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America then and now- from 9/11 to 911
commentary
September 14, 2023
America then and now- from 9/11 to 911

America changed on September 11, 2001 when the Twin Towers were destroyed in a terrorist attack that has become known as simply 9/11. However, it’s not that simple. In fact, its still hard to believe that four coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out by 19 Islamic extremists who hijacked our commercial airplanes, and crashed two of the planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing them to collapse as Americans were fleeing for their lives and jumping out of burning buildings.

Approximately 18,000 people were in the WTC complex when it was hit on 9/11 and the vast ma-jority was able to escape the flames. However, as people rushed out, first responders rushed in trying to save those still trapped in the burning buildings. It was these courageous first responders who went up 110 stories trying to save others, and many of them lost their own lives and sacrificed all for their country.

I can remember watching these horrific scenes unfold like a nightmare. I stopped teaching my school classroom and we watched in dismay at the destruction of our country. How was this happening in America?

Another plane would fly into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. And then after learning about the other attacks, passengers on the fourth hijacked plane, Flight 93, would fight back, and cause their plane to crash into an empty field in western Pennsylvania, only about 20 minutes by air from its destination of Washington, D.C.

The last words of one passenger, Todd Beamer, were “Let’s roll” as he and a few other passengers attempted to storm the cockpit and take their plane back from the hijackers. I remember he was born in 1968, a month before me. We were both the same age, 32, yet he would sacrifice his life that day for his country. All passengers, crew members and terrorists on board Flight 93 were killed so

at the Pentagon; and 40 people were killed on Flight 93.

However, I think something else also died that day in America – our sense of security. Yes, as we watched America under attack I think we lost our sense of our security that “nothing could ever happen to us in America.” Yet since that dreadful day Americans have continued to lose their sense of security in their country and it has led to the fall of America as we know it. Now America is imploding upon itself and again is in a real 911 crisis.

Politics and poisonous opinions that are not for the greater good of protecting all Ameri-

Social media is a joke because people coward behind it and push their agendas and opinions, yet they won’t dare to have face-to-face debates with one another.

I can remember a time when people worked out their differences or at least agreed to disagree and would go on.

Nowadays so much intolerance affects our small communities to our entire country we have grown up in. It’s simply ridiculous that people are not accepted because of their beliefs or convictions.

Americans needs to get over their intoler-revolutions. Intolerance also breeds separation and takes away our freedom of expression. It doesn’t allow others to have a say or put into practice any beliefs that might be different from your own ideas. In fact, it becomes a mental attitude that cannot recognize or respect any differences in beliefs or opinions. Hence why I believe America is in a 911 crisis because she is imploding upon herself and a house divided will surely fall.

I promise if we don’t settle our differences, we won’t have to worry about terrorists from other countries destroying us because we will keep attacking each other until there is no freedom, no forgiveness and no future for America at all.

Treasurer honored at retirement party
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Treasurer honored at retirement party
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Retiring McIntosh County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt received high praise from the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd at Whisenhunt’s retirement party Friday. “She could give courses acros...
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A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
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Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
A: Main, News...
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
A: Main, News...
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Killing them with kindness
commentary
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What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
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For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
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Another busy week in the district
commentary
Another busy week in the district
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I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
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Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
commentary
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
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News
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
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Mike Key talked to his Class of 1975 and other alumni about their Significant Alumni Jim Caro at the Katy Depot Meet & Greet on Saturday.
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