I visited Ground Zero this week

[undeterred]

I live in the midwest and haven't been to New York since before 9/11. I spent Monday through Friday at my company's headquarters in Manhattan, which is two blocks from Ground Zero. On Thursday night after work I walked two blocks north to the south side of the site and walked along the length of it, reading the "official" story and the list of names of those who died. There were plaques commemorating the other incidents of that day and a history of the site. There were lots of people walking around, probably mostly out of town visitors like me.

I didn't realize the site was at least two blocks inland- I always pictured it as closer to the water.

If you didn't know that what happened here in September 2001 changed the course of history, you'd walk by it and think its an eyesore. A site that's not even ready for construction, that has no real memorial. Its an unfinished story. I hear that there's been a great deal of passionate debate about what this site will be used for in the future. Is it hallowed ground or simply very expensive real estate?

Whether you believe in the official story or not (and I do not) it is undeniable that there has been no justice for this terrible event. The unfinished character of the site made me hope that perhaps it is still possible to uncover the truth about what really happened that day and find real justice for those who suffered and lost their lives.

[earth mom]

1. As a friend of mine would put it...

it'll be bad ju ju or karma to build anything other than a memorial there.

And...

Mixing commerce and a burial ground just strikes me as totally crass, ignorant and insensitive.

[driver8]

2. I agree...

I know that real estate is expensive and in great demand in NYC, but ground zero should be left "as is." Nothing should be built there except for a memorial.

[HockeyMom]

3. I agree

It should be a Park with a Memorial.

It took over 10 years to fully tenant the original Towers. It will be even longer to reach full occupancy with this, given the circumstances and the economy.

Karma factor? Do you know how many office buildings in NYC don't have a 13th floor? Just imagine the Karma factor with this.

[undeterred]

4. Not to mention that we have extremely short memories

in this historical era, and there's nothing like a tangible physical reminder to make it impossible for people to forget.

[ldf]

5. sorry. rebuild.

my condolences to all who lost someone there.

but the last thing it needs to be is a perpetual war rally.

just watching local news (and i live in manhattan), you should count the times that 9/11, sept. 11, ground zero are mentioned. it has become just another sensational headline grabbing, viewer grabbing hyped story.

enough is enough. we have GOT to heal. it is now pure hype, and nothing more. it also just furthers bush's agenda of keeping americans afraid, terra terra terra. i'm sick of it.

a memorial should be, and will be a part of the rebuilding.

but a permanant memorial to bush's incompetence? absolutely not.