Here's what I posted on my Facebook page to commemorate 9/11

[LongTomH]

Another 9/11 anniversary has passed, with old memories and feelings renewed. There's an ugly meme going around the internet, that I have to comment on.

It goes: "Everything I need to know about Islam, I learned on 9/11."

In total contrast to that, there was the invocation given by a young minister, at the Second Baptist Church service that preceeded the 50th anniversary commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's March on Washington. He began with a greeting to every faith community represented: "If you pray to Yahweh, or the Lord Jesus, or to Allah." I can't remember the whole thing; but, it was a beautifully inclusive prayer and statement.

People like this young preacher are what give me hope for the future. My generation was fed Cold War paranoia with their morning breakfast cereal. Too many of us found it easy transition between fears of "a commie under every bed" to "Sharia Law will be imposed." This young man is part of a generation that will move beyond that fear, and that hate.

And, I need to add: I've worked with Muslims and called some of them friends.

I'm the last person to preach; I'll merely say: Honor and remember the firefighters, police and paramedics, the courageous working class heroes who lost their lives to save others.

Remember the survivors and their families. Remember the families of those who died. Think kindly of all of those people who will have the horrors of that day play out on the screen inside their heads, as long as they live.

But, don't let that turn you toward hatred. Let there be healing.

Remember: "He who would study revenge, keepeth his own wounds green, when they might otherwise heal."

[NYC_SKP]

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