!

JPie

[tieler]

Yesterday was a day i thought we would never have to experience. But acts of terrorism occur all over the world,and despite all our beliefs that we are secure from that type of barbarism, yesterday was our turn.Because we are such a huge target the results were so immense and terrfying.I have no doubt that we will respond with great force, as we have done before, but i don't think we will ever feel safe again.

[soletk]

Anybody have a tally of the rescued yet?

-Just looking for something positive we can talk about for a while.

Those fire and police people and other volunteers are AWESOME.

[Neutron]

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stem impassioned - stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!
O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America ! America !
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!
O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life !
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!

[Machinehead]

Waz up I kniw this sounds wrong. But with those kids who were dancing and cherring with their moms. I wish i was in so I could kick al their asses. I ama aganist hitting chciks bet yesterday I felt like it. Any one who is palenstian ass will in trouble. They should know who to blame van ladein and the people who hide him. Wil pay price when their citys are destoryed and famlies killed. They will find out they wrong for no handing him over to us.

[MadKalnod]

There's a piece of me that wants to see the skies of Afghanistan filled with a fleet of bombers and fighters that blot out the sun, that wants Bin Laden and all who aid him to have their nostrils filled with the stink of their children burning for once, that wants them to know nothing but screaming and fear and pain in their final moments.

But I don't want to give in to that part of me.

Another part of me understands that one can't resort to using indiscriminate killing in retaliation, or we lose a piece of our nobility and we never get it back. There's some truth to the argument that in lowering oneself to the terrorists' level, they ultimately win. I've read the reports which indicate that even though the Taliban shelters Bin Laden, the average citizen of Afghanistan is as much an innocent victim as the WTC casualties: Women, for example, are prisoners in their own homes, sitting and waiting to be killed when the Taliban suddenly decides that wearing glasses is a crime against Islam or some equally ludicrous thing. I don't believe my conscience will allow me to join the call to "Kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out."

However, I also understand that the aggressor sets the tone of the conflict. When you've got a pack of rabid jackals taking chunks out of you, you can't try to box them using Queensbury Rules and codes of gentleman's pugilistic sportsmanship. You shoot them like the dangerous animals they are. Too often, unfortunately, the right thing to do, the moral thing to do, and the necessary thing to do are not even close to being the same thing.

I agree that we should focus on the good being done: When I hear reports of every state in the Union sending relief personnel to assist in the rescue/recovery effort; of hospitals receiving more blood donors than they can accept at once; of rescue volunteers stating their intention to keep helping until they drop from exhaustion themselves; of cabdrivers helping to ferry relief personnel around the city; even of a shoe store just handing out sneakers to women who had abandoned their high-heels in order to run faster from the collapse site; then my eyes tear up and a roar of defiance begins to build in my throat. Call it corny, but I hear the strains of David Arnold's score from "Independence Day" (notably "The President's Speech" and "International Code") in the back of my head as I realize that these reports are the most important of all.

The perpetrators of this act sought to bring America to a standstill. They have failed miserably. We may be quiet now, we may be moving slowly now, but that is only a brief pause to gather and focus strength. When America's passion is aroused, and when given a common cause to direct it, we are the most unstoppable force the world has ever seen. As lame as it sounds, I remember a line from the old Dungeons and Dragons cartoon: "There is no darkness so powerful that even a single candle cannot chase it away."

In New York and Washington, and all across America, a great great great great many candles are shining into life tonight.

[Brooklyn]

I heard people walking down the street and saying "kill those towel-heads". As I am about to go into law enforcement, I realized that this is wrong, because these poor innocent human beings did not do anything wrong. But after watching CNN, how those mother fu**in pilots looked like a regular American Arab, makes me realize that any of the regular looking Arabs may be related, and makes me want to kill every single towel-head!!! I know this is wrong, but this is how I feel.

