September 5, 2003 at 10:10 a.m.
Still confused, angry but hopeful
Still confused, angry but hopeful
How can you develop such hateful feelings that you can destroy yourself and many others is something that I think most of us will never understand. Perhaps if we had grown up in the part of the world where those types of events have taken place regularly for centuries it might be understandable. My son recently asked if I thought the 9-11 attacks happened because George Bush was our president. A good question. The same basic question was asked on the Sunday morning shows last Sunday. The panel of experts on the FOX Sunday Show pointed out to all of the recent terrorist acts were against someone or some group sympathetic to our cause against terrorism. The issue is very complex and as we often find out, much after the fact, the people our government were supporting were not the ones most of us thought. It is a shame that we have to continue to lose lives in Iraq and other hot spots around the world, but it appears that is the price we are forced to pay if we want to be the big brother/sister to the world.
Back to 9-11, I still find myself angry, confused, scared and yet hopeful. I’m mad at those terrorists who removed forever the innocence we have lived with in the USA since it began. I’m still confused as to why, with our sophisticated intelligence systems, we can’t find all of those responsible for these acts and bring them to swift justice. And, yes, I’m still scared, scared that someone will again sneak up on us and bring pain and suffering, but I’m most scared of the fact those younger than me will not be able to enjoy the innocence I was able to grow up with. I am also scared that we, in our hurry-up I, me world, all do soon forget about the events of 9-11 and those who lost their lives and loved ones for something they had no control over.
Last, but certainly not least, I’m hopeful that the renewed spirit of community and family togetherness that emerged after 9-11 will continue to grow. I’m hopeful that those elected to office will exercise good judgment and work to keep us free of conflicts wherever they may be. I think the blackouts earlier this summer showed that New Yorkers still are practicing that wonderful spirit of community and we can only hope that it grows even stronger.
However you choose to mark the 9-11 anniversary, I’m sure that we will all try to spend extra time with family and friends. Locally, the American Legion Post #272 will be hosting a Memorial Observance, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., in Moberg Park, in Chisago City. There will be remembrances, music, parade, refreshments and friendship. Everyone is welcome to the event.
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I don’t remember an opportunity as good as the current possibility of Polaris Industries plans to possibly locate one of their facilities here in Chisago County, at the city of Wyoming waste water treatment facility to be exact. You say that sounds pretty darn good––somewhere around 250 good paying jobs, a new significant property taxpayer (on a parcel that currently pays no property taxes). So, where is the problem? There really aren’t any major problems, only some kinks that need to be worked out and a few parochial issues that need to be set aside for the good of the county. In a project like this not everyone is going to get just everything the way they want, but through compromise and cooperation and it can become a very winning situation for all of us who pay taxes in Chisago County.
The project has the support of the state of Minnesota, which will help bring back some of those dollars that we ship off to St. Paul never to see them again, as well as many local units of government. It would be a terrible day if the parochial issues chases this business away. It is the first time in my nearly 25 years in the area that we have had a legitimate shot at an employer of this magnitude and I sure hope we don’t let them get away.
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The last “official” summer holiday, and as you read this, the children will be working on settling into the school routine. Just another reminder that we all need to be extra careful when the youngsters are on their way to and from school.
This fall marks a milestone at our family. My youngest starts his senior year in college and my eldest grandchild, who just celebrated his 4th birthday, will start preschool. It really doesn’t seem that long ago that we were getting his father ready for his first days of school.
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I realize that there will be many more community celebrations through the fall and winter, but I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who volunteer for each and every one of the great celebrations in our area. If you are one of these great volunteers, give yourself a big pat on the back and accept our thanks for your time, talents and commitment. It’s people like you that continue to make this a great area in which to live.
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