OK. I'm going to say something that may be controversial or unpopular. Just warning you in advance.
I don't understand why we have to have annual commemorations of tragic events with weeks worth of news stories, PBS programs, etc. leading up to them. I know the 9/11/01 attacks were a critical moment in American history. But they happened six years ago. Six isn't even an "important" anniversary. I could deal with the mention, and perhaps images of a memorial service, but story after story after story for days? Not so much.
I suppose part of it is that I live in a conservative, Republican, Southern state. "God loves America Best" is practically included in the 10 commandments around here (I think it takes the place of "Thou shalt not commit adultery" to see the Republican politicians around these parts. But I digress). And I think that the people who died in those attacks deserve to be remembered. I don't think, however, that I need a week's worth of stories on the evening news or articles in the so-called local newspaper about 9/11's affect on Louisiana (and sorry if it should be effect - I'm too tired to figure out the right one right now).
I feel the same way about Katrina/Rita. In addition to the two or three national PBS shows on the 2-year anniversary (again, a non-important one), there were about 5 local ones. That's a lot of Katrina. And the conclusions? The state is just as screwed up as it was two years ago. Gee. Anyone who lives here could tell you that.
I think I'm going to chuck it all, learn to drive the big rigs, and listen to nothing but The Statler Brothers and the Oakridge Boys on 8-track while I tool around the country.
Oh, and if you are a teacher, or know a teacher, go here for some laughs. Thanks to Blogger Blogs of Note for the link.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
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3 comments:
I couldn't agree more with your observations about 9/11 and Katrina/Rita. And about Republican jokers ;)
Politics aside :) -- I don't care for the commemorations either -- for a totally different reason. I was 7 months pregnant on 9/11 -- and then spent the next few months happily ignoring all of it while I rocked my baby and stayed home. When I went back to work, I had nightmares for nearly a year -- a mild PTSD reaction to the horror and fear of being away from my children. Once the anniversary rolled around, guess what started again? The nightmares. I can't imagine what the news coverage does to those way more impacted by this.
I always remember Fr. Susa telling us "God is not American!" -- something it seems your geographical region wouldn't believe!!
Well, the 9/11 attacks got us, one way or another, into this war, so they have importance beyond the initial suffering and the people who helped there have had ongoing health problems which shouldn't be overlooked.
I don't know how people who were immediately impacted feel about the commerations. Perhaps they are glad that their loved ones are not being forgotten. Perhaps they don't like the repeated rememberances. But I'd bet it is the former, mostly.
Regarding Katrina, etc. We need to know how much of a gap there is between the promises and the deliverance of help. And we need to know that a wide area was affected, not just New Orleans.
There are floods going on all over the country and I do wonder if those people are getting any help.
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