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September 11, 2002

How to capture America

How to capture America

One year ago today I called my now X boyfriend panicked. He said, “I’m not surprised they did it, the towers were sitting ducks. We were stupid to think that we were invincible.” He expressed no sorrow, fear, nor any desire to comfort me in my worries that we were still vulnerable or that high school friends and fellow Cornellians might have perished. He made me very angry.

Similarly I was infuriated after reading Jeff’s accounts and blogrolling of “asshole Californians.” You have to read the whole archive there are way too many west coast slams than I can possibly link in one post.

As if NY'ers are the only ones who hurt about this or lost people. I did. I grew up in NYC but live in California. But I don’t wear it as a badge of honor or even as a mark of my patriotism.

After an email to Jeff Jarvis bounced I’m left with only moxie as a means to say -- I’m watching every last bit of the coverage I can because I don’t ever want to forget about what happened. Being back in my hometown late last month was devastating and it was the first time I got on a plane in almost a year. According to Jeff he still hasn’t flown yet. Who’s the asshole? Who's letting the terrorists win?

I chose random acts of kindness this week to honor those folks instead of rehashing. So sue me. At least one very important person thought that was a fabulous idea.

My VIR (very important reader) is a sexy and intelligent Captain in the Military out at Fort Bragg and while I will still post pictures of American things I love later today, I thought his comments were much more poignant:

"I like the idea of writing about the American things you love. If the weather cooperates I will be jumping out of an airplane at about 1000 at night on 11 SEP. I could go into a Frank Capra WWII “Why We Fight” rendition of truth, justice and the American way, but McDonald’s and Moxie are different but equally compelling reasons.”

And

“Your idea of practicing random acts of kindness this week is an outstanding one. However, you should never forget that every post on moxie is just such an act and in all likelihood is reaching a much greater audience. One of the reasons I prepare to fight everyday, and train my company for war, is moxie and everyone else out there daily defining their own “pursuit of happiness” however rough and disconcerting the road there may be.”

That’s better than I could ever have put it His emails have meant so much to me. It reminds me that as insignificant as I am, that what I do is important. The folks to my left and right are those who provide fuel and motivation for our military. They fight so we can keep on doing what we do. It really brings tears to my eyes. It makes both my X and Jeff’s comments seems reprehensible; judging our fellow Americans. We are free to think and feel what we want. But if last year didn’t unite us, then what will?

I’m driving around the city today photographing things that I love about America. I hope to have a few posted before noon. Stay tuned, I hope they’ll be entertaining.

Posted by Moxie at September 11, 2002 12:19 AM |Stumble It! | | del.icio.us