[bobsmith1878]

I have heard from many on the news that we should keep cool heads. That we should not respond with violence but with peace instead. One man said that we should not "go overboard" and that we should retaliate with a "proportionate" response. Mabe those people dont realize that the amount of Americans who died on the 11th dwarfs the death at pearl harbor. Perhaps they should be reminded that in the brutal attack on Normandy in world war 2 we lost less all day...than in one hour on September 11th. Maybe someone should tell these people that literally millions of people have been directly affected by this with the loss of a relative or personal friend. Perhaps it should be noted that never before in American history (with the possibly exception of the battle of Gettysburg) have so many of our coutrymen died in a single day. Go overboard? Keep cool heads? I agree...we should keep cool heads. We should remain absolutly focused as we hunt down and destroy Ben ladin (regardless of whether or not he did this) We should make sure who perpetrated this ATROCITY on our innocent people and destroy them. But we shouldnt stop there....we should go on to attack and kill EVERY known terrorist organization, whether or not they have ever set foot on American soil. Then, unless we receive full cooperation from the countries who harbor and support them (lets be honest...mostly Arabs) we should take tremendous and absolute punitive action against them. And as to the suggestion that we retaliate with a proportionate response? Fine...that comes to about 30,000 dead terrorists to even it up.

PEople say that the fanaticism of Muslim extremists will never be stopped. I beg to differ. Think of the Japanese in World war 2...they would die rather than surrender...they had thier own suicide bombers (the kamikazes) But we hit them so hard...with such force..that their resolve crumbled. IT is time to do so again. No mercy, no reservations, and no capitulation. Lets end this war now. IF we can do this with the cooperation of the Arab nations...then so be it. IF not...then they should prepare to feel our wrath!


I mourn for the lost, and Pray to God for peace and healing for their broken families. I also pray that We as Americans have the resolve to fight this war and win.

Sincerly, Bob....Proud American....of Arabic Descent.

[Krokus]

Edited by Myriads.

I've removed the contents of this post because they were basically a call to attack an entire ethnic group. While emotions are high, and a desire to lash out is natural, such things will not be left up here. These were not the actions of an entire race, but a small element of it. Perspective folks.

Myriads

[qjakal]

If you've read my previous posts, you'll know that I stand strong on our need to avenge these atrocities, in a wholesale worldwide manner...tracking as many of these terrorist groups and destroying them as possible. However, I don't care for the tone of many of the recent posts. We're ALL angry, and depressed and stressed out, but we need to keep some perspective. We all came from another place at some point in time, other than the few of us who are truly Native American. My personal ancestry includes Italian, Dutch, English and Native American heritage. Many more of us have an even more varied set of ancestors, including those of what we call the "enemy" today. Don't "paint with too wide a brush", for todays patriots were yesterdays immigrants. The true mark of being an American is in your personal beliefs about the freedom and dignity that all people are ENTITLED to possess, and the willingness to act towards achieving that goal. As I posted on another thread, we a lazy, overconsuming easygoing breed, who can turn into howling wolves when annoyed to wrath. I feel your anger...and I have already admitted to staring at those who were casual acquaintances before this incident with a sense of mistrust afterwards....to my shame. We need to focus our attention at this time on our external enemies, and reexamine our internal immigration at a later date, when we've slaked our thirst for justice a bit. Q

[Shem the Penman]

Well, I suppose it was inevitable ... my office building was evacuated today when someone called in a bomb threat to the area. (I was told Grand Central Terminal was also evacuated.) Almost certainly the work of some comedian, but of course at this point we can't take the chance it might not be. I wonder how many times this scene is being repeated around the country this week.

[General Zod]

Iwas at a truck stop in Westley CA.eating breakfast when i found out what was going on In my opinion there is no excuse for this cowardly attack These worms won't even stand up&say I DID THIS!!! They dont have the guts to do it when we find out who did this I reccommened bombing runs by B52-H models&drop napalm on these bastards I'm not good at putting my feelings into words but here goes my sympathies go out to anybody who lost a family member or friend in this unwarrented attack We also need to keep from blaming all arabs for this we don't need any concentration camps in the u.s. for any group of people Y'all take care&GOD BLESS AMERICA

[Longbaugh]

The more I watch the reports on the news the more it hits home and makes ones daily personal problems look like a walk in the park. To see all these people who have lost so many family and friends and those who are still holding out hope that their loved ones are still alive saddens me greatly. It also angers me even more at the cowards who caused this destruction. When those responsible are found we (U.S./NATO) will be dropping more than napalm on them. The acts of terror on Tuesday I beleive will lead to the infiltration and nuetralization of the most threatening terrorist groups on the planet, nor will any terrorism(no matter the size of the action)be tolorated ever again.

