Spears and arrows

It has now been a year since the Sept. 11 tragedy occurred. Americans have had a year to cope with the loss of our nation. However since the anniversary of the terrorist attack, people of all nationalities have reflected on the incident and where they were on that tragic day.
I remember when I heard the news. I had skipped my first class of the day, so I was getting up late. My roommate and I heard the news around 10:30 a.m. I remember sitting on my bed in Adams dorm crying for our nation and the terrible tragedy that just occurred. I recall trying to console two dorm mates who had family and friends working near the World Trade Center. I wasn’t able to figure out what to say. What could I say to possibly comfort them? I also remember calling my own family, even though I knew they were safe, just to hear a comforting voice.
Now that a year has passed, many people have spent the week thinking back to how they changed. I know for many Americans their opinions on terrorism and foreign affairs changed drastically since the first plane crashed into the North Tower. The events of Sept. 11 significantly changed my opinion on terrorism, war, and the presidential reign of George W. Bush, Jr.
This past presidential election was the first one I participated in, so I considered the candidates’ platforms heavily. My views on George W. Bush, Jr. were that he wouldn’t be able to handle the responsibility of the presidency, especially not foreign affairs. I certainly never imagined that he could secure the faith of our nation.
However, I was very surprised to see how he reacted to the terrorist events. He took control of our nation and made us feel safe in a time when fear ruled. President Bush’s press conferences quickly reflected on his needs to calm Americans and terrify the Al-Qaida terrorists. He forced other countries to choose sides against terrorism. Without the events of 9/11, I doubt President Bush could have shown the nation that he had what it took to be president.
However, a year later, many people are relieved that President Bush was in office when the attack took place. He reacted quickly and developed the diplomatic skills to handle our internal crisis and foreign affairs. I know now first impressions can be deceiving, and I shouldn’t have underestimated his abilities to run our nation.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 13 2002. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry