Columnist Ruthe Deskin: It is time to heal the wounds

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Sept. 20, 2001 | 1:45 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at deskin@ lasvegassun.com.

How does one put emotions into words when the subject is such a horrendous act as the terrorist attack on America?

There is so much to be said, but how do you say it?

The first reaction was, I'm watching a bad action movie on television. This can't be true.

As the reality of this terrible event unfolded, some of us older generation couldn't help but recall the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and President Franklin Roosevelt's impassioned words: "A date which will live in infamy."

Now we have a new day of infamy, even more devastating than the Pearl Harbor attack.

Then, we knew our enemy. Today it is speculation fairly well founded in fact; although Osama bin Laden is denying any role in the despicable acts.

Once again we see Americans putting aside any differences and joining together in massive displays of patriotism.

As President Bush and government officials assure the nation that the instigators will be caught, we have to wonder at what cost.

We know too many innocent Americans already have paid the highest price -- their lives.

How many more must be sacrificed before the world can be rid of the threat of terrorism?

The scene of the disaster is imprinted on our minds as we daily watch America's new heroes -- firemen, police, emergency crews, steel workers and volunteers -- sift their way through the debris to recover bodies of sacrificial innocents.

All the rhetoric, second-guessing and talk of revenge will never be enough to assuage the grief of those who lost family members, especially if the remains are never recovered.

As the days go by we will hear and read expert opinions on how we should react. Who really knows?

All we, as Americans, can do is pray that our leaders are strong and wise.

Business as usual is a near-impossible goal, but one we should attempt to attain.

In truth, we know, nothing will ever be quite the same.

Someone once said, "The fact that we can never expect to eradicate evil does not imply that we should not increasingly fight it."

That time has come.

Columnist friend Dick Sawyer wants to know why the time of day with the slowest traffic is called the rush hour.

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