Today is a day I feel like communicating with someone. All those I've talked to in the past few days have surprised me with their attitudes. I agree that time has passed. I agree that we have moved on. I agree that we should find positive answers to the negatives that have been created because of 9/11. But I am hearing and seeing the same complacency that I thought had been diminished by the horrors of reality. Even at the school where the banner is hanging they said, "Why should we remind them?"

Meanwhile I am once again moved, and feel emotions just below the surface, edging their way up. I told a friend yesterday (one of those I invited to go to a vigil, then to a panel discussion on "Efforts to Promote Harmony in the Aftermath of 9/11"-she declined, like the others, saying she didn't need or want to do such things) that I am more hurt, more angry now than two years ago because I'm watching the erosion of all we've ever known at the hands of powerful and deliberate people who, I feel certain, sought (and planned) personal gain from events they knew were probable to happen. And we can't seem to stop them. The terrorism of 9/11 lasted minutes. The daily reality, continues in an insidious and sinister way. There's a helplessness that exists with this knowledge.

It is my job-and your job, and everyone's job to bring the positive to light, to bring the light into that dark place that was created on 9/11/01. But sometimes it feels like an impossible task. How is it that the bad guys, the conniving and evil, can find hundreds, even thousands of followers who blindly believe in all they are told, but those of us who want only to do good, teach children morals and ethics with love and compassion cannot find more than a handful of others willing to put forth the effort to help?

A year ago I believed in the power of the collective intent of people around the world putting forth these efforts towards peace and justice. Where did that power go? Everyone's "plate is too full." Where does it go from here? Is it really possible to do whatever it is I am trying to do? Oh, I'm not giving up, I'm just struggling with it all. It must be the day. Or Mars. Or the harvest moon.

Connie Polk,
World Unity Project