Two years ago this morning we were all sitting here with our eyes glued to the TV, in shock at the sight unfolding before us. Life came to a standstill for those of us not involved, and became a nightmare for those who were. Take a moment today and reflect on how this has changed our lives, and say a prayer, or send a good thought the way of those families who lost loved ones in the disaster. If you see a police officer or fireman on the street today tell them thanks for all they do. Both jobs are pretty thankless and they deal with tragedy every day they go to work.

Live each moment like it is your last. As we all became aware Sept 11th 2001, it could be.. Love one another and treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. Having a good heart pays dividends beyond the obvious..

Take a moment, remember and reflect...

Bill Evans
Sept 11, 2003

Living In Oklahoma it was the second time I had lived through the horror of a terroristic attack. My heart and thoughts go to everyone who lost loved ones. Both here and NY.

life is too short and fleeting to not be able to take time out and see the things around you that you may take for granted....peace to all those involved

The odd thing was, I was doing absolutely nothing that day until at least 6PM. I remember thinking, "This is the first day in forever that I actually have time to get out and do soemthing or get to work on my computer." Little did I know what was about to unfold. By sheer boredom, I turn on my TV that's right next to my main computer, and there it is. I stopped and stared. I couldn't comprehend what was going on, but I knew right away that this was not an accident. I couldn't imagine that this was going on a mere 5 hour drive from me. And I have friends in New York that were probably there. Such an inconceivable thought. Later that day, my plans were canceled involuntarily, because no one could even think of running any school after this. Especially in a government building. So I continued to watch through that day and over the next week or two. CNN had coverage, so I watched it. Had it not been for the non-stop TV coverage, I would not know the state of the people in New York. Not a good sight, but I had to watch. It dragged me in because it seemed fake since I couldn't look out my window and see it.

I was on my way back from taking my wife to work. I heard something about a plane crashing into the World Trade center tower. They thought it was a horrible accident. I hurried back home and turned on the TV to the today program. They had their cameras on the tower which had been hit, and were talking about this horrible accident, and were wondering how this could happen. Then, the unthinkable. Another plane slammed into the towers. Then it seemed like it was intentional. The thing I remember most about the event was the huge amount of smoke and dust generated. Overhead shots of New York were surreal. The golden flow of the morning sun was giving a golden hue to the clouds of smoke and dust rising from the city. At that point, no one knew that the towers would fall, or that thousands would die. I remember hearing the reports of other planes in the air and other attacks going on.

It felt horrible. It felt like suddenly we were in WW III. No one knew what was going on. The Pentagon was being hit, passengers were hurtling toward their deaths in Pennsylvania.

To me, it was another horrible milestone in a series of attacks on our people. I'm tired of the American people being asked to pay everyone's bills, and of all the jobs going overseas. I'm tired of being ripped off by WorldCom, Enron, etc. I am tired of our people living in fear of their government, of losing their jobs, of losing their homes, and now, having the big labels of the music industry attacking us.

It's about time terror stops, and stops TODAY and stops right NOW. And to the RIAA, you are a domestic terrorist, and on this day of sadness, remembering what others did to our country, sit back and reflect Mr. Sherman, are you proud of what YOU
are doing to our country.

God Bless America / God Bless the People of America / God Bless those here and abroad who give of themselves to fight for freedom!

~code

9-11 should be made into an official holiday of thanks to ALL who strive for freedom and liberty. Yes, let's honor our military, fire-fighters, and police... but not forget to include our other important freedom and liberty fighters! Bill, good luck at the Tech TV show! We know you will do your best to stand up for freedom and liberty tomorrow! You are a true patriot representing the host of freedom loving patriots who frequent this site along with a much greater number of folks who are as yet unaware of our efforts!

KICK BUTT!

Shmoo, of Electric Gypsy

Support Local and Independent Music!

man i remember that day...i was doing tech support for bellsouth in an old federal building....
i was on the phone with someone tring to get there fastaccess running and the lady was like "shit they took out the twin towers"
so we were all like wtf.
i called the sod desk and we all were like to hell with this and went home,safer that way cause we were rather close to dc

I was in Washington, DC about five miles away from the Pentagon when the terrorists attacked it. I had fallen asleep around 5 a.m. on 9/11 after a pulling an all-nighter working on some digital art on my computer. By mistake, I left the t.v. playing. I think I was half-asleep, half-awake when I thought I heard Charlie Gibson and Diane Swayer talking about an attack on the World Trade Center. I woke up....only to hear that Washington D.C. was being attacked and that the Pentagon was on fire, and a second plane was possibly headed our way.

