I just heard on the news that ‘the sleeping giant has awoke’. Refering to the USA. What could this mean for the global economy? And what are we thinking are the possible motives behind all this. Lets talk…
I’m sure we’ll have plenty to say later but I imagine everyone right now is just pretty numb. I hope all our friends in Chicago and any other large, strategic metropolitan area just go home. Please. This just sickens me. It’s the most horrible, offensive act I’ve ever seen.
Numb doesn’t even to begin to describe how I feel. My only hope that casualities are as minimal as possible, and that we as a nation are able to absorb everything before jumping the gun.
As to the OP, I would assume the markets will remain closed for at least a few days and any impact on our national and the global economy is anyone’s guess. In fact, I doubt very many people have even thought about that yet.
Agreed. Let’s do what we can to help those in need first… and not start jumping to assign blame (like the country did with OKC). In time, we will know who did this - and we will make them pay. For now, let’s just … well… whatever the hell you do at a time like this.
I’m saddened beyond words.
This liberal just turned around. Bush needs to lay down the fuckin law. NOW.
Hey, Acco40, it seems you and I do agree on something after all!
Let’s hear some ideas.
I’m getting in touch with the American Red Cross to find the local blood donation agency; I suggest we all do the same.
Note: Don’t just go to the local hospital; they will keep your blood in their reserve for hospital use. The RC will ship blood where its needed!
Eh, no – rushing into a situation hot-headed is the last thing we need now. It’s not like starting a war tomorrow will bring back those who died in the World Trade Center, after all.
And though I’ve tried to be nonpartisan about it, I still get an uneasy feeling at having George W. Bush be the President during this crisis – precisely because IMO he’d be inclined to jump straight into a war. Can we get him out of the chair and put a level-headed grown-up in charge instead? Maybe if we just borrow Bill Clinton for a few weeks…
I overheard someone expressing concern this morning that the President was in the air and therefore somewhat vulnerable. But I can’t imagine any terrorist leader who would prefer Dick Cheney as President.
Let’s not forget the sleeping giant of the American people, although that giant is sometimes a little addle-brained. I just heard a caller on a radio program from New York (Brooklyn, just across the river from south Manhattan) saying that they fully expect that there will be looting, rioting and general anarchy in the streets tonight all over New York.
Charming, eh?
Esprix
Tho I agree that it’s unfortunate we have a guy who’s addle-brained (probably due to drug abuse) as President, I also think we have to assassinate Bin Laden before he strikes again. If we don’t get him, he’ll get us again.
The head of the Taliban says that his is a poor country and could not be involved in such a complex terrorist attack. How poor can it be when they hide a multi-millionaire? They should be given an ultimatum. Turn Bin Laden over or we’ll take him by force, if necessary. Surely a nation as great as ours can rid the world of such a terrorist, no matter how much wealth he has.
So we gunna figure out if the guy did it or not first er jus string 'im up now, pardner?
Well, I hope the Sleeping Giant does not refer to the United States government using this incident as a means to take away more freedom from its people.
I’m afraid this incident will take precious time and focus from our government to divert more money into the military and the CIA/ FBI. Obviously, some work needs to be done, changes should be made but I hope it comes at a minimal cost to personal freedom.
We’re headed toward a Police Nation if the people and it’s leaders aren’t careful.
Thank you, Lockfist. The CIA is probably one of the most undemocratic aspects of this country. The idea that some small group can conduct foreign policy at will, without the consent of Congress-or hell, even the president at some time, scares me.
I want blood. Lots of blood from those who dared to commit this atrocious act of war. I think it is time for America, the Great Wussy, to turn around and become the Great and respected nation it was just after WW2, when no one would fu*k with her nor with any American citizen over seas. If you screwed over an American tourist in some dirt eating spit pot nation, you knew that America might kick your ass, not just talk your ears off in admonishment.
How can you think about the fucking economy in a time like this??? Where are your goddamn priorities?
Considering the future of the nation I live in is a top priority for me. A major economic depression in the U.S. does not bode well for the rest of the world. I hope you will excuse all of us who think ahead and don’t allow our emotions to overpower rational thought. I do not mean we shouldn’t grieve, that would be ridiculous. I am already getting tired of the “kill 'em all” sentiment that has been repeated over and over again on every place of discussion I frequent. I saw crystal clear video tape of people falling to their deaths trying to escape from a burning building… they even had the presence of mind to focus on the resultant blood stained streets. I don’t want to see or even hear about more innocent people dying.
Lance, you HAVE to consider the economy at a time like this. A vital economy is as important to the survival of a country as its national defense is.
F’r example, what if the airliners had decided to take out the NYSE? What if the records of stock transactions had gotten wiped out? Then nobody knows who owns what. (For a good reference, read Tom Clancy’s ‘Debt of Honor’. It’s a good examination of what happens if America’s economy goes in the toilet because of sabotage.)
I agree that national defense has to take the forefront here, but we also have to keep the country functioning at the same time.
(I just saw that nickc simulposted, and I’ll chime in and agree with him as well.)
enolancooper wrote:
Just a note: Blood that gets donated in the wake of a major disaster rarely goes directly to the people who were actually injured in the disaster. It can take saveral days for blood to go from donation to use. The disaster victims will be using blood donated almost entirely from before the disaster.
However, the blood you donate now will go toward replenishing the stores of blood that are getting depleted by the disaster relief efforts. And it will get used by someone, somewhere. There has never, to my knowledge, been a time in the Red Cross’s history where they had so much donated blood on hand that some of it “expired” before it could be used.