This doesn't really have a whole lot to do with the members of DU although I'll probably mention them in passing before I'm done, but I'm posting here in the DUmpster because I know the DUers lurk here. I want them to read this. Also, I want to point out that I'm not writing this as a fictional spirit-guide. I'm writing this solely as a real life citizen of the United States of America.
Have you ever had so much that you wanted to say but just didn't know how to put your thoughts to words? That's where I'm at right now.
I love this country. When I see a bald eagle in flight the first thing that I think of is the USA. When the Star Spangled Banner is played as our flag is raised I get goose bumps. When I hear Taps played at a funeral and watch as the flag over the coffin is folded I get tears in my eyes. When I see our brave men and women in uniform I'm filled with pride. I love this country. I'm proud to be an American. I often wonder how others who claim to be American can't feel this same way. In a way I feel sorry for them.
When the towers were hit I was angry. I didn't lose anyone on September 11, 2001, but despite this, it almost felt like a piece of me died. Then I began learning of the heroism that took place. Of the firefighters, the police, and others on the scene the risked their lives (and in many cases lost their lives) helping and trying to help others. Of the people on Flight 93 who like our forefathers in 1776 decided that it was time to take a stand. I was even prouder to be an American. I will always remember with pride the heroic actions that took place that day.
I'll also remember the words and actions of a good and decent man. Words and actions that were somewhat like a balm on a wound. As I've said they were from a good and decent man, but he was a man that was new to the job. Despite his inexperience he stood tall and acted presidential. He showed compassion, resolve and confidence. I'd like to revisit some of his words with you today….
9/11/2001
Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbours. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. 
The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong. 
A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. 
America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. 
Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America -- with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbours who came to give blood and help in any way they could. 
Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts. 
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. 
The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business, as well. 
The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbour them. 
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance. 
America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me." 
This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
9/14/2001
Thank you all. I want you all to know --- I want you all to know that America today, America today is on bended knee, in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families who mourn. The nation stands with the good people of New York City and New Jersey and Connecticut as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens…I can hear you! I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people -- and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon! The nation -- The nation sends its love and compassion -- to everybody who is here. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for makin' the nation proud, and may God bless America.
9/20/2001
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro Tempore, members of Congress, and fellow Americans, in the normal course of events, presidents come to this chamber to report on the state of the union. Tonight, no such report is needed; it has already been delivered by the American people.
We have seen it in the courage of passengers who rushed terrorists to save others on the ground. Passengers like an exceptional man named Todd Beamer. And would you please help me welcome his wife Lisa Beamer here tonight?
We have seen the state of our union in the endurance of rescuers working past exhaustion.
We've seen the unfurling of flags, the lighting of candles, the giving of blood, the saying of prayers in English, Hebrew and Arabic.
We have seen the decency of a loving and giving people who have made the grief of strangers their own.
My fellow citizens, for the last nine days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of union, and it is strong.
Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.
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My condolences to everyone who lost a friend or love one in the murderous attack. My thanks and respect to the rescue workers and our military both then and now. And my appreciation to President George W. Bush for being a leader rather than a speech giving community organizer who attempts to appease our enemies rather than bring them to justice.
