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Aug 16, 2003 Yesterday we showed the world the fabric we are made from by managing a major crisis without moaning, groaning wailing, rioting, looting or vandalizing. As many as 50 million people throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Eastern Canada were suddenly cut off from electrical power about 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 14th, 2003. Although no act of terrorism had been reported as a possible cause for the major grid blackout, most people unaware of what was really happening at the time acted calmly and responsibly, New Yorkers in particular. Many of them were seen on CNN helping those trapped in the subway system, carefully lifting them out of the cars and putting them on the platforms. I was especially impressed with the fifty- something, white woman who had undergone back surgery the day before being interviewed on TV as she directed traffic at a major Manhattan intersection. Drivers were heeding her signals, actually thanking her. A pedestrian gave her his whistle. Im also proud of the hundreds of thousands of people I saw on the streets peacefully walking in an orderly fashion, as if they were participating in a marathon, near Times Square while trying to get to their homes via the best possible way. I dont get emotional very often these days, but my heart swelled with pride at the sight of my fellow Americans handling a major crisis with a rational and sane approach to an emergency situation that could have turned into absolute chaos and a monumental disaster. Hey world, Im so proud to be an American! The event that took place on the East Coast of our great country yesterday should give anyone, who thinks we are a nation of simpering wimps, a whole new attitude about us. Although we are a land of diverse races, cultures, attitudes and religions constantly bickering among ourselves, come after us, tick us off and you will see us suddenly become one gigantic, united force to be reckoned with. Following the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto reported said from the deck of his battle ship, Im afraid my country has just awakened a sleeping dragon. Boy, was he right! ------------ About the author: Bobbie Hart ONeill is a retired print media journalist, CSU-Sacramento, 74, with 40 years experience in the field. She has worked as a reporter, feature writer, columnist, public relations writer, magazine/newsletter editor and publisher. She is currently a freelance writer residing in Yuma, Arizona and has published a childrens book, written three screenplays and a novel. In addition, she is interested in civic affairs, politics, current events, ethnology and animals. Email Bobbie: bobbieo@digitaldune.net Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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