Irony
DOUG H: Bush was obviously your candidate, and I will
freely admit he was not mine. However, he is my President,
and I do support him and wish him to do well in these
troubled times because the President represents the voice
of the Nation. And these are truly trying times that
challenge our leaders, and we all wish them well.
"Firemen run into buildings"
As thousands fled down the stairwells of the blazing
Towers, they encountered hundreds of Fireman, police, and
emergency personnel climbing *up* the stairs toward the
blazes, toward the injured and the trapped. A NY paper
lists 392 names of these people who knowingly risked
there lives to try and save others, and lost them in the
collapse. These are the true heroes of the past week.
I am simply humbled by such courage, and there is nothing
we can do as a country to sufficiently honor such acts of
bravery. How do people like this find it in them to take
on such risks? Why did so many have to die? I couldn't
find the reference, but I think it was from a NY Fire
Chief I heard give this answer: "People run out of
buildings. Firemen run into buildings." (If anyone
can locate a source and exact quote, I'd appreciate
getting it).
So when I hear that Bush leaves Florida and says he is
heading for Washington in the midst of this horror, I am
surprised to see him next in Louisiana, but tolerant
because the situation is in flux. However, I was
disappointed to see him next in Nebraska. In the single
most impregnable vehicle in the known world, Air Force One,
backed by the world's most powerful military and air force,
over our own soil, with, we find out, an AF with orders to
shoot down any planes that threatened Washington and
skies emptied of air traffic, the American President went
to ... Nebraska.
Yes, Cheney told him to head there. Sure, there were
risks; being President always entails risk. Going where
it is perfectly safe is perfectly understandable, and all
too human. But you know know what? "Firemen run into
buildings." And I was hoping for, and expecting more
from President Bush. Presidents run to Washington.
It is tremendously ironic that while a candidate Bush was
your candidate, that you, and the others of this board
who were his avid supporters, expected so much less of a
President Bush than I did. There was an opportunity for
greatness, and a need, and President Bush got off to a
shaky start. By Friday, he was doing much better, the
Nation and the trappings of the Office lifting him up
into the role. Our government, and our military are in
capable hands and we all wish them well (despite the
angry and frequently hateful accusations of many on this
board).
"FIremen run into buildings"
And thank God they do.
God Bless.
phyxter |
