Reflections on 9-11

Celeste Mitchell

Thu Sep 11 2008 23:29

Wow. I am... well, appalled doesn't seem to be quite a strong enough word. Horrified? Revolted? If there ever were a case of selectively picking/editing quotes in order to push a certain agenda, this is it. It doesn't matter if you agree or not with the actions that occurred after 9/11; this is most certainly neither the time not the place in which to air those grievances. It's a time of mourning and remembrance, and if you can find it in yourselves to do neither, the least you could have done is not say anything at all. You make me ashamed to be a Tar Heel.

Shame on you.

Justin Arnall

Thu Sep 11 2008 20:56

It was extremely disappointing and frustrating to read the comments that the DTH posted on the front page in their only mention of the tragedy of September 11. For one, I was disgusted that the DTH used this day in history as a way to express their own political views. This is not a day in which to argue about the events and actions taken after 9-11. This is a day for our country to come together, differences aside, and mourn the loss of the thousands who died in the attacks. Secondly, I also find it interesting that those interviewed were merely in 7th grade at the time. At what depth could they have truly understood the events that were taking place around them - at a time when even adults were shocked in disbelief. When asked about 9-11, I remember being terrified, knowing that my father would probably be called to serve his country since he is in the military. I remember my friend sitting beside me crying since that day his aunt was flying from New York City to California and he did not know if the planes that had crashed into the Twin Towers carried her. I am supremely disappointed that in a time when we should have been remembering the innocent victims and the heroes that died trying to save them we again resorted to the political bashing that polarizes this country.

Kyle DeVito

Thu Sep 11 2008 18:11

Like most of the posters before me, I was in utter shock to read how ignorant so many people are who had quotes on the front cover today. Being from New York, I truly understand the devastation so many families had to go through. I also witnessed an entire city of over 10 million people drop all their petty concerns to unite and help their fellow neighbors in such a devastating time. Although I don't necessarily believe America made all the right decisions after the fact, it is appalling that people can't remember those who were killed, those who died trying to save others, and those poor families who had to move on after. Come talk to some of my friends who's parents were killed or maybe my cousin who watched people jump 90 stories to their deaths from the street. I'm sure they would love to hear more of your thoughts on the issue.

Will Lamb

Thu Sep 11 2008 16:35

I am appalled at the atrocious comments published on the front page of our newspaper on the seventh anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil. It’s not the time to express political views on how our nation responded to the attacks. Today is a day to sincerely and respectfully honor and remember those who died and were wounded seven years ago today. I am embarrassed by the utterly despicable actions of the staff of the Daily Tar Heel. I pray that we remember this day respectfully and that God may continue to bless this great country!

Justin Carpenter

Thu Sep 11 2008 15:48

This is disgusting and despicable. To even attempt to make a political statement out of September 11, on a day we're mourning the loss of 3,000 Americans, is pathetic. I think it's safe to say no one wants to see the DTH make a mockery out of those who perished that day in order to make a political point. God Bless America.

Carly Salvadore

Thu Sep 11 2008 14:00

It's very discouraging that people quoted did't even recognize the heros and victims of the 9/11 attacks. I am an '07 alum and lost two family members the attacks who were members of the FDNY. Don't forget there are many people who gave and lost their lives on that day. September 11 may come and go as any other day to you, but to those directly affected by the attacks, it marks the anniversary of an incomprehensible act of hatred and murder.

M P

Thu Sep 11 2008 13:34

It is interesting that the comments are mostly from sophomores. I was a sophomore at UNC on 9/11/01. I understand all the political fall out from that morning, and don't agree with the direction our country has taken in the past 7 years. All that aside, when I think of that morning, I remember turning on the TV in my dorm room just as the 2nd plane hit, sitting on my bed in complete shock, and calling my family to tell them I loved them. I remember going to class because it was better than being alone, and watching as our professor, almost in tears, continued with the physics lecture with the understanding that a grad student would interrupt if anything significant happened. Most of all I remember the deep feeling of sadness and grief that permeated our campus as I joined thousands of my fellow Tar Heels on the quad for the most silent moment of silence I've ever experienced.

Blaise H

Thu Sep 11 2008 13:24

I deifinitely agree with all these comments posted. When I read the front page of the DTH on my way to class this morning, I felt like throwing it right in the garbage can. Why put comments such as these that make those who read them lose the true meaning of what happened that day? Someone should have either found people who were affected and had better things to say or find comments from famous people on the internet that would have looked better. I was very glad to see the memorial in front of the library that showed this university cared about it the events that took place. But then the front page just took it all away for me.

Katt E

Thu Sep 11 2008 13:00

Wes, I couldn't agree more. Most of the above comments are from sophomores. Most of those sophomores are probably 18 and 19 years old, meaning that they were 11 and 12 when the WTC towers fell! Just kids! When you are 11 and 12, it's hard to grasp the enormity of a few thousand people dying in a matter of minutes. In addition, I'd love to know where these kids were living at the time it happened. Most anyone from NYC and the surrounding areas were incredibly impacted by these towers falling. I'm NOT talking about today's war in Iraq. I am talking about 7 years ago in NYC.
God bless America, those who live with the memories, and those who perished 7 years ago today!

Jen Riley

Thu Sep 11 2008 12:55

Agreed 100% with the previous comment- I am appalled AND embarrassed. Surely there are comments of respect and patriotism that were dismissed from this submission, and anyone who hasn't proactively made themselves a part of the change created by these events should stop depending on others to make it happen. A day of reflection at Ground Zero is a good start. We are undeniably a more aware and more connected nation, in part, because of the terrible events that happened that day. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/category/sept-11-and-ground-zero/

Wes Crouse

Thu Sep 11 2008 11:26

I was appalled to see that the DTH used almost all comments that connected the attacks on 9/11 to America's "poor and misguided" decision to start a war in Iraq. I expected something reflecting on the great pain and loss we all felt that day, removed from petite politics...... however, the DTH has let me and my fellow Americans down.... Again.