Remembering: On one of its worst days, America found its best self (by Pete Buttigieg).

[demmiblue]

I was a sophomore in college when the planes hit. My roommates and I sat transfixed on a futon, glued to the horror unfolding on NBC’s Today Show. Years later, I would find myself carrying an M-4 in Kabul, Afghanistan — the country that had hosted the men who had conceived and implemented unimaginable attacks against other human beings. But in that moment I just sat there, stunned.

Hundreds of miles away from my dorm room, thousands of New Yorkers from all walks of life came together to respond to the urgency of an unthinkable act and a crumbling skyline. Americans did the same in the halls of the Pentagon and in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

We all have personal stories that we share on days like today. Where was I on that September morning 18 years ago? We tell and retell where we were because that was where my generation lost its innocence after the relative peace of post-Cold War America, suddenly witnessing how a terror network — hosted by a rogue regime presiding over a failed state — could bring the most powerful country in the world to a halt.

In those early days, we set aside our differences and stepped towards somewhere kinder. America felt more decent in its mourning, more morally aware. We were reminded of the energies we can summon during moments of crisis. Around Ground Zero, we discovered something approaching common ground.

https://medium.com/the-moment-by-pete-for-america/remembering-16da2039774f

[murielm99]

1. That is a beautiful statement by Pete.

I wonder, though. Could we do it again? If there was another 9/11 style attack tomorrow, would we be able to come together?

We had our differences back then. Many of us were incensed over the way bush became president. We were horrified by the way he reacted to the attack. But we came together anyway.

Would we do that now? Are we so divided, have there been so many mass shootings and so much hate spewed that it would only foster more violence and finger pointing?

I fear for my family, my neighbors, my country.

[not_the_one]

2. read the whole essay

Mayor Pete shows an incredible intelligence, awareness and positive view of what we may be capable of.

I sincerely believe he wrote all of that himself. He gets it. He doesn't need speech writers or handlers. And he is extremely lucky in that has Chasten to anchor him as he faces his biggest challenges. Life can be so much easier with a soulmate that one can share the challenges and successes with. It isn't required, but it certainly helps.

His ability to communicate effectively (which is what we truly need right now in a leader), should be obvious to anyone willing to give him a chance.

But so many won't, for reasons both petty, and hypocritical.

All of our candidates, with the exception of Gabbard, who is nothing but a spoiler supported by our enemies, runs circles around the current disgrace squatting in the people's white house.

But Mayor Pete is such a breath of fresh air.. He presents his vision with a grace and kindness that offends no one, and lays out his proposals in clear, precise and understandable language.

I will give him a pass on what I find as his one offense (stressing his religious beliefs), because he may be able to convince some who feel religion as strongly as he does, that their current "chosen one" in the white house has used them, and sold them a bill of goods that, if examined, shows a blatant hypocrisy that no one should support.

I have found, from previous job skills, that no matter how bad news is that has to be relayed to someone, it is all about the words you use, and the tone in which they are said. Unwanted information can be accepted, if given in a way that is not condemning, while at the same time offering possible solutions, or positive avenues of action.

Mayor Pete has that talent, that capacity, in abundance. We are going to need that ability BIGLY.

I know he is a long shot, but I truly believe he is our BEST sot.