[WallStreet]

AMEN

[semprini]

Well what can I say that has not aleady been said. For those who found their loved ones again congratulations and I hope they are well, for those unfortunate souls who were lost I am truly sorry. Over the last two days I have seen both the light and dark side of the horrific events of Tuesday September 11. A local radio station has undertaken a three-day straight pledge drive to raise money to send to the Red Cross in New York, at the last total the had raised nearly $80,000 in about 21 hours, children of ages 5 and 6 emptying their piggy banks into the plastic containers, a local business gave $10,000, and an electrician signed over his pay check for this week to the cause. Those people are perfect examples of Americans in my eyes.
But I after I watched the whole thing on live news broadcasts, I went to class at the local college and heard people making jokes, and smart remarks no more than three hours after the planes hit the Twin Towers. And today we all were evacuated from the campus today because a bomb threat was called in. Unfortunatly the same thing happened after that deal at Columbine a few years ago, I'm sure we all remember that one. What is truly sad is that in the same country that a 5 year old child would give his allowance to some people he did not know 800 miles away, some tard uses it as an excuse to cut class and to get a good laugh, and that my friends is not funny. Honestly I am not the kind of person to want to engage in a physical confrontation with anybody, but I would love to break that guys nose for the disgraceful and disrespectful way he treated the memories of the tragic victims and the brave rescue teams that lost their lives helping each other and being a shining example of what this great country is about. It is sad.

Be Well,
~ Semprini

[drkjedi458]

He was still covered from head to toe with soot when he entered the old church....he had spent the last 48 hours digging through the rubble of the world trade center. The only place on his body that wasnt ash gray was where his tears had washed streaks down his face. His wife and son had been among the most recently discovered bodies. He looked up at the cross above the alter and asked "Lord...why? Why have you done this to them? I loved them so much...why did you let this happen? Thousands...you let thousands of innocent people die... thousands of wives and mothers..husbands and fathers...sons and daughters. You loved the world so much you gave your son so the world wouldnt perish in sin. Why Lord? Why have you turned your back on us?" In Heaven God looked down at him and said "My son...all your days you have kept My word in your heart...do you think so little of Me now? There is much on this world that is not for you to understand. Everything is to My design and purpose. I did not take your wife and son, for you shall see them again in good time. I did not take the families of the many, for they shall see them again when I call them home." He was sick with grief and physical exhaustion and as he leaned against a pew for support he said "Lord...i love you and trust you with all my heart....but i dont think i can go on without them." God said "Fear not my son for they are with you. Even now it is they who are helping you to stand."

MATTHEW 5:4 BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED

[strokeofgenius]

Everywhere I go I see American flags. Hundreds, no thousands of them.

And yet I realize...there is a place where there are 6 more American flags...symbols of triumph and good will...where are these 6 other flags....?

ON THE SURFACE OF THE MOON

Placed there by brave men who dared venture beyond our earth. They stand as a symbol of one nation can do, when they bond together.

In light of the recent tragedies, may they remind us of that fact once again; that we, as a nation, will triumph.

God Bless. :)

[strokeofgenius]

So much has been said about the recent tragedies. I feel compelled to share some thoughts with you all; thoughts that (I hope) may make people think about ways they can make changes in their own lives as well as the world as a whole.

I can think of no way to describe what happened except to label it thusly...PURE EVIL. The face of Satan himself. And yet, through this tragedy, an amazing thing has happened: people from all over the entire country, have bonded togther. They have bonded in a way that has not been seen for many years, if ever at all. These are people working togther and dealing together with every human emotion there is; from uncontrollable rage to uncontrollable sadness.

I have heard several people say that the 'stereotype' of New Yorkers being mean, rude and selfish a--holes has vanished completely, as the amazing city transforms into a city united in hope and love.

And all I can think now is.....MAY IT LAST ALWAYS!! Is it possible that we, as a people (from all over, not just New York), even as this tragedy moves futher into the past, can hang onto these feelings of togetherness and spirit? The images and memories of what happened will probably always be with us; unfortuneately, I do not think it is possible to be rid of them (and perhaps it's better that we don't lose them; they can remind us to be vigilant...) But vigilant doesn't mean we have to always be out to hurt one another, whether physically or emotionally. Being vigilant can mean we have to try our hardest to keep a spirit of love and peace always alive...and that that spirit will allow us to conquer any evil.

(Rest assured, whoever caused this terrible tragedy, will be dealt with severely. Justice will be served!)

We don't need terrorists and great evil to bring us all together. I honestly believe it is the simple things in life that mean the most....a smile here, a handshake there, a hug here, a kiss there, etc. Any cliche or platitude you can think of applies here....please don't dismiss them as 'simple answers.' Just because an answer is simple, does not mean it cannot be the right one. As they say, a journey begins with a simple step...so take that step.... Be nice. Be respectful. Fix the problem, not the blame. Love one another. Focus always on the positive, not the negative. ALWAYS STRIVE FOR PEACE......and it goes on and on.

