Swami, the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is coming up. What does the crystal ball say about how best citizens can commemorate the day? Or on the other hand, do you have any personal advice on the topic since you are a person of eminent wisdom?
Dear Swami Mom, thanks for saying nice things to me.
There is always the obvious: Fly an American flag. There’s even a nationwide internet campaign underway to do that.
Here’s the pitch from the chain mail proponents:
“THE PROGRAM IS THIS: On Tuesday, September 11th, 2007, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.”
The Swami thinks that’s OK as far as it goes, though it has the subtle undertow of suggesting that what’s going on in Iraq right now is somehow protecting American’s cherished freedoms. We’re dubious about the evidence for that position.
On the other hand, being a good American is not a hollow value and we are in favor of demonstrating it in everyday life, not just on special days.
For example, you might
1: Do a good deed for a person who isn’t expecting it.
2: Thank someone who does a job on the public payroll – teacher, cop, firefighter, for example.
3: Say something nice even when the instinct is to say something harsh.
4: Smile more. You'd be surprised how the aura around a person who smiles makes a difference.
5: Commit making a a difference. Just one every day.
It’s a start.
Leave a comment