Although I wasn't directly affected by the attacks, I was still afraid. And I wasn't the only one. The next day, students cleared out of my campus. Some called the school to say they'd never return. An English professor, who's anniversary was 9/11, lost his wife worked in the Pentagon. Anyone who's been to D.C. knows they are usually crowded with people. On 9/12, D.C. was like a virtual ghost town. Very few people were left. It was like a ghost town. I saw fellow students piling clothes in the back of their car trunks, headed out of the city. We were ordered to stock up on water and other necessities just in case something else occurred. Things would only get shakier after the anthrax attacks in October and when traces were found on my college campus.

One of the bad things that came out of 9/11 that changed me was mainly the anticipation of wondering what other bad things are yet to come. It's that anticipatory fear that's the most frightning. It makes you know that I cannot take anything for granted.

I pray for the families of 9/11 and all for all the victims.

I woke up early that day, for an odd reason. I turn on the TV and I see the makings of a really bad movie. But it was no movie.

When I looked out of my window towards downtown and saw the amount of smoke, after the collapse..... this was no movie.

I hope today isn't that sad for everyone.

btw, saw a spokesman from (I think it was>) digitalconsumer.com on "Countdown" last night who was VERY good at pointing out a few things against the RIAA position. (Much of his brief statement was lifted from things George Z. stated here long ago) but I hope that guy gets to the Tech Tv show too!

maybe it was digital-consumer??? don't click the link I got above... if someone knows the right link please put it up!

I was working at MCI that day, working on computers. News got around that the WTC and the Pentagon had been attacked. I did not know how bad it was until they closed the MCI center, and sent everyone home. I walked into the lobby where CNN was on and saw both towers gone, and smoke rising from it's ruins. Although I was in Iowa, tears came to my eyes...
Strangely, I wore all black that day...

My wife and I were just coming home from what would be her final check-up before the birth of our son.

Feeling such joy and elation because of the long wait to have children.

I had just dropped her off at work after her appointment. As I got home I turned the tv in the garage on when I heard the news of the first plane.

As you can Imagine, joy suddenly turned to shock and saddness. Later in the day, the emotions turned to a slight fear , wondering what kind of world we would be bringing a child into.

A full gambut of emotions that I will never forget.

Our thoughts , and prayers go out to the folks whose lives were touched more directly.

WABBITMAN

Peace and blessings to all the friends, familes, and loved ones of those who lost their lives on this day and thereafter. Insofar as we are Americans, we all lost a lot that day. There was a certain sense of safety and security that a lot of us had before that day, that was shattered, and the sinking feeling in the back of our minds that this could happen again.

When I heard the calls from the plane nearing Pennsylvania, and how a courageous band of passengers decided on a plan to risk, and ultimately, lose their lives to stop the terror, when I heard the two words that Todd Beamer uttered to express their resolve to act, to oppose terror, when he said "Let's Roll!", to me, it captured the spirit of all the guys on the beach on D-Day, it captured the guys at Valley Forge with George Washington, and for months after the event, I could not talk about the Todd Beamer quote without crying.

Americans are generally good people, courageous people , generous people, and ultimately, survivors.

And, I think we are seeing that American strength of purpose and dedication to freedom and life, right here on this board.

So, to one and all of the freedom fighters here...and to Bill Evans and Jon Newton, a tip of the hat, a silent prayer, and a respectful, and sincere...
"Thank you !"
~code

I'm with you, CodeWarrior. The RIAA is another face of terrorism. Here's the letter I just wrote them:

*****
Dear RIAA,

I, one of your previous consumers, am absolutely appalled by your "sue 'em all" campaign. Especially when you, a giant company which has millions of dollars at your disposal, goes after and terrifies a little 12 year old girl who has no means of defending herself. Or how about a 71 year old man? The only difference between your bogus lawsuits and mugging random people in the streets is that you've had the decency to come forth and say that you are the mugger. And I think this will only aid in the public boycott of your product, which brings me to my point:

I swear to never purchase another CD produced by a label affiliated with the RIAA. I swear to boycott all performances and appearances of the bands who put forth such CDs. My boycott will continue until these terms are met:

1) The RIAA ceases ALL lawsuits against its customers indefinitely.
2) The RIAA sends letters of apology to each and every person who received a subpoena.
3) The RIAA returns the money received from each successful lawsuit, with 500% interest.
4) The RIAA gives 80% of the revenue from music sales to the artists.
5) The RIAA gives 19% of the revenue from music sales to a charity of their choice.
6) The cost of a CD is lowered to below $5.
7) The RIAA makes a public statement that it infringed on people's freedoms, made false accusations, bought the laws that protect it, tried to trick people into signing away their innocence, etc.
The RIAA fires Cary Sharmen.

