DEAR READERS: It's 9/11 again. I believe we all realize that this date will never be innocent again. Future generations will never know the freedom without fear that Americans experienced as we went about our days before the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
If you talk to anyone who works in or around the military -- or, for that matter, if you pay even peripheral attention to the news -- you know already that "innocent" is a misnomer. There have always been people with evil intentions or misguided actions who have had the potential to hurt us and the world as we know it. Yet our government, our military and the overall good will of citizens here and abroad largely protected us from the kind of hell we experienced just over a decade ago.
We cannot say that today. Of course, our military is working overtime to protect us and our borders. Diplomats have worked tirelessly to mend and create bonds of respect and possibility with nations the world over. Philanthropists, volunteers for nongovernmental organizations and individuals have pledged time and money to support those in need, at home and abroad.
Still, the innocence is gone. The sound of a pop used to mean a car backfiring. Today, it too often means a gunshot fired in a crowded urban setting. Hence, we are jumpier. We are on alert. We are living our lives, but with a side eye to what's around the corner.
Being mindful is smart. Being paranoid is dangerous. I will not get into the politics of who should or should not have the right to bear arms, even though that is a discussion I invite you to have with your loved ones and government officials. I will say that we all must be more aware of our surroundings, including the people in our midst. I believe that if we treat one another with real respect, we stand a chance of being treated the same way.
But knowing how others want to be treated takes patience, attentiveness and education. Especially when it comes to people of other cultures, it requires taking the time to learn what they value.
But isn't that true in general about people? Healthy relationships are built upon shared understandings and values. Positive and fulfilling relationships exist, thanks to each party choosing to learn about the other and what makes him or her tick, what makes the other party feel full, content and respected.
I believe that our only chance to claim a new space of comfort in our country, where we do feel safe to move freely, is to practice thoughtfulness and active respect for everyone. We cannot choose to embrace some and shun others. "Us" and "them" thinking leaves somebody out.
As our government figures out how it will build bridges among allies and adversaries, we as individuals can do the same. We can choose to forge alliances with those we love and those who challenge us. When we do this, consistently, we create space that is not conducive to 9/11-type tragedies.
I don't think this is overly optimistic. I believe it is a requirement for our future.