Feature Article September 19, 2001
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Terrorist attacks herald new eraby Janis LantzAs New York City digs out from the worst terrorist attack in the history of the world, it is a time of remembrance for anyone who has been to that city. For those who lived through Pearl Harbour or the assassination of JFK, the attack on the World Trade Centre will be another milestone from which they will mark all other happenings in their lives. Who ever thought the twin towers of the WTC could be reduced to rubble? Even people who lived through the attack in '93 could not comprehend this new reality.The little village of Sharbot Lake was dead quiet Tuesday as people went about their business. Only the drone of radios reporting the carnage could be heard. I passed a man sitting in his truck, eating his lunch and listening. He didn't look up. We didn't exchange greetings. It wasn't a day for casual conversation.
Terrorism shut down the world. In every village, in every country, people stopped for a moment to listen or look. The American President hopscotched across the country as he sought a safe haven. no one felt secure as reports kept coming of more places being hit in Washington, and along the Eastern seaboard. The utter failure of the intelligence community became evident as the news of the large, sophisticated attack mushroomed like an atom bomb. Friends and family made calls to one another, making sure that everyone was safe where they were. A collective hug was necessary as the shock of disbelief hit home. It seemed that everyone had a connection of some kind to New York. And, for those who were missing a loved one, the real terror sent them into a tailspin. Out my window, fifty four Heavenly Blue morning glories, and a rare social gathering of loons went unappreciated. The sun shone on a beautiful day in cottage country, but there was no one who noticed, as all eyes were glued to two towers, 110 storeys high, that had been reduced to rubble. The end of the Cold War has been replaced by the beginning of the new terrorist warsand we have all lost our innocence.