This month we Americans — all 300 million of us — remember the tragic loss of 2,973 lives, when terrorists attacked our nation. In the more than 3,000 days since that terrible event, hardly a day has gone by when 9/11 hasn’t colored our response to what life has dealt us since. We have mourned together the loss of these innocent victims of this horrible act. And we have been reminded of the fragility and preciousness of each of those lives. I think it’s safe to say that the loss of these nearly 3,000 Americans has changed each of us in some way. And our collective response to the tragic event has changed us even more.
On this ninth anniversary of 9/11, as I remember our loss, I challenge myself to consider other human tragedies that have occurred since then — the loss of lives, the causes, the grief, and how they might have been avoided or minimized. I meditate on proportionality; on our response to each of these tragedies — and on how the desperation and suffering of the poor, dark, and dirty, uncovered by news media, plays out in our hearts.
In 2004, more 4,000 people — mostly civilians — died during the Second Battle of Fallujah in Iraq.
Each year since 2001, between 11,000 and 17,000 Americans have died in alcohol-caused car accidents.
Every day, more than 25,000 poor children die from diseases rich children don’t get.
Every year since 2001, an average of 30,000 Americans — most of them innocent victims — have been killed by firearms.
Since 2007, Mexico has lost more than 22,000 people to the war on drugs.
In 2010, an earthquake in Haiti killed nearly 230,000 people. In 2005 and 2008, earthquakes in northern Pakistan and China’s Sichuan Province took approximately 75,000 and 70,000 lives, respectively. These earthquakes likely would have caused far less death and destruction in lands with First World building codes.
In 2004, an estimated 230,000 people perished in the Indian Ocean tsunami. In 2008, more than 130,000 people died when a cyclone swept through Myanmar.
Since 2003, about 300,000 have been killed in Darfur.
Imagine the horror in little Honduras when Hurricane Mitch struck 12 years ago. Approximately 20% of that nation’s 7 million people were left homeless, while 70% of the country’s transportation infrastructure was demolished. Mudslides killed more than 6,000 people. In a horrifying instant that few of us here in the US even noticed, a land with 3% of our population lost more than double the people we did on 9/11.
As we remember 9/11, some might think it wrong to ponder how and why we pay attention to human tragedy near and far. I’ve been thinking about how good and caring people notice suffering selectively — by proximity or race or religion and how and why we respond to some and not to others.
I think of who the innocent victims were in New York on 9/11 and how their loved ones have grieved. Then I think of the loved ones who survived each of the other tragedies listed…and how they grieved. A New York office worker crushed in concrete…a Honduran family drowned in mud…an Iraqi child riddled with shrapnel…a Californian widow joining Mothers against Drunk Driving.
On this anniversary of 9/11 (as I try to ignore the sick media circus of Quran-burning threats), I think of those who lost loved ones on that terrible day. And I also can’t help but think of a million poor Afghan refugees barefoot and cold in tents just over the Pakistan border as another winter sets in — collateral suffering with barely an army blanket of compassion tossed their way. It’s a thoughtful time…I hope.
Rick I think what you forget in all this is that the 9/11 tragedy was set up to send a message of hate and fear and carried out with precision to hurt as many as possible. The other tragedies you mentioned were not set up and carried out to hurt as many people as possible, terrorize a nation and wreck havoc with a financial system. 9/11 was set up to emotionally and financially terrorize a nation by religious fanatics filled with hate. I am very suprised and disappointed in your callous disregard for the tragedy of the day. You would have been better off not posting anything as this just comes across as you wanting to stir things up to get people blogging for your entertainment as all your emotionally charged blogs do. Shame on you.
I understand your anger, Laura, and I do think there are levels and priorities to grieving. Just as one would personally grieve differently, probably much harder, for the loss of spouse as opposed to, say, a second aunt or uncle, our nation's grief, especially on this day, should be towards the 9/11 victims and their families. I further agree with your assessment that this act was done by people who indeed want to destroy our way of life. Fortunately, we have been doing something about it ever since. To date, al Qaeda and their evil minions have been losing the battles not only of meeting force with force, but fortunately the longer battles of ideas: we will not be subjugated to their wishes that Islam will conquer the planet – not as long as we have brave military men and women defending our way of life. As a Christian, and as I believe Rick's philosophy and statistics demonstrates, we need to be concerned about ALL of God's children – our enemies included – and need to try and remember the loss of life wherever it occurs on our planet. Our Lord compels us to do this. I fail miserably on this account most of the time, but I try to keep a bigger picture in mind and soul. That said, I ardently believe that our government is a far superior form of government that than those espoused by radical Islamic terrorists, and we need to be vigilant against incursions by foreign evil-doers. Anyone who thinks that WE created 9/11 is fooling themselves. America is and has been targeted throughout our history mainly due, I believe, by governments who want to enslave the world's population. We are in a constant and real battle against the forces of evil (orchestrated by Satan – but no one wants to hear that), and so long as we stand as a "shining city on a hill", we will always come under attack.