September 11th reminds us of how lucky we are to be "free" in this country. Those who envy or hate us crash planes into buildings, or they buy laws and terrify a child for money they don't need. Both are forms of terrorism, only one comes out of greed and arrogance instead of ignorance and hate. I, as one who almost lost someone in the tragedy two years ago, love this country and will not let special interests and big business use the fear created by terrorism to trample on our rights and steal our money.
***************

One of my friends was interning at the World Trade Center, Tower 1 I believe, the weekend before... If she didn't leave that Monday... I hate to think of what what could've happened.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone lost, and anyone who lost a loved one. My prayers to anyone so filled with hate that they feel it nessicary to kill themselves in order to kill others... Humans are nothing more than human, and we need compassion for even our current enemies.

I was waiting to go to school, when my grandmother told me to turn on the TV. It was about then that the second airplane ran into the towers... I can't even describe the rage I felt, because I though my friend was still there. But new friends of her's were there... I can't imagine what it would be like to lose someone to something so thoughtless and hateful...

But fear is what they wanted. Fear is what the RIAA wants. Fear is what big business wants. If anyone hasn't watched "Bowling For Columbine", rent or buy it TODAY. As Manson said in his interview, "Keep them scared, and they will consume." It's far too true.

So I, for one, won't be scared. Instead, I'll get educated. And if the US would rather pay for bombs and guns than good schools, I'll take my family elsewhere. I am not afraid.

I'll be taking today to remember, about how the millionairs of this nation, munipulated, lied, and swindled people of other nations, and made them hate us so much, that they were willing to kill all those innocent working class people three years ago from today. May they rest in peace.

~goingnova

I am a veteran. I dislike much of what is said here, but I would offer my life again, that we are able to differ.
I was at work in MO (i live by the sea in TX now) when the first plane hit.
I am a private pilot. I thought a lil cessna had ran into the tower. I got home to my ex wife just in time to see the south tower fall. I still cannot watch, and i have seen much.
I am a conservative republican, amongst liberals LOL, but I love this country, and I will not speak ill of it.
I am proud to be among such intelligent, thoughtful, wonderful people, regardless of thier colour, beliefs, or race. our little boycott is a microcosm of what makes this country great.
Take just a second, frequent readers/posters to see the company you keep....I for one, am proud, even if we differ. there are not many places on the globe where Boycott-riaa would be possible.
Today is a holiday, of sorts. even cary-sue is off the hook for today.
Tomorrow, is time to rejoin the fight.
I love you all, very much, and am very proud to be associated, however minor that association may be, with you fine folks.
Lets take a deep breath, then get back at it. We are all, american, after all...
God bless you and yours, and God bless america..
i will sign this with my 'real' handle, and my 'real' name....

Brian K. Ahrens
aka "operaghost"
god bless-i love you all

the blessings of this beautiful country is unparrareled to anything on the face of this planet. the day of 9/11/01 i was shopping and i saw the devastation at a k-mart in N.Y. from a t.v. in the store. it was like a something from a movie. that was one of the most despicable acts of century by a bunch of lowlife cowards that are jealous and hateful of our way of life. my blessings are with those of all the families that lost loved ones and with the good people on this board. god bless the people of boycott riaa and god bless the digital evolution of freedom that's coming. one that the capitalist pigs want to get their greedy profit minded hands on. to all again, god bless and amen.

RIP to all those who died, they died for all America! It sucks to think all the hate in this world. It will never die!

-ravenance (RIP!!!)

Good morning all,

I had a lot of interesting ideas and insights at work last night which I wanted to share with you all. Instead, I will wait for tomorrow, I just want to spend the rest of my day reflecting.

I wish to thank all of you for sharing with me your thoughts and emotions about this cowardly act of terrorism. Our strength as a nation and a diverse but united people has been made stronger by this horrible action, we will overcome.

To those of you who support these acts, your plan did not work. Am I terrified, HELL NO, I am mad, all you accomplished was to unite this country and make us stromger.

To everyone who lost a loved one, they did not die in vain, but are true heros, their actions on that day will not be forgotten, but embraced and honored.

Dave

zeitgheist- spirit of the times...
I just want to say, very sincerely,
thank you for your service to our country. I try to say that personally whenever possible to all those who served our country in the military. Many of my personal friends personally served in Nam, and my brother-in-law
is a Marine (semper fi to all Marines).

