September 13, 2020
Good morning friends. It’s been an interesting week. I have been doing my own self-reflection since Labor Day. Past, recent and current events continue to flood my mind and tear at my soul. Trying to make sense of the craziness can boggle the mind. The violence and hate in our streets today is simply beyond comprehension. Senseless and tragic events of the past, coupled with ongoing riots, equally concern and sadden me. Our countries own inner turmoil will destroy our nation if we allow it. Terrorism has many faces. All are equally as evil.
This past Friday we honored the 19th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Thousands of innocent lives perished because radicals believed they could impose their will and ideals on the world. This was a heinous and brutal act of terrorism. In the past, fanatics have similarly attempted to control their lands, as well as the world. Sadly, it may not be the last time we face an evil adversary. Our nation stands for freedom and equality. We continue to fight for the rights of all people. Don’t believe the agenda of extremists or those attempting to destroy our nation. Some politicians and leftist groups want to defund law enforcement and tear down our government. Too many people have fought hard to keep our nation free. Many have sacrificed their lives to ensure our freedom. Others are risking their lives daily to maintain our society and preserve our way of life.
If you lived through the terrorist attack that occurred on September 11, 2001, I’m sure you remember where you were when you heard the news. I know exactly where I was and what I was doing at the exact moment. It was an incredibly sad and painful day for us and the world. I’d been a cop with the LAPD for 21 years. I thought I had witnessed many horrific incidents during my career. Nothing would ever come close to what I was about to see on that tragic Tuesday morning.
I was a sergeant assigned to the Tactics Training Unit. It was a busy morning, as I was preparing to address a new recruit class. I would be providing instruction and training on our departments Use of Deadly Force Policy. Our session began at 0600 hours (0900 EST). I was just concluding my opening introduction when one of our officers hastily entered the classroom and approached me. He said, “You need to turn on the television. You won’t believe what’s happening!”
I turned on the television and it took me a moment to comprehend what was occurring. The north tower of the World Trade Center was on fire. I only had several seconds to rationalize what I was seeing. It was at that moment, 0903 (EST), United Airlines flight #175, with 9 crew, 51 passengers and five terrorists, was deliberately flown into the south tower. We would later learn the details of both flights. The first terrorist act occurred at 0846 (EST). American Airlines flight #11, with 11 crew, 76 passengers and five terrorists, had been intentionally flown into the north tower.
We huddled together and watched the news reports in silent horror. I advised the class to stay in the room. I placed another instructor in the class to provide strength and comfort. I immediately went to our office to speak with our staff and officers. Every television set was tuned into the hideous scene playing out in real time. The LAPD Communications section issued a Tactical Alert broadcast, advising all personnel of the attacks. We were placed on stand-by for whatever may occur in the City of Los Angeles.
Thirty-four minutes later, at 0937 (EST), American Airlines flight #77, with 6 crew, 53 passengers and five terrorists, slammed into the side of the Pentagon, in Washington D.C. 125 individuals were killed at the facility.
At 1003 (EST), United Airlines flight #93, with 7 crew, 33 passengers and four terrorists crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Passengers on board learned of the terror attacks in New York and D.C. They knew what their fate would be if they just sat and watched. These brave individuals immediately formulated a plan, fought the terrorists, causing the plane to crash, rather than hitting it’s intended target in Washington D.C. Their courage and unselfish actions saved additional innocent lives on the ground that day.
2,606 people died at the World Trade Center, including 343 firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers. 125 died at the Pentagon, including 55 military personnel. 265 individuals were killed on the four airplanes, including the 19 terrorists. It’s estimated that 25,000 total injuries occurred in all the attacks, including those that resulted in later health issues. Many first responders; including fire, police and rescue personnel have since passed away from cancer and respiratory illnesses caused by the catastrophe. Many others continue to suffer from long term health issues and trauma.
