Ten years ago today, the world was in chaos and confusion. I was working in a small town where the owners/managers of motels became afraid for their family's safety, just because of their nationality. I realized just how prejudice we all can be. Humans tend to place blame on someone outside of themselves. It's just easier that way.
From the Dalai Lama's essay for On Faith;
"We need to learn from our painful memories of
September 11th and become more aware of the
destructive consequences that arise when we give in to
feelings of hatred."
Today, emails are still being forwarded that are full of hatred for Muslims, as if ALL Muslims were responsible for the terror of that day. If I were to take this one step further, I could blame former mayor Ed Foster for ALL the comments made on his "Supporters" Facebook page. That could be the easiest thing to do, but not the healthiest. I have seen comments attacking people rather than addressing the principles of issues involved. Once again, it's just easier to attack someone we may not even know than to look inside and seek a way of understanding.
Today is a day to set aside our anger. A day for people to realize our similarities. A day to get out from behind our computer and go help someone. I hope to see those who disagree with each other come out to the park this evening and join TOGETHER with the community of Quartzsite as we move forward in our own healing process. I hope that we, as a community, will determine our future, not those who sit in judgement of who is at fault. I hope that our hearts remain open to each other, speaking words of support, encouraging one another, and sharing words of strength and hope.
We have all experienced the loss of a loved one.
Let us support the healing process for those who are suffering today
as the memories of 9/11 are shared around the world.
The following is from "How to Build a Community" poster seen at Quartzsite Town Hall.
Turn off your TV. Leave your house. Know your neighbors, Look up when you are walking; Greet people; Sit on your stoop; Plant flowers; Use your library; Play together; Buy from local merchants; Share what you have; Help a lost dog; Take children to the park; Garden together; Support neighborhood schools; Fix it even if you didn't break it; Have pot lucks; Honor elders; Pick up litter; Read stories aloud; Dance in the street; Talk to the mail carrier; Listen to the birds; Put up a swing; Help carry something heavy; Barter for your goods; Start a tradition; Ask a question; Hire young people for odd jobs; Organize a block party; Bake extra and share; Ask for help when you need it; Open your shades; Sing together; Share your skills; Take back the night; Turn up the music; Turn down the music; Listen before you react to anger; Mediate a conflict; Seek to understand; Learn from new and uncomfortable angles; Know that no one is silent athough many are not heard. Work to change this.
May we all learn from these words and grow together in a healthy community!
