Turning Tragedy Into Compassionate Action

This morning, as I listened to the names read aloud at Ground Zero, I was mindful of the devastating loss that each loved one continues to experience and the profound pain we all share. September 11th will always live in the hearts and minds of all Americans but none more than those who lost loved ones on that day eight years ago.

Yet as we remember the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters who were taken from us so suddenly, we must not forget that their passions and dreams were left for those closest to them to honor and pursue. So many family members and friends have so often chosen to serve and improve their communities to honor their loved ones. Time and time again, we have seen those closest to the victims inspired to work for causes and concerns, advocate for and volunteer on behalf of missions near to the hearts of their loved ones, choosing acts of kindness and respect to respond to something so incomprehensibly evil.

These responses were not just limited to those who lost someone in this tragedy. Millions of Americans witnessed the horror of September 11th and were moved to make the world a better place. They have taken up service as a memorial to the victims, honoring their lives by improving the lives of others.

Whether it be young people who lost parents in the attacks who went to New Orleans and reached out to victims of Hurricane Katrina; whether it be first responders here in New York who continue their service to this day, putting their lives in harm's way in order to carry on the essential, life-saving work of their lost or sick comrades; or whether it be the simple act of volunteering to help those who need it the most, these actions are personal expressions, a means of turning a senseless tragedy into millions of acts of compassion and unity. I can think of no greater tribute to the victims of September 11th than in the positive and inspirational actions that millions of Americans have taken on their behalf both today and year round, honoring their dreams, and making a difference as a testament to their legacy.

That's why I was so proud to support the Edward M Kennedy Serve America Act, which established September 11th as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. In this time of crisis and uncertainty, so many people feel the need to contribute to the greater good. We will harness these millions of hearts and minds to honor the memories of the victims of 9/11.

When we create hope and opportunity in the lives of others, we allow love, decency and promise to triumph over cowardice and hate. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." I applaud the families, friends and fellow Americans of those victims for choosing light and love through service as a means of honoring these victims on this day.

Comments

[oldgeek1]

A lone person with a gun or a group of fanatics is almost impossible to defend against. That does not mean we should not be vigilant but rather realistic of the risks of life. We seem to refuse to accept the horrible and seek to look for answers beyond the fact that there are crazy people in the world.

I expect our leadership to acts mature, care about people and has the ability to approach issues and problems in a thoughtful manner and not pander to those who refuse to accept facts.

Most of all I expect civility, good manners, common sense and a reasonable work ethic.
It is evident that Senator Schummer has the above qualities as does Senator Gillbrant.

[joejoe21]

Senator, we are counting on you to continue to press for a real investigation into the events of 9/11.

[SkiingGator]

Keep up the good work Senator Gillibrand

[Spesabsquemetu]

Senator: let the light and the love shine through in the health care bill proposed by the senate..
Part II

A trigger is NOT a public option.
It is a deal cut between congressional recipients of MILLIONS of dollars from the health insurance / health industries, and the private health/insurance industries seeking to maintain 30%+ profits at the cost of true competition and affordable prices to health care for the American people.

A plan for America’s health care that LACKS A PUBLIC OPTION is like a plan for America’s financial security that LACKS A CRAM DOWN.

It’s a piece of legislation that legislates more profits for the insurance/ health industries at the cost of human lives and families suffering all across America. Many of the 9/11 families now face inconceivable battles over health care - the responders who did survive, the volunteers who in good faith gave a helping hand, and the families who lost loved ones whose health coverage provided the security of health care for their families.
If legislation is passed that fails to provide objectives that fulfill the GOAL: affordable, quality, competitive health care choices and options for ALL Americans, then it will be a piece of legislation lacking the light of truth regarding the suffering taking place in America, a piece of legislation short on love for our fellow American families.

[Spesabsquemetu]

Senator, let the light and love shine through on the health care bill proposed in the senate.
Part I

Use your light and love to lead your fellow senators to a bill driven by integrity to the goal of providing affordable, quality, health care choices and options to every American man, woman and child.

A plan for America’s health care that LACKS A PUBLIC OPTION is like a plan to help Americans save their homes, that LACKS A CRAM DOWN.

A co-op is not a public option.

It’s insurance sold by corporations that have a monopoly on the market that are NOT subject to anti-trust regulations, thus – it’s the selling of insurance by a MONOPOLY with no provisions to protect the consumer, by affording the consumer – TRUE COMPETITION.

When medicare is restricted from negotiating drug prices, such a measure taken cannot be called COMPETITION. It’s MONOPOIZATION of the pricing of drugs, it’s monopolization that allows big pharma to maintain UNAFFORDABLE DRUG PRICES.

[4Heavenssake]

She's my new senator. I had no idea of who she was or what she might say and do when she was appointed, but so far I am very, very extremely happy to have her.

[otto756]

Every day, more scientists, engineers, architects, rescue workers, and citizens realize what the rest of the world already knows: The official government story is impossible.

[Sabrina Elfarra]

September 11 has reminded me that as much as you have to be alert and wary, you also have to be willing to broaden your horizons. I saw this poignant documentary recently called ‘No Child is Born a Terrorist,’ about a Palestinian man who believes that art can be the outlet for anger and frustration – not violence. If you are interested in the film: http://explore.org/explore/middleeast/films/144

[otto756]

The greatest tribute to the victims is a new, independent investigation. The official story is an impossibility. It defies the laws of physics. We need to know what really happened.
Join the thousands of scientists, engineers, architects, rescue workers, and citizens who know we are being lied to and demand an independent investigation. Only the truth will bring about peace and healing.

[joejoe21]

I second that.

[trope]

I third that.