Editor,
First I would like to extend my sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed in the terrorist attacks last Tuesday. You have the whole country behind you, and I hope in some way that gives you comfort.
Second, I would like to address the issue that a few Daily Lobo readers have commented on during the past few days. Many people have been writing in anger about those who have stated that the United States is in some way responsible for the attacks.
Although murder is never excusable, America's foreign policies have obviously irritated a whole bunch of people. While we don't have the responsibility to make everyone in this world happy, as a super-power we do have the responsibility to respect the lives and governments of other countries, whether we like what these countries do or not.
Aside from countries that have ethnic cleansing and genocide, we have no business telling other countries how to live just because we don't like their religion or politics. We have so many problems in our own country without trying to fix the so-called problems of other countries. I do, despite our imperialistic politics, love my country and my world.
I think that many of us have a new respect for life after these events unfolded. I have always admired rescue workers, doctors, and firefighters for the work they do to help save lives. I think one of the biggest losses from these events is the firefighters, police officers and rescue workers who were trying to get people out of the World Trade Center as it was collapsing.
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One woman said that as she came out she saw, around the 27th floor, firefighters going up the stairs to help others. I find this unbelievably brave. As soon as she exited the building, it collapsed.
Heroism is something I think most people in this country take for granted. We owe doctors, police officers and firefighters a great debt of gratitude when this is over. There is a great big universe out there, and we are just one grain of sand among billions. The uniqueness of Earth and human beings sets us apart from every other object in the entire universe.
I hope people can understand how special we are and how short life is. Every human being on this Earth is important and special in some way. I am proud to know that I am part of a world with different cultures and beliefs.
Although many people cannot see past racial, cultural or religious lines, I know that life is precious and that we are precious. We need to take care of each other, especially in these hard times. We need to love each other, understand each other and realize that each and every one of us is special. Together we stand, divided we fall.
Natalie Rogers
Astrophysics Student