I just wanted to say how proud I am personally of you, of you being here, and being one of us.

Very heartfelt words you wrote, beautiful, and so appropriate on this day of remberence.

Prayers for luck,health,happiness,
prosperity, and success to you,
and all brothers and sisters here!
~code
John

To all those that lost loved ones on Sept 11,01 my heart goes out to you.. Your loved ones did not die in vain.

To those that purpatrated the attacks.. You plan to destroy america did not work we are better than ever and really you did not terrify us, you pissed us off. MAY YOU BE DAMMED TO HELL!!!!!!
- The Outsider (RIP!!!)

September 11, 2003 - A day which will live in infamy.

Each and every one of those precious souls lost needs to be forever remembered and honored. God bless them and their families.

Enemies of the American People, be they foreign or domestic, have not learned from the past. The American people DO NOT cower in fear. We stand up and fight. We put our feelings of anguish and loss into one word: Resolve.

Far too often I hear people mention leaving this country because they do not like the things that are happening. I, for one, will not. This is MY country. I will stay and do what I can to change things. Our forefathers stayed, fought and made things better. It is the very least I could do. I will never abandon America!

3000+ innocent lives paid in exchange for iraqi oil.
everyone know saudi arabia has all the terrorists....

Ty code, and all others.
I would do it again for such fine folks.

lets get over the spilled milk and take the fight to them!

~time flies~

i wish our politicians today had the same virtues of our forefathers. I say we use cloning technology, dig up washington, lincoln, jefferson, and teddy roosevelt, clone them and let them run the country.

Urethra901 said:

"Far too often I hear people mention leaving this country because they do not like the things that are happening. I, for one, will not. This is MY country. I will stay and do what I can to change things. Our forefathers stayed, fought and made things better. It is the very least I could do. I will never abandon America!"

...and those words made me ashamed of my own words in the past here in these forums. We must NOT let the terrorist RIAA win. We sure as hell are not gonna let Al-Queda make us wish we were not American. I will NOT let the RIAA run me from my home! Even tho the RIAA has all the money and lawyers and even our representitives in their pocket, I WILL NOT MOVE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY just because of them! And I will never again, even in half-jest make statements to that effect. I will STAND for our freedom as do did our public servants and plain ol' citizens did on 9-11 of 2001! I will STAND and DEFEND freedom of speech and expression against the RIAA and WILL NOT RUN FROM THEM!

Come sue me RIAA,
I am waiting for ya!

Shmoo, of Electric Gypsy

Independent, Local and PROUD!

What reall saddens my heart is that the very thing that the terrorists tried to do with this despicable act is being carried forward by a bunch of so-called patriotic, jack-booted lawyers trying their darndest to nullify the rights of American citizens.. chasing the all-mighty dolla..

I remember that I woke up early that day to go for a training ride, around 6AM...I was really tired so I decided to skip the ride and class, and I went back to sleep.

I woke to my roomate knocking lightly on my door - 'get up man, come see this'. I walked out of my room to see the first tower plastered on his giant TV. My first thought was that it was accidental. "How do you not see something that BIG?", I said.

Then the second plane hit.

We all know what ensued. The Pentagon, Washington, the truth (or what they told us of it).

Classes were cancelled that day. A bunch of people came to our house and we all just kind of sat around, and watched the TV.

It seemed surreal. It seemed like we were watching a bad movie. We were so far away (College Station, TX). Some of us cried, some of us prayed, others got mad. Some of us couldn't come to terms with the reality of it. To this day because it happened so far away and no one we really knew was affected - it seems almost a distant occurance that was just another notch in the belt of history.

But we have to remember that it was much more. We watched firemen, policemen, hospital workers, volunteers, and everyday citizens giving everything they had for each other.

We pay sports figures 7 digit incomes. They do not do 1/2 as much as our firemen and policemen do.

We gripe about the RIAA. We whine about politics. And our day goes on. 'Operaghost' had it right to say that we are blessed to do this. If we were living in another country, this site wouldn't be up - we would be meeting in a dank basement somewhere in fear of our lives. We couldn't attempt to create an uprising like we are doing without being assassinated.

We are the blessed. Thanks to the many men and women who died and are still dying for us. It's so easy to forget that.

Liberals. Conservatives. Christians. Athiests. Black. White. Yellow. Whatever we are, wherever we are - we are AMERICANS. And being so gives us FREEDOM. Let's not forget who gave that to us.

