The Collegian

Issue date: 9/25/07 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Collegian

After my last article several people commented to me that they were surprised that I did not write about 9/11 since it was so close to the anniversary. Well, here is my article on 9/11, reflecting on how some people picked to spend that day.

Most people took that day to remember where they were on that Tuesday morning. They thought about the contrasts between the depraved Muslim terrorists and the genuine bravery of those who worked to save lives.

However, a few people took 9/11 and twisted it, using it to expedite their own political wants by using the anniversary to protest American foreign policy. The San Francisco State College Republicans put on a 9/11 memorial event that was met by such a negative backlash that it has garnered national media attention.

Though not as loud, anti-war protesters even made a 9/11 appearance at Saint Mary's. A hand- ful of adults gathered in front of the chapel to protest. They provided an excellent contrast to the pro-American 9/11 memorial hosted by the Republican Club. Since at least some of the people taking part in this protest were either faculty or staff, it may be inappropriate for me to express the full measure of disapproval of their actions, but anyone familiar with my articles can well imagine what would be written.

It is curious how these protesters, in general, deplore the human rights issues they say come from war and the violence it causes, yet this cannot be their true motivation. If they really cared about stopping violence they would not have had signs that said "U.S. out of Iraq;" they would have had signs against Al-Qaeda, who massacre civilians. They should have had signs against the genocidal war mongering of Iran or the Syrian penchant for killing pro-democracy leaders. Of all the evil in the world, they pick America to focus their attacks on. What kind of logic is that?

The protesters say "don't dare challenge their patriotism" because "peace is patriotic." When peace leads your fellow countrymen and women to their deaths, that is not patriotic. By these protesters' definition of being a good American, we should all go out on July 4th and burn the stars and strips.

If they want to protest the war that is their right, but to do so on 9/11 is nearly sacrilegious. That they take the day when America was at her weakest, when America was reeling from the attack and use that day to attack, not defend, America shows their true feelings.

If they cannot support America on 9/11, there is no day on which they will support America.

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