A blast from the past, as a friendly reminder. This is a repost from three years ago at about this time. Rings every bit as true this year as it did last two years (note that I made a couple minor changes – Sept. 11th is now the 33rd anniversary of Chile’s coup:
The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center twin towers and the Pentagon were a terrible tragedy. But let’s not forget that September 11 marks the anniversary for numerous other events: some tragic, some inspirational.
- We shall also remember that 33 years ago, the democratically elected government of Chile and its President Allende were overthrown in a US-backed coup that resulted in Allende’s death. Countless thousands of people were executed or “disappeared” during Pinochet’s reign of terror that subsequently followed this tragic day in history. Let’s remember the victims of the coup and its aftermath.
- On this day in 1959 the US Congress authorized food stamps for Americans living in poverty. For those congressional leaders who voted to aid those in need, let’s remember them.
- On this day in 1851, in Christiana, Pennsylvania there was a stand-off between several ex-slave families (led by William Parker) and a posse of several armed white men led by a slave owner (Edward Gorsuch). This was one with a somewhat happy ending, as Parker and the remaining ex-slaves prevailed, and Gorsuch paid for his attempt to re-enslave these families with his life. That day was a stark reminder of the struggle that lay ahead for those endeavoring to break the bonds of slavery in the U.S. Let’s remember Parker and those brave families who were willing to stand up for their human rights and dignity by any means necessary.
This day marks the anniversary of numerous events, some tragic, some uplifting. But bear in mind that ultimately today is another day on the calendar. We need not be straight-jacketed by the events of the past, nor need we forget them. There are many lessons to be learned from the events mentioned above with regards to human freedom and dignity. Let’s spend some time today pondering those lessons.
For me personally, September 11, 2001 will be remembered as a day when we saw the schizophrenic character of American society in sharp relief. The acts of courage and helpfulness by countless individuals, their willingness to reach out to others was truly inspiring. On the other hand, the American tendency to engage in belligerent jingoism and to immediately blame and attack people, nations, and cultures for the bombings reared its ugly head that day and in the aftermath, which to me was truly sickening. Sadly, the latter won out in the aftermath leading to an America that is on the warpath, with little regard for the consequences. Let us hope that the tide will turn soon.
Peace
