BB

Ducks & Angels. What more could you want?

2003/09/11

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that today is the two year anniversary of 9/11. It's a day that we'll always remember, a day we were viciously attacked by cowards, a day our nation rose up united by a common bond - we are not just the United States, we are a United People. Being awoken by my father that early September morning, I'll never forget struggling out of bed, feeling my way to the tv room, turning on the tv and watching in horror as I turned the television on, just as the second plane crashed into the second tower. I'll never forget sitting there, watching news all day as another plane crashed into the Pentagon and another in a field. It's one of those days that will stay with you as long as you live, just as I'm sure December 7th is for the generation before.

On September 11th, 2001, the nation stood united, we stood as one, displaying our patriotism, bearing American flags, united together against a common enemy - hatred. Despite being the most tolerant country in the world, despite accepting everyone into our nation, regardless of color, nationality, and despite working to oust dictators and install democracy - a choice to do what you want, a freedom unknown by many - despite all these things, we were attacked. Attacked by a coward, a man who promises riches and fortune in the afterlife to his minions, a man offering false promises and false rewards to those who follow. We were attacked not because of our tolerance, not because of our freedoms, but because one group of people despise our ideals.

As I sit here two years later, it's hard to write out my true feelings. September 11th was a hard day to watch unfold, and every September 11th following will be hard to get through, without reminders of the cowards who did this, without reminders of another possible attack. But as we sit here two years later, let us never forget the heroes who sacrificed their lives to save others. Let us not forget those on the planes who were helpless against the hijackers, and let us not forget the 3,016 innocent people who lost their lives at the World Trade Towers, the Pentagon, and in a Pennsylvanian field.

In Memoriam

URL: CNN.com - 'We will never forget you' - Sep. 11, 2003

2003/09/08

Wow, I went three days without an update. Of course, this wasn't all of my own choosing. A couple of days ago I wanted to post something, but Blogger.com was down and I forgot what exactly it was when Blogger was up and running the next day. And then Saturday I spent all day at work and then crashed at my grandparents' house as they are ~20 minutes away from work whereas if I drove all the way home, I would have had a nice one hour drive this morning to be at work at 9am.

Today at work, I was scheduled to work the Indianapolis/Cleveland game, but when I showed up at 9am I had been moved to the New England/Buffalo game - a total laugher. Buffalo completely dominated New England, shutting them out 31-0. The first time since 1993 that New England was shut out, and the first time since 1990 that Buffalo shut someone out. What a joke. At least my team, Detroit, won.

URL: BB ~ Blake's Blog

I'm hopefully getting a new case for my computer for my birthday (9/14), so maybe I can do this with my old one.

URL: [H]ard|OCP - Images - Images

Now that California has passed a law allowing illegal immigrants to get drivers licenses, the question is, how will this affect the security of Californians? When I heard this on the radio, it seemed like everyone thought it was the greatest idea, ever. Davis was calling it huge step forward, and in neighboring Santa Ana, groups celebrated outside city hall. I understand how this benefits all illegal immigrants as they can now drive to work, take their kids to school, etc. All of the aforementioned uses I have no problem with. Where I see this new law causing problems is that hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants here in California will now have an ID which is usually seen as proof of citizenship. As long as word gets out that a driver's license does not equal citizenship, there shouldn't be a problem as far as I can see.

Perhaps I'm opening a can of worms here. I discussed this with my mom for a little bit today as I wasn't quite clear on how this is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It seems to me that with a driver's license, it'd be easier to rent a truck to blow up, easier to buy explosives legally, easier to conceal the fact that you should not be in this country. But then, I was made aware that 30 other states offer driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. So I really don't see the problem with it. If it's been working in 30 other states, why shouldn't it work here? Why shouldn't they be able to drive their legal kids to school? Why shouldn't they be able to drive to work and stimulate the economy?

But then again, what about all those people who have been waiting 8-12 months to become a citizen so they can get their licenses? Just say sorry?

URL: fresnobee.com | Local News