@Laura and others who would object to Rick's statements: I do commend you on saying that those who carried out the attacks were religious "fanatics". They were extremists and are in no way representative of all Muslims. However, I question
(continued) The loss of life, particularly when it is lost unnecessarily, is tragic and painful – whether it be due to calamities of nature,carelessness, or governments/policies that put national/personal gain above the value of the lives of others. So today SHOULD challenge us to think of and grieve for those others who gave their lives or had their lives taken away unnecessarily. Kudos to Rick for appealing to the angels of our better nature and to remind us to be compassionate to all people – no matter what race, religion, ethnicity, or econmic status. What a beautiful way to honor the memories of compatriots who died nine years ago – not with hate but with the desire to express compassion, love and willingness to understand the pain and loss that millions of others have suffered as prfoundly as we have.
You are the reason for so many people's memorable trips to Europe. Of course you should include your political thoughts (which I totally agree with). I went to Europe with everyting Rick Steves in 2006 and am returning in May of 2011. I'm so lucky to have relatives and friends to visit and great places to stay, thanks to you. My brother moved to Spain to avoid Vietnam, and he has never regretted his decision. You are very much more than just a travel writer. You open the minds of travelers everywhere. Thank you so much for being just who you are!
Bravo Brenda!
Right on the money. In remembering our own history and calamadies close by, we must not forget, and I am no way diminishing our own problems here, the horrific, ongoing happenings in the world outside. The first thing travel teaches us, hopefully, is just how small our world is- how boarders, in reality, are invisible. Those are our brothers and sisters in Darfur and Afgahanistan and elswhere- not just New York, not just here at home. If we could only think that way each and every day.
I would repectfully suggest Lana review the history of Darfur, Bosnia etc before commenting on 911.
Well said, Lana. Rick should stick to travel and stay away from politics. He is like one of these light-headed entertainers or movie stars who thinks that he has something valuable to say – but doesn’t. Rick, focus on continuing to ruin the really good places in Europe, like the Cinque Terre and drop the religious/political activism.
And the responses were going so well until Donal. I was in Scotland on 9/11 and was overwhelmed by the support and sympathy I go from the Scots and other Europeans who I encountered during that week on Mull and in Argyle. The coverage in the UK was continuous and included showing the falling bodies which I dreamt about for months if not years afterward. But 9/11 has made me more aware of other horrors. I feel more empathy now for the Irish who lived through the troubles,for the Iraqi Christian Doctor who has had to flee to Jordan, for the women in Afghanistan who still can’t get educations. When I say a prayer for 9/11 and all its victims I need to say another prayer for the many who are persecuted across the world. Thanks Rick for continuing to raise issues like this so that we can contemplate all humanity on this tragic anniversary.
And the responses were going so well until Donal. I was in Scotland on 9/11 and was overwhelmed by the support and sympathy I go from the Scots and other Europeans who I encountered during that week on Mull and in Argyle. The coverage in the UK was continuous and included showing the falling bodies which I dreamt about for months if not years afterward. But 9/11 has made me more aware of other horrors. I feel more empathy now for the Irish who lived through the troubles,for the Iraqi Christian Doctor who has had to flee to Jordan, for the women in Afghanistan who still can't get educations. When I say a prayer for 9/11 and all its victims I need to say another prayer for the many who are persecuted across the world. Thanks Rick for continuing to raise issues like this so that we can contemplate all humanity on this tragic anniversary.
I would respectfully suggest to david that he review the history of darfur and bosnia which were civil wars not at all the same as 911
Rick, THANK YOU for your depth of understanding and compassion. Tragic loss of life is heart-wrenching wherever, however and to whomever it happens. The notion that the events of 9/11 are somehow different or worse than other tragedies is a sad commentary. The concept "but it was terrorism and it happened to US, not THEM!!! is the crux of the issue. There is no "US" and "THEM". ALL life on this planet is connected. Terrorist attacks, corporations' actions whose focus is on profits over health/safety/environment, wealthy individuals and nations turning a blind eye to suffering and tragedy because there is no political or other self-serving upside, are ALL acts of intentional violence. What happened on Sept. 11, 2001 was a terrible act of violence. We are still feeling the pain of this heart-rending experience. This is the same pain and suffering that many around the world felt before 9/11 and have felt since 9/11. This is an opportunity to wake up to true compassion for all life on this beautiful planet.
So true Rick! No life if more valuable than other. I find Ryan's view on things quite scary. Where is it written in Bible that Americans are the chosen people of God?