And let's not forget to punish those who attempt to take it away.

right on JazzMary

During 9/11 I was a member of the New York Air National Guard and was a participant in Homeland Security. Everything I learned in basic training was put to use that day... And let me tell you, it was a scary feeling. I am proud to have served my country and would gladly do it again if called upon to defend freedom.

ghosthouse-
Thank you for your service to our country brother, and thank you for all you did at Ground Zero!

Lotsa heros in this place!
~code

I was at school that day, so I wasn't anywhere near the city when it happened. But I did spend most of the day talking with my family and friends back in NJ, who watched the planes hit and towers fall from their vantage point, and the frantic attempts to figure out if anyone I knew was in the buildings that day. Having grown up in north Jersey, I still get pangs whenever I happen to see the city skyline and the towers missing.

I salute all the heros of that day. Not just those who died, but all the policemen and firefighters in NYC and across the country that helped keep the peace, the brave men and women of our armed services ready to protect our freedoms, every citizen who answered the call to give blood, every person who was there when another needed comfort.

I've never been as proud of my country and what it stands for as on that day. When I think about the sacrifices made on that day, it just doubles my resolve to fight this fight against the RIAA - and all fights to defend our rights, our freedoms, and our heritage that makes this country great, whether those threats come from outside or from within. To do less would be to dishonor everyone who's made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can all be here.

Peace and love to all those affected. Peace and love to all those who here who fight and have faught for our rights, and what our forefathers outlined in our constitution, especially during these difficult and trying times. Love and Peace to all. America truly is the greatest nation of all.

Brian A. Price
WA USA
aka: ~goingnova

Code: You're welcome bro! Let's continue to fight and put a stop to terror.

RIAA STEW

1 lb. cubed beef stew meat (bite-size pieces)
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon Gravy Master or Kitchen Bouquet
2 medium or 3 small potatoes, cubed
2 large or 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
60 Million Pissed Off Americans

God bless America, and the freedoms we so deeply cherish here. The people who died on 9/11 will not be forgotten, not today, tomorrow, or any other day. Our resolve to continue our fight for the lives and well-being of ordinary Americans will persist ever after.

-PhantomGhost

I thought it was a special effect at first. It was Armageddon all over again. When I realised it was real it became very frightening indeed. There is no way you can take in and understand what is going on in the peoples minds who were there. All you can do is sit back and feel dumbstruck, sad, sympathetic and possibly angry at those who did it.

The problem now is that those in positions of power are using it as an excuse to lash out at everybody and abusing peoples civil liberties 'in the name of freedom'. This is a real tragedy as I am sure that those who lost loved ones that day wish for the American spirit to live on and for democratic process to stay open to all. But the powers that be are trying very hard to change America into a series of police states.

Say a prayer not only for those that were lost that day. Not only for the onles who have lost. But for the United States of America in general.

God bless you all.

It's good to know that in this day and age of people flying into buildings, we're only concerned about the important things in life. Like sueing 12 year old girls.

amen KRISPIE

good lord i remeber it, i was in class and we had the tv on and were watching the news when it happened. noen of us beleieved it. however, after we all searched the top news web sites we found out it was true, then we saw the video tape of the plane hitting the towers. it was so shocking we still couldn't beleieve it, we made jokes about it because it couldn't possibly be realy right? in second period the news was on as well, more info...
wow, it really did happen.

my prayer goes out to all those who have suffered.

"now i lay me down to sleep, i pray the lord my soul to keep, for if i die before i wake, i pray the lord my soul to take"

God Bless

I remember the act of violence against our country, and can't help but to think of all the innocent lives that were lost two years ago by some group who does not like our socitey. It is hard for me today to think boycott when all I can think about are the people that were lost, and all the families that were left behind by this tragedy.
but I will be back in full swing tomorrow and with the gloves off. Take care everyone and I will see you and talk with you folks later.

Bush has proclaimed today Patriot Day. A national day of rememberence for those who lost their lives two years ago.

Well said Krisp...


God Bless America.

As for my take on all of this.

I was at school in Washington State, working in the student government office. Because of the time difference nearly every student was still asleep. A friend of mine that I worked came into the office and asked me if I knew what had happened. He sent me downstairs where a tv was tuned to CNN. For a while I couldn't wrap my mind around what was happening. I just stood there with a cup of coffee in my hand and couldn't think. It had to be a movie but right there on the screen was the word LIVE as the towers burned. I watched as first tower fell. I continued to watch as the second fell. Classes never entered anybodies minds once they knew what was happening. The campus was nearly deserted. The only place you could find people were gathered around televisions that the AV people had set up around campus. Students and teachers alike stood side by side watching the replay of the second hit and the fall of the towers.

