IP: Reflections on the events of September 11 by Scott Simon, host of National Public Radio's Weekend Edition

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

http://www.ucc.org/911/092701b.htm

Reflections on the events of September 11

On September 25, 2001, Proclamation, Identity and Communication sponsored 
the 19th Annual Parker Lecture. Scott Simon, host of National Public 
Radio's Weekend Edition was the keynote speaker. Simon spent many hours 
covering the terrorist strike at the World Trade Center. We asked him to 
share his reflections. This is what he had to say.

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak with you at what is so clearly 
an urgent time. With your permission, I will depart from the line of 
remarks I had initially sketched out and address myself explicitly to these 
times.

I can certainly be expansive on the subject of broadcasting, and how we 
are—or are not—meeting our responsibilities. But those observations would 
now be small-minded. The fact is, during the recent weeks of crisis all 
major broadcasters—not only including, but specifically much-maligned 
commercial broadcasters—have met those responsibilities with 
professionalism and devotion. This week, they have only my admiration.

I suspect that what I have to say today about war and peace will not please 
a good many of you. I don't want you to feel compelled to offer courteous 
applause for remarks with which you may vigorously disagree. I am grateful 
for the chance just to be heard in this forum; that is as much courtesy as 
I can expect. So let me suggest that my remarks be received simply with 
silence.
There is nothing good to be said about tragedy or terror. But miseries can 
distill a sense of utter clarity—remind us of whom we are; whom we love; 
and what is worth giving our lives for.
When Jeremy Glick of Hewitt, New Jersey, called his wife, Lyzbeth, during 
the last moments of United Flight 93 he said:

"I love you. Don't be sad. Take care of our daughter. Whatever you do is 
okay with me"

The depth of his love compressed, and clear as a diamond.

Over the past ten days, the pain of loss and fear of terror may have caused 
many Americans to admit to themselves how much they really love their 
country. Love it not blindly, but with unblinking awareness.

<snip>



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