We Are Not Broken

Terrorism is a heinous crime. Far too often the news of the victims of terrorism reduces me to tears, tears shed mostly for men, women, and children in other lands. Within the last forty-eight hours, my tears have been for my countrymen and people visiting my country. I could not have imagined a horror of the magnitude wreaked upon New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. Death toll estimates are rising. Heart-wrenching stories of the victims who were able to call home before dying are being told. Brave rescuers are among the casualties. And the horror hits close to home as names of New Hampshire people appear on airline casualty lists.

Yet out of the death and destruction there are seeds of hope as the best of human nature rises out of this tragedy. Television brings us horrible images, but it has also shows us people at their best - New Yorkers volunteering to help with rescue efforts, bringing food and drink to exhausted medical and rescue workers, and giving their blood. Indeed there were too many volunteers. It's been said that New York is the greatest city in the world. After watching New Yorkers in action, I'm inclined to agree with that statement.

Everyone wants to help, regardless of where they live. I think New Hampshire is probably reflective of most other states. Early on in this tragedy, a list quickly grew as nurses, doctors, and others volunteered to go to New York to help. Our Governor Jeanne Shaheen is ready to send personnel, machinery, and/or blood to New York. New Hampshire's largest TV station, WMUR, in conjunction with the Fleet and Citizens banks, are holding a telethon to raise money for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. As I write this, the telethon is three hours old and has raised $85,000. (Update: the 17-hour telethon is now over and more than $856,254.00 was donated!) Private businesses such as BAE of Nashua are sending supplies. People are turning out to give blood. According to the Red Cross of New Hampshire, they ordinarily hope to get 20 first-time donors during a drive. At one blood drive yesterday, they had 80 first-time donors. One woman, who hadn't given blood in 20 years, was asked why she was giving blood now. Tears welled up in her eyes as she said, "...I just want to help."

Churches across the state are holding special services. Some of these are in the communities of New Hampshire people who died in the airplanes. Many more are prayer vigils for all the victims, their families, rescue workers, and our leaders. People are coming together.

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