September 11, 2007

My book was born out of the events of  9/11/2001. It was the murder of ordinary citizens, including kids, that caused me to become my own therapist by writing down my thoughts. Christine Hanson was one of those kids. Below is what I wrote about her on Saturday, 10/21/2001. The context was the various and sundry attempts to intimidate the U.S. into not killing the Taliban members, or as I fondly called them, the Tail-Banned, by using the "civilian casualties" card. I was not impressed by the attempts, not when barely a month earlier, U.S. civilians had been slaughtered.

Anthony Brown was another one of those kids. Anthony was a scholar. He was eleven. He was murdered on what should have been a joyous occasion. Here is another excerpt from the book.

Friday, 12/21/01

I just saw a little snippet of a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay that took place at the Pentagon. I was especially touched by Officer Brown who lost his son and some colleagues on 9/11. His son Anthony who was on a trip to California, as a reward for his scholastic achievements, had his life snuffed out on that prize trip.

So today, let us remember. Let us take a pause from politics, crassness, selfishness, callousness, and let us care about all of our fellow citizens, even for half a day.

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I never thought of writing a book until September 2001. Anger and sorrow at a very barbaric act forced my creativity into overdrive. I began writing my thoughts about the slaughter of my fellow human beings. Friends and co-workers were sufficiently impressed to think that I was a professional writer. I began raising funds at work to send to victims and families of victims of 9/11. Nothing was too sacred to sell including the 3 pages of thoughts that I had written. About 20 coworkers willingly donated $1 each for my thoughts. With a few strokes on my keyboard, I was able to fulfill both my charitable and creative desires.

I kept writing and the result is my first book, which I hope will provide inspiration to anyone who appreciates freedom of expression, and has a sense of humor. Here are two excerpts that will hopefully intrigue.

I just love those Congressional hearings! Almost everyone is ready for his or her “un-candid camera” shot. The unspoken concerns are whirring. “Did the cameras get my good side? Did I at least look credible, even if my words are not? “Did I withhold enough information to stay out of jail? Did I display the right mix of righteous indignation and sympathy? Was there lettuce stuck in my teeth? Did I contribute a worthy sound bite? Was my balancing act of trying to be truthful about the misdeed of the company for which I work, while trying to hold onto the job there, (because I have a wife and three kids), successful? I know one thing is not negotiable – I am not taking jail time for the Gipper/CEO, never mind the company!”

For the first time in my life, I am seriously thinking that I should learn to operate a gun. Those against whom we are fighting are all fully armed and dangerous. Maybe I should follow their lead. I will certainly be “dangerous!” Somehow though, I cannot see myself as a “gun-toting Mama.” I am going to put aside the gun ownership thought – for now. However, if we have one more incident of tens, hundreds or thousands of citizens being killed by these Terrorists, I will be learning to pack heat! And nothing is more dangerous than a woman who cannot shoot straight!