Nice thoughts Rick. Kaaketu how could you possibly find Ryan's view on things quite scary unless you are a Taliban or al'Qaida? And while I believe the USA has been and soon will be again the "Shining city on a hill", I do not see where Ryan said anything about a Biblical reference to Americans being the chosen people of God. I don't even find America in my Bible! While "No life if more valuable than other" is a sweet sentiment to express but I am sure if it came down to a life and death decision between your family or a Taliban member in Afghanistan,,,,,,?
I am not sure what has happened to the American spirit. My 80 year old parents cannot understand why this generation has so much hate and selfishness against each other. They came from a generation that stuck together as Americans for a common cause of freedom and a great life unlike many places around the world. If we don't pull outselves up by the bootstaps and quite acting like the worlds Drama queens we are going to disolve our own society. We all have struggles these days, but to let all this hate and negative attitude invade our lives will bring our culture down. What are parents doing to their growing children who should see life with hope happiness and prosperity. I sure hope there truely is a silent majority out there.
You know, I comment on Rick's blog from time to time, and I always find there's a couple of bad apples to stir the pot, and today, it started with the very first poster.<p>Rick's thoughts on the anniversary of one of America's most tragic events does indeed make us pause to think about the fragility of life, in the U.S., and in other parts of the world.<p>Shawn, in Ottawa.
First of all I'm an outsider looking in. I come from Australia and I often keep an eye on American politics and political debates..Every time I watch stations like FOX for example all I hear is Americans YELLING at each other instead of conducting a rational and respectful debate. I have to agree with Judy's post above, I feel the American "Empire" has certainly embrassed a "Drama queen" like attitude, But I must admit that is a symptom of the "Me Generation" who need instant gratification now not later. I've also had a gutfull of the american and Isreali press spewing hate about Iran…the rhetoric is sooo tired. Ask yourselves who are the countries doing all the invading? Not Iran…but America (Iraq, Afghanistan) and Israel (Lebanon and Gaza) I understand that a post like this will be as popular as a fart in an elevator…but get over yourselves…seriously!
Rick, This is a great post. As long as nationalistic fervor keeps its hold on people, terrorist attacks and wars will not go away. We DO need to put ourselves in others' shoes from time to time and remember that we are no better and no worse, more or less important, than any other human/group/nation on the planet. However, I do feel the need to point out one little thing (and I am by no means a gun nut). Firearms do not kill people, people wielding them do. I do believe that gun ownership should be treated more as a privilege, but our constitution has it as a right. The unfortunate result being that people who have no business owning a water pistol, much less a gun, are able to have one.
Jesus instructed us to: "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do onto me." Reminding us that all of us need to be treated with respect and kindness, no matter where we were born, what color our skin is and etc.
For those of you comparing one event to another, terrorist planned, nature, or war, and arguing as to whether they do compare or not; For The Worlds Sake, Death is Death! Murder is Murder! What The Hell difference does it make where, or when, planned or random? it still needlessly happens. Ricks point wasn't to belittle 9/11 in comparison, but to remind us to mourn other tragedies and losses as well. And anyone that has said anything abut him sticking to his field and not making such political comments; 1. the same could be said of you if politics is not your line of work, andyet you are airing your opinion. And 2. He can say anything he pleases, he is an American and has every right to express his opinion… Telling him not express it is trying to restrict and censor that right.-An unconstitutional and illegal act i might add- Exactly what the 9/11 terrorist want, I might also add.
I agree with Rick Steves and G.in AK and others here. Before we respond with knee-jerk reactions to the days particular outrage, tragedy, disaster, etc, we should consider whether said reaction, i.e. burning holy books or preventing the excercizing of religious freedom really reflect our American values. steve in mn
Do you think Rick Steve's will ever treat the 911 perpetrators or other Muslim extremists who terrorize and kill nonbelievers with the same contempt he treats Americans who disagree with his politics?
Well said Lana and Donal. It amazes me how naive Rick can be in his worldviews. Maybe he can reflect on the damage and loss of life that his liberal, leftist views actually cause, no matter how high fallutin or well-intentioned they may seem. And he wants to denigrate others who disagree with him as non-intellectual?
During World War II, dozens perhaps hundreds of European and Asian cities experienced the equivalent of 3 9-11s in a single night. (I'm thinking of the bombings of Hamburg and Rotterdam and London and the March 1945 firebombing of Tokyo.) Some people say that the Germans and Japanese "deserved it," but we don't know how many anti-Nazi or anti-imperialist people were killed in those raids along with the supporters of their respective governments.<p> With our government and media encouraging us to carry on about 9/11 as if it were the worst thing that ever happened in the history of the world makes us seem adolescent compared to other countries. Americans have been so lucky in this respect. Those of us who are Christians need to put away the fear (because overdone fear makes you mean and dumb) and learn as much as we possibly can, and perhaps, just perhaps, consider the possibility that our country is not blameless, either.