The 9.11 Is An Accident Or Imposture?

Introduction

911 is a reality that made it big for Americas tragedy. 9/11 was the day that U.S. citizens were forced to recognize that we are a part of a wider world in which people in too many countries live with fear, destruction, and terrorism every day. This nation's wounds are still raw, but most of us have been able to move on, to push the images of burning and falling towers behind the veil of memory. But those images sneak out at odd moments and haunt us with all that was lost on that day. Even as that happens, however, we are aware that many in our world are not able to move on; they are trapped in a terror that does not end, that has been with them a lifetime. Often it is the short-and frequently shortened-lifetimes of children that are most affected by adult hatred and war. It is the children who suffer most. The words of children's authors throughout this site provide insight into and perspective on young people coping with their first encounter with terrorism in America. The strength of our nation is in its people, and obviously some of that strength was lost with those who lost their lives on 9/11. The buildings were the more visible symbols of that loss. But New York, Washington, and all our cities are filled with monuments to human lives and achievements. Rebuilding the commercial and financial centers lost on 9/11 and creating some memorial is essential, but it is not enough. We must invest in our people. Perhaps it is time to look forward by looking back. New York City is an international symbol of the US, and we who preach humanity to the rest of the world could demonstrate the power of humanity by again investing in affordable housing and education for New York City residents. Deteriorated homes and schools are as much a blight on our cities as is Ground Zero, and we allowed these tragedies to happen. Now, when many are ready to go to war, let us brush off those old wars on poverty and ignorance. Let is prove to the rest of the world, and to ourselves, that we really do care about humane treatment of and services to people and that we have the imagination and the will to make a difference for those who have been shortchanged as many of us prospered.

The most important thing to remember when discussing 9/11 with children is to listen to them and to follow their leads. There has been a great deal written about how to commemorate the events of that day with young people and many resources prepared to do so. As adults working with children, we should familiarize ourselves with these resources, evaluate them, and be prepared to share and discuss them with individuals or groups of children as appropriate.

It will be difficult to insulate children from the rebroadcasts of and commentaries about 9/11 and critical ...