I was appalled to read in Marty Cheek’s column, the relationship
he made between America’s oil consumption to what happened on 9/11
10 years ago and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dear Editor,
I was appalled to read in Marty Cheek’s column, the relationship he made between America’s oil consumption to what happened on 9/11 10 years ago and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I don’t believe that the hatred towards Americans is born simply with Osama bin Laden’s “perception of America as an invading evil force” because of oil disputes in the Middle East, of which we became involved.
Having just returned from the remembrance ceremony at Christmas Hill Park, what I want to remember is not only those innocent people that perished and their grieving families, but those brave men and women that willingly chose to go in to the tumbling towers to save others, knowing they may never come out. I also want to remember and thank those that have served our country and continue to be warriors and heroes. It is their sacrifices, and the sacrifices and support from their families, that protect our freedom and keep us safe in the greatest country in the world. It is not the time to complain about “bogus” wars or the cost. The fact that Americans have been safe and able to go about daily activities without fear of an attack is priceless!
I do agree that our dependence on foreign oil puts us in a vulnerable position and risks our national security. Addiction is not necessarily our “disease”, though. It’s our own government’s restrictions and regulations, the EPA and followers that prevent us from becoming oil independent.
In this post 9/11 time, our lives will never be the same. We have implemented and had to adapt to permanent changes in much of what we do. Terrorists will still want to take us down. Rather than grumble and blame, I suggest showing gratitude to those that fought so you can live comfortably in your complex, drive your car to work each day, enjoy time with friends and hobbies and hopefully, volunteer and help those that are not doing as well as you.
This weekend was about honoring and remembering and not an appropriate time to make an argumentative political statement that demeaned those who serve and protect.
Susan Mister, Gilroy
The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a well-written letter.
