My approach to today, after reading a few DU threads and spending some time on Twitter...

[NRaleighLiberal]

What a complex day to consider. Each person's reaction to it is personal, and valid. Some had direct loss, others loss by a degree or two, or geographic proximity - still for others it was more distant, images on TV. There is shock, and death, and anger, fear for some, and valor and heroism intertwined with politics, doubt, information and misinformation. I've decided to go outdoors and dig in the dirt for awhile - listen to the birds, clear my head, try to just get through the day.

One thing that does strike me - and it is around the efforts to get at what went on that day, why it happened....collectively, our country doesn't seem to want to think badly of our leaders, even if/when evidence shows itself otherwise - whether what we did/didn't know about Pearl Harbor, 911, voter fraud, anything that just shakes our trust. It is hard to come to terms if/when the big things,the unthinkable, go wrong. So, so complex - and so individual, and personal.

Anyway, I hope everyone here finds peace, spends the day in the best way possible for each. We should never forget - and we must learn so these things cannot happen again.

[DevonRex]

1. I was just reminded that someone here

was personally affected and that the photos that most of us have become numb to still can cause tremendous pain to those whose loved ones were at the point of impact.

So I guess it all comes down to respect and thoughtfulness.

[broiles]

2. It's my birthday. I can't

celebrate it anymore.