There is a thread for world reaction but this doesn’t belong there.
I have been watching the coverage of events on the BBC since 3pm on Tuesday, British Summer Time.
In my opinion, the American people are behaving with remarkable fortitude in the face of the worst terrorist attack in history. The sight of New Yorkers applauding rescue workers on Manhattan island was very moving.
I have seen interviews with members of the American public, and they have all behaved with great dignity and courage in the face of this catastrophe.
I have read many of the debates on SDMB, in GD and BBQ, and I can see that it is the voices of reason which prevail here, which is a big positive in my book.
The US government also is obviously giving the matter a great deal of consideration before acting upon it, and I applaud this responsible position.
Finally, there is a tendency in my country to misunderstand the meaning of the word devastation. As in ‘I fell over in the supermarket, broke my ankle, my life has been devastated, give me some compensation’.
If I see anyone on my television using this expression in such a frivolous manner, I will personally put my foot through the screen. If they didn’t know what devastation was, they certainly know now.
I’d like to second this. The behaviour and composion from the majority of Americans have been outstanding, as evidenced by manhatten’s thread and as seen on the news. I don’t see it as an American thing, I see it as a human thing, and as such, I’m proud of my fellow human beings accross the ocean. Britain has pledged to stand shoulder to shoulder with you and we shall do so. That sounds dramatic, but I mean it in the simplest terms.
I’ve been moved to tears several times over the last few days and it’s mostly been not because of the awful events, but by the defiant, proud, strong and considerate reactions of almost everyone affected. People can be evil, but the goodness shown by people accross America reassures and comforts me.
The shockwaves reveberating throughout the world have been felt strongly here. I think there are few Irish people who do not know someone directly affected.
While we watch in stunned and saddened disbelief we are shocked but what the people at the epicentre of this disastourous calamity must be feeling we have no way of comprehending.
The world has changed , utterly , and all I can feel is a great great sadness.
Coldfire made reference to the fact that it is the small stories that affect the worst. Watching the coverage (which has been round the clock) this morning as I ironed my shirt I got more than a little choked up at the sight of a poor woman who’s husband was missing trying to talk and hold up a sign but failing at both as she was wracked by fits of shaking and tears. My heart goes out to her and all of the people so close to this catastrophe.
There I was iorning my shirt preparing for work and I couldnt help but realize that on Tuesday thousands of Americans were doing just the same , going about their business , preparing for work , doing their jobs and living their lives and now it has all bene ripped away from them in the most cruel and callous manner.
The resolve of the American people to get on with things is truly amazing. The fortitude shown by the nation is staggering and I have no doubt that when America emerges from this black black time it will be as a stronger and prouder people than ever before.
Know that you have the support and the prayers of every civilised person on the planet. Ask for help and it will be made available. This attack on all right-minded free thinking people will mean that we will all do whatever it takes to make sure it never happens again.
Thanks Nostradamus for starting this thread. I’ve been glued to thte boards but unwilling to post in light of the fact that whatever I might be feeling can in no way compare to the grief of the American people as a whole. In a way i’m almost ashamed to be a non-American.
The powerlessness that I and many many people I know feel is frustrating. We want you all to know that we are horrified, grief stricken and utterly utterly furious that this could have happened.
On a personal note I have been in constant touch with Tatertot since things broke. As some of you know she is currently in Germany. Everyone at the base is on full alert, there are curfews in place and movement is severly restricted. Shes baring up but is utterly distraught at what has and what might still happen. She wanted all of you to know that you are all in her thoughts and she’ll be in touch as soon as possible. So far she knows none of the missing , unfortunatly the same can’t be said of everyone in her family.
Reading back that was more “in support of” than “in praise of” so let me reinterate :
You’re doing an amazing job America , you are rallying together to confront a tragedy unified in a way I wish my counrtry could. Presenting a grimly determined face to terrorism. The evil that has catalysed these events should be very very afraid. Not just of retribution but also of the fact that they are powerless to do anything that will shake apart the strength and determination of you all. America and americans will endure and will prevail , there can be no doubt of that.
Manhattan’s tales of New Yorkers helping each other out truly shows what admirable grit you people are made of. Hats off to you , everyone.