Working for the student paper allowed me to vent my rage as I called for surgical strikes against known terrorist training camps. I even used the claim that those who were not with us were against us. I took heart in the knowledge that we had a republican in office that would not fail to use military force. I regret now having used those words or relied upon him. We have made huge mistakes since that day, giving up civil liberties and attacking countries without justifications. I served in the original Persian Gulf War and this is not what I fought for.

Bush calls today Patriot Day. A day to remember and mourn. By calling it Patriot Day he makes it sound like a day to celebrate, like Independence Day. Do we "celebrate" Pearl Harbor Day? Or do we mourn those who died and honor their sacrifice?

Watch as terrorists use this proclamation against us. They will honor those terrorists as patriots. We've given them a holiday here in America. Another mistake made by Bush. He'll likely recieve his $87 billion to continue hunting Saddam and Bin Laden because we still have not caught them. He'll use our memory and this day to try and get reelected. Don't let him.

Remember today as September 11th. Remember those who died. Mourn them and honor them. But do not celebrate their needless deaths. And pray for those who are fighting still.

I see it like this folks.

When you compare this fight to the destruction and loss of life that happened two years ago it's easy to think we're just whining about filesharing. Bottom line is it's the same issue. Somebody wants to take your freedom and your privacy and your ability to be Americans because they don't like it. I was infuriated two years ago and I was willing then to go to war just like I was infuriated when the riaa sued that 12 year old girl. The act is different but the intent is the same. They want to hurt the innocent and the weak and destroy what lots of people have died to create. I will not give up the fight. That would be an insult to all of those who came before me. I will do what I can and pay what I have to. Think about that riaa.

peace to all you folks out there especially New York and DC

For me, there was something personal about the WTC destruction: I was literally CONCEIVED within the area now known as "Ground Zero." Alas, by the time I was born we were out of the area, as my mother had been moved out of a house which was cleared (along with many other buildings) to make way for the sprawling WTC complex. So it could be said a certain part of me went down along with the Twin Towers -- though I now live (and have, for decades) in mid-Manhattan, a few blocks from Penn Station and the unforgivably biased CNN's New York bureau.

About those who hate the U.S.: I would venture that such attitude is further hardened by such things as the RIAA's police-state tacticology. This whole imbroglio shows to the world what hypocrites we (as a nation) are with respect to "bringing freedom to the world." Moreover, I can assure you that tinpot dictators and other totalitarian tyrants of all stripes (Communist, fascist, et al.) are all laughing at us. Not to mention working to get back at us if we even so much as open our mouths about those countries' human rights violations, egregious as they are ("You are in no position to lecture my country about human rights, when your country does the same thing to people who listen to music on their computers") -- because we've all but stooped to their level - to the level of the Butchers of Beijing . . . to the level of Fidel Castro . . . to the level of the deposed Saddam Hussein . . . all for the selfish aims and profit$$$ of a few large corporations. And the RIAA (whose initials should stand for "Radical, Imperial, Arrogant Autocrats") has shown some characteristics of tyrannies past and present -- by twisting and subverting copyright law to benefit only a privileged few and use as a weapon against the poor, the young and the old . . . by redefining "fair use" to mean whatever the whims of the moment, as opposed to 2 centuries of precedent . . . by buying off our political and judicial systems, and shutting out the "hoi polloi" and / or their advocates from those debates, in pursuit of their goals . . . and so on.

And in at least some of these dictatorships, I.I.N.M., peer-to-peer technology is outlawed because the "leaders" see the potential to trade over the 'Net and chatrooms, potentially "subversive" ideas that might "possibly" threaten the power of the State. Only the excuses for this witch-hunt here are different.

I was asleep, my fiance, already awake, rushed into the room and nudged me awake, "A plane just crashed into the world trade center, I just heard it on the radio, will you check it out? I have to get to work."

In my half asleep state it took a few seconds for it to sink in... probably a small prop plane or something... so I groggily made my way to the tv and flipped it on.

Four hours later I realized that I had slipped off the couch onto my knees, my eyes were blurred with tears, my fists balled up for so long they cramped, my jaw ached from being clenched for so long. I hoped I was watching a bad Roland Emmerich movie. I hoped it was not real, how could it be? It's too outlandish, too bizarre, too hollywood. How, why would someone do such a thing.

I found out later that September 11, 2001 was the fiftieth anniversary of the Pentagon and celebrations were to be held that day. Was the significance of that the reason they chose the date? Was it because sentencing for one of the WTC bombers was going to be held that day?

My fiance and I walked around my condo complex that night and saw all the candles in the windows. In my heart, my own was lit. A silent prayer for all the families of those who were lost that day and the hope that one day, peace would prevail.

