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Show Editorials The Forum-- 4 September 18, 2001 Message From the Editor I am an American - and very proud to say so. Over the past week, I, along with most people around the world, experienced many emotions with regard to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. At first, it was a feeling of shock and disbelief. The surreal atmosphere slowed the reality process for me. Even as I stood in the Shaw Center and watched the first tower of the WTC fall, then moments later the second one taking the same path to the Earth. It still did not seem real. Then, of all places, ESPN brought a realistic atmosphere to the situation. It was announced early Tuesday that two scouts for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League were on one of the planes that was hijacked. It was not that these victims were in the sports field, but putting a name to the victims, that brought me to the realization that this was such a drastic event. I continued to read on CNN to find names of nearly every passenger on the four hijacked flights. But I am not writing this to speak of the fear that I felt - the fear that the safety from large-scal- e attacks that we all had been graced with as American citizens. Im not writing to discuss the outright violation of my freedoms that I feel so proud to have. Nor am I writing to lambaste those who committed these vicious, heartless, cowardly acts. I am writing to applaud you. I am writing to applaud Peggy Stock, Carolyn Perkins, Sam Curley, Cyndi Akana, Sacha Hwang, and all of the other individuals on the Westminster College campus who have made an effort to unite the campus into a single entity, to comfort those in need and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, is loved on the campus. Thank you, President Stock, for assuring all of those who will listen that there are places for help. Thank you for instilling a strong attitude in us, and asking us to continue with our lives - not to let the evil win. Thank you to all of those who lit candles on Friday and continue to issue remembrances. All of those who have helped someone else grieve. All of those who have grieved themselves. . I am writing to applaud the brave individuals who risked arrest to paint an S and an A next to the U that rests on the side of a mountain overlooking the University of Utah. Driving along the freeway, a pride overtook me when I made out the letters on the mountain. I am writing to applaud the radio listeners who, when asked to, turned their headlights on in the middle of the day in remembrance of those who were lost in the attacks. Again driving along the freeway, we turned on our lights when the DJ asked us to. We turned to the car to our left and noticed that the driver had done the same with a tear in his eye. Then to the right to find that the driver had done the same and the passenger had a tear falling down her cheek. I am writing to applaud those with American flags. Whether they be on your front lawn, iri the window of your car or, as in one case that I saw, hanging out of the top of your jeep. Wherever they may be, they are constant reminders of what we are proud of. Typical feelings of road rage that are commonly seen on our streets are replaced by looks of support, gratitude and pride. I am writing to applaud you, the people who inhabit Earth. The people who have united under common goals of relief. Coach Chris Dorich, who, after ousting National American University reminded everyone donning a Westminster College soccer uni(ranked ninth in the nation) form to be thankful that tjiey were not in New York. Those who are sending out of hope -- 1 normally hate forwards, but feel free to send me anything concerning this weeks events. The Westminster College volleyball team, who, while winning their first Frontier Conference match on Saturday, wore red, white and blue ribbons in their hair. The people of the world who united on Friday as a day of remembrance. I dont know Frances national anthem, and it amazed me that so many people in France could so easily recite the Star Spangled Banner. All of those in the ROTC program who wear your uniforms with pride, who are willing to go to war for our country, to ensure that our freedoms are never again violated like they were on September 11, 4-- 0, e-m- .v.vA y v v T Xv'-- ' not let the actions of a group of people ignite the racist fires of ranee. By letting yourself succumb to hate, only makes the men who were' responsible for these actions more vic- torious. What Americans need now, more than ever is unity. - Micah Peterson Do Letter From Your President President Bush stated in his address to the nation last Tuesday evening that the acts of mass murder made to our nation were intended to frighten us into chaos and retreat. However, Bush continued, this acts have failed as it has been evident Photo by Maritza I. throughout the week. Our nation, being as diverse as it is, has come together to not only mourn the loss of many innocent lives but to stand together as one nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. We are a strong nation, the brightest beacon of freedom and I have no doubt in my mind that we will continue to be this symbol of freedom. Herrera-Dia- z My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have been killed as well as the families of the firefighters out there working hard to save lives. I ask you my Westminster community to join or participate in one of the many charitable efforts put up by local charities as well as our own campus to help assist those in need in New York City. Furthermore, I ask that we be there for each other at such heartrending times. Although the tragic events took place far away from us, the effect is felt everywhere including here. I urge you to please take time out to look around and see if your neighbor or friend needs soothing, consoling or a hug. We are a strong community and shall remain strong through these trying times of our lives. We will also have a benefit jar(which will go to the Red Cross relief fund) right outside our ASWC office this entire week for you to donate a penny, nickel, or even a dollar to make a difference -give as your heart desires. 2001. I close with a I applaud each and every person in the Westminster College community. You are all making this experience much more livable. Thank you for sometimes swallowing your pride and providing a shoulder to weep on. Thank you for weeping, yourself. You are making me proud, and for that, I applaud you. You are all making it easy to be proud. Proud to be alive. Proud to be in each others presence. I am proud - proud to be an American. verse from Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me. Good luck with the rest of the week and may peace be with us all. God Bless. Sincerely, Tofi TaafuaO Photo by Maritza -- Matthew Gaschk,Forum EditoiO I. Herrera-Dia- z |