I think everyone's opinion has been valid and 
welcome (and to have one at all is a freedom we 
are all privileged to have).  It is only natural, 
though, that reactions following such tragedy... 
with less than 48 hours removed from the 
events... may be a bit more emotional than others 
could handle.  I wish for everyone to respect 
each other's views and to learn and seek their 
own path out of this collected wisdom.

I support those who urged others to be strong and 
to do their best to move forward.  As with them, 
the United States government has gone ahead to 
restore the business of the country, to show that 
the nation will not acquiese to terror.  It is an 
important stance to make and that had to be 
made... if not to instill courage in others to 
follow suit then at least to provide a strong 
face to support those who are not yet prepared to 
recover from this trauma.

Based on some reactions to this thread, I wish to 
urge readers to respect the fact that a very 
natural emotion (such as anger and pride) could 
have colored the initial comments.  But please do 
not let the specific wording detract you from the 
positive spirit of the message, which is not to 
give in to despair.

Responses from others have raised some equally 
important points as well.  Certainly people, some 
more than others, need time and support in order 
to sufficiently recover and gather themselves 
up.  Certainly there should be a period of time 
for mourning and respect to the victims.  I also 
support these viewpoints just as strongly.

But no one is telling others not to mourn... no 
one is telling others not to allow themselves 
time to deal with this tragedy... and no one is 
telling others to not pay respect to the 
victims.  It is foolish for anyone to believe so.

Once again, I urge everyone to not respond to 
possibly emotionally charged words with equally 
emotional reactions.  Please draw upon the 
positive spirit and wisdom of each person's 
beliefs and decide upon your own personal path.

At this moment, it is most important to do what 
you can to move things in a positive direction.

If you can, donate blood or money to the American Red Cross (you can also 
donate online via credit card).  If you are in a 
position to do so, volunteer in the relief and 
counseling efforts.

If you want to help the scars of this tragedy to 
begin to heal, then please live your life, take 
part in life (and this could include resuming the 
business of your life), and strive to enrich the 
lives of others... without ever forgetting the 
terrible cost that these victims have paid.  This 
was an attack on life and as well as an attack on 
our way of life.  Prove that these murderous 
cowards have not won by paying respect to victims 
and helping in the relief efforts (defending 
life) and by continuing forward without despair 
(defending our way of life).

And if you still need time to mourn, cope and 
recover from this tragedy, please by all means do 
so (and in your own way).  Please seek and share 
the support of others, if that will help you 
regain your strength faster.  The world will be 
waiting for you once you are strong again, 
because the world needs you now more than ever.