My love and respect go out to all the inhabitants on this little rock in space. Peace to all on this day.

Today is indeed a day of remembrance. To remember the people who lost their lives to terrorists and those whose lives were ruined by the terrorists.

But today is also a day for looking forward. To look towards what must be done to defeat a new enemy, a corrupt organisation. Already their evil has been shown to the public.

The RIAA must not win this fight, or other countries will suffer the same fate: Being buried under lies and lawsuits. They will own our lives.

I doubt I can help, our news services in the UK are stubborn ('specially the arses at the BBC, scuse the language), but I can try to help you from my end too.

I had a poem that inspired me, but I think it would be too long for this post.

"Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it."

Never forget.
Never give up.
Never Surrender.

You know, some of us here are old, and some of us are young (it's all relative) and the fact that so many people on this day, 2 years ago, many in the prime of life, lost their lives in a second, gives pause to each of us to reflect on what we are doing here, what our legacy to the next generation will be, and ultimately, how others will remember us. For example, we look back on our founding fathers with fondness and thank them for our freedom, and yet, many of those who put everthing on the line back then, lost everything, and died penniless because of their involvement in the cause. We tend to forget that some of the biggest names in art, never sold anything during their life, or died broke, and only posthumously became big names.

Each of us can take time today, to reflect on what would those we left behind say about us if the terrorists were to take US out today. Would they say "He (or she) was always ready to help you." or "They made this world brighter and happier for what they did during life."

Some people live their life focused on themselves, getting the most money and toys for themselves, and living in a sea of egotism. Others try to make the world just a bit better for other people, and for their kids and grandkids. Ultimately, someone will ask, "What was their life all about."

It seems clear that the folks belong to the second class, as folks who are trying to make this country better for others.

And you know what? When all the Grammys are sitting on shelves gathering dust, and all the stretch limos are in the garage, and all the music stars of today are names, forgotten in the mists of time, it is what we are doing that will matter. Freedom is always more important than fame, and goodness triumphs over evil, sometimes, it just takes some time.

Love to all.
~code

I remember the clothes I wore to work that day and I haven't worn them since. There was a guy a work with a tiny television we were watching when the towers fell, I left work early because I have an Aunt that lives next to where the plane in Pennsylvania fell, so I wanted to see if she was ok. Driving home was like a dream, everything was in slow motion, people just pulled their cars over and were leaning against them crying. I felt like Pearl Harbour was happening all over again, all I could hear in my head was 1000 people scream when that tower leaned then fell, then having those screams cut short. Even seeing a still picture of those towers chokes me and brings me to tears. May God or whoever you believe in bring you comfort in these times of pain, I wouldn't wish that kind of horror on anybody, even the RIAA, nobody deserves what those people went through. People at the RIAA deserve prison or to be out of business, not having to decide to either burn to death or jump out of 100 story window.

I rember I was in the car on my way for school and heard the news that a jet ran into the world tradecenter building 1. I knew then that in the end War would be the result. Ofcourse noone else at my crappy school new about it 'tell I told them, then the Radios and TV's where on....

i remember being at work that day, just another day like every other, or so i thought. i work for a major carpet corporation, and i had answered a phone call from an angry customer. this was after the first tower had fallen. traffic in boston had pretty much come to a stop, and this woman was screaming that her carpet installer hadn't arrived yet to do his job. we contacted him via nextel, and i remember him telling our installation manager that "the traffic on 93's pretty much come to a stop. tell her she's my first stop as soon as this traffic clears." the manager relayed that message to the woman on the phone, to which she replied "i don't care--tell him to get here NOW." our manager then informed her that two aircrafts had crashed into the wtc towers, and that thousands of people had died, consequently tying up traffic with everyone trying to get home, to which she replied "i don't care. that's not my problem. i want my carpet here right goddamn now!!" our manager politely informed her that our installer would not arrive at her home that day, and that we would be sending her money back. "we don't want your business," he told her, and quietly hung up on her.

thoughts and prayers to all of the families and friends of the souls that perished two years ago. and thoughts and prayers to all of the passionate folks here. i'm proud to be in your ranks.

God bless you all,
Gina

Code: You are right, man, all that will really matter is the fight for freedom. Who knows...this whole campaign may end up in history books someday. Crooked politicians made America corrupt. You can thank certain people for that. It is people like us, freedom loving, freedom fighting people who defend freedom. If you take a long look at it, where does terrorism start? Does it start in a desert somewhere in the middle east? Or does it start on our own land. Some ask the question of, "Did we create the terrorists?" Going back in history, own can only ponder that. Looking at the RIAA, one would wonder if laws are being abused here. Our country letting someone like the RIAA run loose with an act like the DMCA, and then allowing them to impose that law on a child, is like letting a mad man loose on a playground with a gun.

