Yes, the editorial does seem a little ill-timed... or it WOULD, were it in an American newspaper such as the New York Times. However, this editorial (and the speech it came from) were written and published in Canada. The US will not toot its own horn here (and is indeed grateful for every nation stepping up and declaring this as crossing the line), but that doesn't mean other nations cannot. Besides, the facts remain there today. Up until this, no one ever helped America. In many cases, America didn't need the help like Western Europe or Somalia or Kuwait did; sometimes, it was seen as too political a subject. However, this is much different. In a way, the US wasn't the true victim of the attack; it was freedom, safety, and democracy itself. And while there is nothing symbolic about wondering if your loved one will ever come home again, a fear that my mother had at one point, to those for whom there is no harm, being reminded about how America has survived many, many national crises may help. As my dad told me, "Please try in this time to distinguish between heroes and victims, and between grief and sympathy." The families of the 5,000 dead grieve; I and most of the nation can only sympathize. Giving blood isn't a heroic act, but merely your duty as a citizen; sneaking up on three people with knives who are making a beeline for the White House and trying to disarm and subdue them is heroism. Yes, the cops and firemen are both heroes and victims. However, our nation is less than a victim -- we are a tragic bystander. I am not saying you should do nothing to help -- asking people to contribute and contributing on your own is human nature. I am not saying we shouldn't seek retribution (although bin Laden's head on a platter is a bit much); but we should first seek routine. The United States is still the most powerful nation on earth; no airplane will ever change that. As a nation, we must mourn those who died, most certainly. However, now is not the time to remix clips of catastrophe into popular music and call it a tribute; nor is now the time to shut down our everyday activities, sporting events, and competitions in the name of respect. Now is the time to restore order. Now is the time to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and MOVE ON. I was two blocks away. You all know I freaked out. I am calm now. I am working now. I have allowed time to march on. Please, everyone, do the same. Andy
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