9/11/12 Reflections: 11 years later

MoonHowler

Each of us remembers 9-11 in our own way.  It has been 11 years.  In many ways, on this day we are stuck in a time warp of disbelief and will forever visualize those planes hitting the buildings, the falling bodies, the crumpling buildings and that huge cloud of poisonous debris hurling forward at those trying to escape its fury.  When do we move on from those horrible visuals to a quieter more reflective mood?

It’s another clear, cripsy fall Tuesday in September, just like 9/11/01.  I am going to try to start today.  I may not make it.  Feel free to share your 9/11 thoughts.

 

Colonel Morris Davis: 9/11 at 11: the lost United States of 10 September 2001

MoonHowler

Guest Post:  Colonel Morris Davis

Disclaimer: All guest posts are the opinion of the poster and do not necessarily represent the views of moonhowlings.net administration.

M-H

9/11 at 11: the lost United States of 10 September 2001

September 11, 2001 is a milestone date in history that nearly everyone living at the time will recall in detail for the rest of their lives. I will always remember sitting at my desk in my office at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, eyes fixed on the television in the credenza sitting on the other side of the room. I recall watching the towers fall and wondering how it would change America.

Like this 10 September, 10 September 2001 was a Monday. The only reason I know that is because it was the day before an enormous tragedy that is permanently etched into my mind, and that happened on a Tuesday. I went to the same office and sat at the same desk on Monday as I did on Tuesday, but I have no recollection of one day and a vivid recollection of the other. Even though I do not recall any of the details of Monday 10 September, sometimes I think about how America might be different if we could turn back the clock.

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CTU vs Rahm Emanual: Chicago’s teachers on strike

MoonHowler

What’s it all about?  Emanual and union president Karen Lewis each tell a different story.  Lewis’s can be heard in the above video.

But when it comes to exactly what the strike it about, the stories of the city and the union vary dramatically. Shortly after Lewis finished saying that the union was striking over contract negotiations, teacher evaluations, lack of proper air conditioning, and broader pedagogical issues — such as class size and out-of-class services for poor kids — Emanuel addressed the press.

“This is totally unnecessary, this is avoidable, and our kids do not deserve this,” he said.
The mayor, who fashions himself an education reformer, wore no tie. While Emanuel usually doesn’t mince words, his anger appeared more internalized, more resolute. At moments, he appeared to be on the verge of tears. His hand shook visibly as he took a sip of water in between statements. “This is a strike of choice,” he said.

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