The people who died that day aren’t just numbers or statistics. They are sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, mothers and fathers; all part of the human race. They are like many Americans, who were beginning that bright and beautiful Tuesday. It’s heartbreaking they didn’t know it would be their last day. They were living in freedom, working, traveling and unaware that evil wanted to do them harm. Firefighters, police officers and first responders didn’t hesitate to forge their way into blazing structures to assist and rescue victims. This was their personal calling in life. It wasn’t just their profession, but a loyalty to others few will ever know or understand. It was their commitment and sworn oath to protect and serve us all. Race, ethnicity and gender played no role that day, or the days that followed. We were then and are now, Americans.
In remembrance, please offer your prayers and positive thoughts so the thousands of lives lost that day will never be forgotten. The families and friends of all the individuals who perished that tragic day will forever mourn their loss. Never forget the valor and courage of the first responders, firefighters, law enforcement and military personnel. We owe these courageous men and women our respect and gratitude. They place themselves in harm’s way daily to ensure our safety and freedom. They do not deserve the unfair and despicable treatment from radical individuals, groups or politicians that’s occurring today. We need to stand strong and united to defend them. Ensure your children are taught about this sad day, so the memories of those events will forever be embraced with love. Our heroes will always stand to protect us from evil; as we need to stand to protect them.
Now friends, we face another type of adversary. It is an internal attack on our rights, freedoms and way of life. Individuals, groups, media outlets and even some politicians are spreading discourse, division and fear. It’s disgusting and shameful that political “leaders” endorse violence and hate because of their dislike of one man. They want him out of office so bad they will stop at nothing to accomplish their goal. In the process they are destroying our nation and dividing our people. Their agenda is for you to believe there is racial tension and inequality. This is what these individuals do best. They blame others for the problems or issues our country struggles to resolve. They offer no viable solution, only hate and discontent. This has been happening for decades. When these people are in power, nothing improves and our population suffers. These individuals remain in political office, continuing to build personal wealth and increase their control.
The hypocrisy that some politicians display is simply astounding. They continue to impose rules and restrictions for the population, yet they are immune from their own policies. When they are caught and called out for these atrocities they immediately point a finger to blame others. They always deflect any or all responsibility for their actions. It’s never their fault, especially when their own schemes go sideways. These so call “leaders” have no skills or grace to be leading or making our decisions. They have no problem displaying their own privileged status. I doubt they care about helping us or doing the right thing for our nation. Their agenda is to control the population in any way possible. At this moment, they seem to be succeeding to some degree. I expect them to love and respect America, as much, if not more than I. They should be pillars of good character; leading our nation by example.
It’s truly agonizing and frustrating the far left control the majority of social media platforms and news outlets. Anytime you tune in to the news or view social media, the stories and perspectives are slanted and distorted. You only get one version of a story or what occurred; theirs. You have to search for factual accounts and truth. If you only rely on their embellished tales and disinformation, you are subjecting yourself to the propaganda they want you to believe. Their agenda is clear and they impose it on us 24/7. They want you to believe what they’re telling you. Be fearful. Stay divided. Don’t go outside or socialize with others, including your family. The police are bad. Racism and inequality are rampant in our society.
The far leftists are pushing their agenda and selling us lies. They will continue this assault on America and the American people until they gain control. They are seeking all the power to enable them to further limit our rights and take away our freedom. Millions of men and women gave their lives to protect us against enemies who attempted to rule society. Thousands of men and women, in our military and law enforcement, continue the fight today to preserve our freedom. Our way of life, and society as we know it, may be in jeopardy. The urgency is real. Let’s stand together to reclaim our democracy, “One nation, under God, with Liberty and Justice for All.”
This has nothing to do with what side of the “political fence” you stand. We are all Americans. We all should be working together for freedom, equality and a better life. I hope you value what we have in this country as much as I do. Radical individuals, groups, media outlets and some politicians are pushing a more sinister agenda. They are working hard to destroy our democracy, economy and freedom. We cannot allow anarchy and violence to rule our land. I stand for law, order, equality and freedom. What do you stand for?
Never Forget September 11,2001. Always remember how you (we all) felt during the attack and how we united as one people the 12th. Love and cherish your family, and each other as Americans.
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The healthy life puzzle is always in rotation. Let’s be healthy and strong mentally, physically and spiritually!
Thanks for your love and support! Embrace Life! Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!
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