Many people are asking "Where is God in all this mess?" Allow me to offer a theory....

Where is God? He is in the face of every man and woman working desperately to rescue and help those trapped in the rubble. He is in the face of every person heling those morning this terrible loss. His grace is there; I have to beleive that. He is with those people. And all those who have perished, are with Him.

And those who have done this, will one day meet him.....(and look out when that happens.....)


So, now I want to say thank you for letting me express my thoughts. What happened on September 11, 2001 will change the world, no doubt....but let's all try to change it into someting POSITIVE. Is it possible to live in a world where hatred and evil cannot exist?? I beleive it is....BUT IT TAKES US ALL.


Don't let all those who lost their lives be in vain. Use their memory to start building a new, evil-free world. A world where terrorits simply will not be able to exist....because they will be outnumbered by the GOOD GUYS.

TAKE THAT FIRST STEP.....amazing things can happen!!

Thanks, and God Bless! :)

[Ticklebug]

For the person that previously criticized Reagan,

One of the reasons such terroist acts never happened on Reagans watch is beacuse at that time we had enough spies to gather the necessary inteligence to thwart such an effort.

Since him, more liberal presidenst, of down graded our ability to gather such informantion...

Such information does not come from boy scouts, but from the lower levels of society. Thats we need to employ and train them.. to avoid such terroist acts as we just experiences ..

but ooooooh noooooo ... listen to liberals and blame Regan. no spies.. no CIA assinations... no covert operations.. no intelligence .. no knowledge... NO SURVIVERS!!!

thanks liberals

[Daumantas]

Ticklebug --

Thanks for the show of national unity. Your ability to refrain from insulting fellow Americans of whatever political stripe at this hour of need is overwhelming. Just the thing to show the animals who committed this act how we're all going to stand together and they can't exploit any political divisions.

Before anyone accuses me of attacking only one side here, let me make it clear to my fellow liberals that I expect you to not worry about the environment or whatever until AFTER the war is over, and that in the meantime it's your job as an American to support your country against its enemies.

Now...let's take care of the important things, like a) mourning our dead and b) retaliating such that it's clear that this is the first AND last time something like this will be perpetrated upon us. Arguing like kids in a playground only helps our enemies.

[Daumantas]

And by the way, where is this "person who previously criticized Reagan?" I looked through all the posts above and found nothing of the sort.

[SlaverTickler]

I thought this was worth bumping.

[bugman]

I was at home,recovering from some surgery on that terrible day.Shock,dis-belief,this can't really be happening,then anger and grief.It must have been like after the attack on Pearl Harbour,without all the media coverage of course.The unity we felt in the months after is mostly gone,i'm afarid.While we don't all agree with every thing that is going on,we must stay united. If we do not hang togeather,we will most certinaly hang separately.Ben Franklin.

[tickledorange]

Wow, I still can't believe this was only five years ago, it still feels like yesterday. It's amazing and chilling to read back to the original posts and realized how horrified we all were when this happened.

[Robace252]

I had a funny feeling that morning. Something didn't feel right. I was up at 730am EST, and I called into work and told them that I couldn't be in that day.
I was uneasy all morning..tried to go back to sleep but something just felt wierd. I went downstairs and turned on the TV, checked on my wife (were now going through a divorce) and checked on our then 1 year old daughter. Then I saw the news break in....and I ran upstairs and told my wife that a plane just crashed into the WTC. She in disbelief followed me, and was there with me when the 2nd hit...right then I knew it was an attack. I started calling my freinds at the Air Force bases to find out what I could from them...were we scrambling, was it more than just the 2, and then kept in touch with them and watched the news throughout the day.
The next day I called the military veterans center and asked and begged to be let back into the service..even though I had been seperated for awhile and my injuries from Persian Gulf 1 kept me from reenlisting after my first term.
And though I couldn't join I began that day to call the local bases and offered my services in any way...orgainizing, helping council troops before they went anywhere, helping families of those that might be sent. And to this day I still help and go whenever the military needs me.
This was our generations Pearl Harbor. It opened up our eyes to the ills of the world and why the United States must never falter.
Liberal or Conservative, Libertarian, or indepandant..no one that day felt like a political group...for that brief point in time...once again we were all Americans.

Rob
Rob