Tomorrow is 9/11... and I personally hope that neither Governor Romney nor President Obama go to Ground Zero to offer remarks. I am a political person, but I'd like to keep tomorrow as clean of politics as can be.
I am not naive: There are political issues involved with the attacks, before and after, planning and prevention, national and global policy issues. But we can argue them on other days.
I believe that both men have respect for the people who were killed 11 years ago, and also for the first responders and others who acted so nobly. Those who willingly went into harm's way, much as our Nation's troops do every day in Afghanistan and other lesser-known locations around the world. They are heroes, and many sacrificed themselves to save others on that day.
Both candidates have previously expressed their sympathy, condolences and anger regarding the events of that day, and also the pride of America's unwavering strength. We all felt it, some more closely than others: The terrorism, the fear, the tragedy, the national unity, a lingering pain... yet we have a steadfast resolve that we must rally together to build, in order to prevent such events from happening again.
Each of the candidates certainly has different ideas of how to approach national security. I know that in the middle of a Presidential election, these issues are very important. I care about these issues and have strong beliefs in which candidate I want to see (continue) to hold the highest office. But there are also many other days for campaigning. Let's argue on 9/12.
I don't want this particular thread to discuss the politics of those matters, and I don't want to read about President Obama or Governor Romney in NYC tomorrow. Because each political side will deride the other for using it as a political opportunity. Of course, each side may equally disparage the other for not showing up at the site.
I think it would be much more respectful, on 9/11 itself, for each of the men to speak as they feel they need to of the matter from other locations.
But the message, memory and future knowledge of 9/11 should never be taken away from all of the deep-felt emotions of those who remember it. For all Americans, but especially for those who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in a now-sacred field in Pennsylvania.
And also for the NYFD, the NYPD, the paramedics and other emergency personnel who did what they felt was right, and necessary, regardless of the risk. They went into the fire, into the dust, into the danger. That is courage; that is heroism.
So, my request to the candidates: Mr. President, Gov. Romney: Both of you are in positions where it is important that you express respect for all of these people and their actions. For real, and not just political reasons. But please do it from somewhere other than Ground Zero.
