EDITORIAL

Where is al-Qaeda in North America

Here we are, September 13 and no significant activity on the part of al-Qaeda across North America.

Where are all the terrorists’ cells and individuals hiding? Did they not listen to the words of Osama bin Laden? I thought that the Remembrance Day of September 11 would have generated a few if not many actions against, in particular, white North Americans. There would be actions taken against the Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan; that is well understood; but across North America, nothing happened! Either the American anti-terrorist actions are forcing any al-Qaeda members to keep their heads low. It may even be that there are no al-Qaeda cells or there are inactive cells that may remain so for some time into the future.

The belief that there are al-Qaeda members in North America results in a continuing fear of terrorism resulting in the expenditure of many dollars to support all anti-terrorism activities. As well, the good citizens of North America will be subjected to the time consuming and debilitating security measures at the airports of Canada and the United States. Anti-terrorism has become a big industry with many dollars going to all the firms that are in the business. It is like a war industry. It has become a necessity and even to speak out against it might be deemed to be unpatriotic.

Of concern to the governments of Canada and the United States should be the potential recruitment by al-Qaeda of disaffected youth. Where will the come from? Can they be identified well before they fall into the mindset of terrorists? Can they be turned around to act as involved youth working to build a better world for others anywhere in the world? This concern needs to be addressed on a continuing basis.

 

POETRY

On September 13, six years ago the poem September 11, 2001 was published. The predictions included within the poem have taken place. On the occasion of the future tenth anniversary, a new poem will be published with the title Black Tuesday, reviewing the history of the infamous Black Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

September 11, 2001

This day etched forever in a mind,
A deed so cruel, so unjust, so unkind,
In disbelief we saw so much,
Knowing death would so many touch.

Our tears were shed, emotions enflamed,
Our understanding and thoughts were drained.
But many found much courage deep,
They gave their lives, now they sleep.

Thus left behind, family and friends,
And many who wonder how to make amends.
Some in anger, some in fear,
War is the word we did often hear.

But American leadership is very strong,
Voices were raised in patriotic song,
A people in crises always do unite,
The scoundrel, the villain, they will fight.

And those with wounds do suffer now,
For you in the future we do vow,
Remembrance, you served your country
When struck by the common enemy.

For in our freedom we do share.
All those who worked with much care,
To rescue all who could be saved,
So many images in our minds engraved.

This day we will never forget,
A remembrance day to beget,
A day for strength to renew,
With blessings, many to accrue!

© September 12, 2001 by Louis Henry Reeves