I remember how it went down, hearing it on the school loudspeaker first time, and i first thought it was some unexplainable freak-accident.

Anyway, if you dont know, 9/11 is similar to what the RIAA is doing. Terrorizing people.

Btw, hope you have a good time at TechTV, our biggest friend!

I was supposed to be in NYC that day, to do research for a movie I was writing. The movie was to have been set in the WTC complex, and I was going to try to get a feel for the place, for authenticity, so who knows what might have happened to me that morning.
If it had not been for the temporary minor illness of a family member, which caused me to postpone the trip, I might not be here today.
I have been meaning to write an article about the music industry for a few weeks, since I found this site, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.
Today is just not the day. My heart is not in it.
Peace (through strength).

The Kid

I know I don't post here very often, but I felt that today I actually had something to contribute.

A week prior to 9/11/01, I had just signed my discharge papers from the Army. I was 5 months pregnant at the time, and felt that I wasn't going to be able to give all 100% of myself to my country. I decided to leave the service a year early.

On 9/11, I awoke to the news being broadcast of the towers being hit. I had just woke up and it didn't really sink in as to what had happened. I continued to watch, and I guess I could say that I was stunned.

I am from South Dakota, nowhere near New York. But seeing all the terror in those civilians eyes, all the heartache and fear, my heart wasn't far. What kind of world is this to bring a child into?

Needless to say, I was immediately called in for security and safety briefings, since I was just let out only a week prior to this. I thought for sure I would be called back up.

I wasn't though. To this day, I still wonder what would have happend, had they decided to let me go. Part of me wishes that I would have waited until that next July for my term to be up. What good was being in the Army and not being able to serve those who so desperately needed help?

I was trained as a medic, and seeing all those people hurting, and dying, and just not knowing what to do, or where to go. I felt so selfish, and still do.

Most of the people I was in basic training and advanced individual training were from NY, NJ, CT, ME, and other states around there. These were my friends, my comrads. They put their lives on the line for those people, unselfishly, and although I wasn't able to give my all that day physically, hopefully my prayers helped someone out there gain enough strength and compassion for those who lost their lives and/or loved ones.

I truly hope God does bless America!

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
------------------------------------
This is prob­ab­ly the most pop­u­lar hymn in the Eng­lish lan­guage—a tel­e­vi­sion doc­u­ment­ary was even made about it. Per­haps it is be­cause its words so well de­scribe the au­thor: John Newton was a slave trad­er be­fore com­ing to Christ.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/m/amazgrac.htm

god bless america. im in NJ and we lost a lot of people from our area... though I did not know anyone who perished in the WTC, or Pentagon, a few business aquaintences of my fathers were in one of the planes that crashed into the WTC...

There are no words to express the grief, shock and sorrow of this.. even 2 years later...

And people cannot lose sight of what happened, those who are against Bush, those who forget what it is to be American..... god bless AMERICA!!!!!

god bless america. im in NJ and we lost a lot of people from our area... though I did not know anyone who perished in the WTC, or Pentagon, a few business aquaintences of my fathers were in one of the planes that crashed into the WTC...

There are no words to express the grief, shock and sorrow of this.. even 2 years later...

And people cannot lose sight of what happened, those who are against Bush, those who forget what it is to be American..... god bless AMERICA!!!!!
Never forget.

If you watched the memorial today at all, and looked into those childrens' eyes.. who had lost fathers.. mothers.. siblings.. loved ones..... youll remmeber why were fighting..

Being an American doesn't necessarily mean being for Bush. I am an American and I still value my civil liberties. I don't necessarily think that if I dissent against this president's policies means that I'm unpatriotic. In fact, I believe that it is crucial to the way that this democracy is run that folks like me remain critical of the government and it's policies to ensure that future generations may be free enough to express their opinions.

For all the ugliness that happened on 9/11, I was both saddened and shocked that our President tried to stop the investigation into what happened that day. For the people that died, an investigation was the least that the president owed. I also want the President and Vice President to stop soft pedaling and release the full 9/11 report to Congress, instead of blacked out pages to congressional leaders in the "interests of national security."

Anyway. Adieu.

The chilling impact of those horrific events…

…need to be examined in their totality.

http://www.takebackthemedia.com/true911.html

This should not be a world in which these kind of events happen.

Make it so!

justed, thanks for the link.