In Memoriam
I seriously considered taking the day off from blogging today, as much out of a sense that this day has become so laden with political talking points that real grief and remembrance seems pushed into the background as out of a sense that I really didn't have much to add to the discourse. Still, this blog is one way I use to try to make sense out of what is going on around me, so just ignoring the day didn't seem like the best thing to do.
Instead, I'm simply going to post a section from one of the better pieces written for today, an editorial published in the Star Tribune.
But this anniversary is a day to focus on the more difficult entries on the list of changes: those deeper, if initially incremental, shifts that have led us to violate first principles. More than liquids on planes or biometric IDs, they will define us in their profundity.
Over the past several days, one such transformation has been the stuff of daily headlines. At stake is nothing less than this nation's commitment to the rule of law and to international legal and moral standards -- indeed, to the very principles that have made America a leader of nations, deserving of its stature. We are talking about the way in which suspects in the war on terror are treated and tried.
Remember the moving service at the National Cathedral just three days after 9/11? Much was said on that day to unite the nation in mourning and resolve. Of particular relevance today are the words of the Very Rev. Nathan Baxter, dean of the cathedral, who prayed for "the healing of our grief-stricken hearts, for the souls and sacred memory of those who have been lost" -- and something else:
"Let us also pray for divine wisdom as our leaders consider the necessary actions for national security, wisdom of the grace of God that as we act, we not become the evil we deplore."
Amen.
Instead, I'm simply going to post a section from one of the better pieces written for today, an editorial published in the Star Tribune.
But this anniversary is a day to focus on the more difficult entries on the list of changes: those deeper, if initially incremental, shifts that have led us to violate first principles. More than liquids on planes or biometric IDs, they will define us in their profundity.
Over the past several days, one such transformation has been the stuff of daily headlines. At stake is nothing less than this nation's commitment to the rule of law and to international legal and moral standards -- indeed, to the very principles that have made America a leader of nations, deserving of its stature. We are talking about the way in which suspects in the war on terror are treated and tried.
Remember the moving service at the National Cathedral just three days after 9/11? Much was said on that day to unite the nation in mourning and resolve. Of particular relevance today are the words of the Very Rev. Nathan Baxter, dean of the cathedral, who prayed for "the healing of our grief-stricken hearts, for the souls and sacred memory of those who have been lost" -- and something else:
"Let us also pray for divine wisdom as our leaders consider the necessary actions for national security, wisdom of the grace of God that as we act, we not become the evil we deplore."
Amen.
posted by Diane at 3:50 AM
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