On September 11 Global Terrorism Binds Us All From New York to Mumbai to Lahore, Baghdad, & Aleppo

In the 15 years since Sept. 11, 2001 and the terrorist assault on New York, I've written extensively on the topic. Last night I was in a particularly reflective mood and shared these this Facebook post. 

"What happened in New York on Sept 11 is no more important than what has happened to countless suffering people in Iraq or Afghanistan. Or Pakistan or Mumbai. Because it happened in New York, the symbolism is greater.

Traveling the globe more than 200 times -- round and round I went -- the strongest impression I always had was " thank goddess the world speaks English!" I would be nothing if the world didn't speak English. I guess we can thank the Brits for that fact.

Because this massive act of terror happened in New York, the documentation is considerable. But these words are universal. These same cell phone calls were made countless times in countless countries this year. This recollection from Sept 11 has been duplicated around the world how many times!

So for me, On this 15th Anniversary of 9/11 the symbolism is an attack on us all, my friends in every country. The attack of fundamentalism, no matter which religious flag it is flying, seeks to discredit humanitarian, secular values and mutual respect. And I agree that today the threat of radical Islam is the greatest threat of all, although -- besides its indigenous beliefs that are despicable -- it is fueled by local fundamentalist opposition ideology that pours gasoline on their grievances. The fundamentalist ISIS and friends ideology is the flag flying fiercest at this moment, and it should be acknowledged in its total vulgarity and inhumane essence.

If Sept 11 has any meaning for me, it is not as an attack against the great Satan, American capitalism. For thousands of years, humans have experienced imperialism in many forms. It is the public nature of the assault, into the nerve-center of the public information universe in New York that makes Sept. 11 so important.

Our gift as survivors of that day must be empathy in the universality of suffering that comes from terrorism, wherever we live. We are all connected now in the reality that is terrorism. It can divide us or make us love each other even more tightly.

I was particularly distressed last night to read a friend's FB post regarding a Daily Mail UK article about the 200 or so people who jumped from the burning towers. As closely as I've lived to the events of September 11 -- even moving to the WTC site in late 2006 -- I hadn't heard about the fierce judgment passed on people who committed suicide by jumping from the burning buildings. 

Steve's article came just as I was reading an essay on duality vs. non-duality and the issue of judgement being a cornerstone of duality. I actually had the conversation earlier in the week and was following up in an effort to better understand non-duality. 

To read that anyone would judge those who jumped from the towers, calling it an act of cowardice, leaves me speechless. Yet I understand that this judging is a bedrock of Christianity, which runs very deep in America. 

You can judge those who jumped. I went to live with their dead spirits for 3 yrs., living right at Ground Zero at 90 West Street. I was devoted to the rebirth of those spirits, even though the place wasn't exactly pretty then Note, my apartment was gorgeous and I faced the water. Still, it was a construction site.

If that makes me unChristian -- living in suicide alley - I will just deal with the burden of guilt. My collisions with religion come at the strangest moments. 

I choose the global bond that frightens so many Americans. Pragmatism and economic sense will always influence me -- lest we all starve to death, and I am a businesswoman first and foremost -- but I am united in a global perspective on many issues and loyalties. The Trump candidacy is all about making America first. I believe that I can solidly advance the interests of America as a global citizen. If Sept 11 has accomplished anything in my life, it is this set of global values and they are the ones that propel me forward on this horrible anniversary.

We are all united, and -- like it or not -- we are all one. ~ Anne "

Sending love to all and also thanks to the most incredible Hillary Clinton who performed beyond all expectations in response to September 11. I just read a truly memorable Hillary story, covered in a major overview written by The Guardian on Friday.

Add this one to your list of Hillary stories you wouldn't believe. On 9/11, Peter Gorman was president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association of New York City, a union that represents largely white, blue-collar workers -- exactly the kind of guys likely to go for Trump.The union had very publicly supported Clinton’s opponent in the 2000 senatorial race, Republican Rick Lazio.

Gorman told The Guardian that he was impressed with Clinton's commitment to his members after Sept. 11. “She would call me on my cellphone to ask how I was doing, how my members were doing,” he said. Here's the kicker . . . a Christmas Eve call from Hillary.

“One time I was pumping gas at a Texaco station, it was Christmas Eve, and she wanted to know how things were going. When a senator calls someone on my level, that’s impressive.”

~ Anne