11th September 2021 marked twenty years since that fateful day when terrorists attacked the US. It also marked twenty three years since the terrorist attack on the American embassy in Nairobi on 7th August 1998.
In both countries, what was designed to instil fear instead evoked fortitude. What was intended to sow discord instead brewed inextricable bonds of unity. What was meant as an onslaught on democracy instead turned out to be fodder for its resilience.
In honor of the International Day of Democracy (15-09-2021) here are a few words from some of its staunchest defenders:
1. Great democracies have institutions that are constantly assessing and if necessary, adjusting the course of the country in the pursuit of consistency with our values and law, even under the most stressing conditions.”- Dr. Condoleezza Rice (No Higher Honor)
2. “In a democracy, a population should be able to look at its leaders and see a reflection of the full diversity of society.”- Julia Gillard (Women and Leadership)
3. We have a stake in one another, and that what binds us together is greater than what drives us apart, and that if enough people believe in the truth of that proposition and act on it, then we might not solve every problem but we can get something meaningful done.”- President Barack Obama (The Audacity of Hope)
4. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”- Nelson Mandela (Long Walk to Freedom)
May the souls of the innocent and valiant individuals who we lost on both occasions continue to rest in peace. May their families find comfort. May we never forget their sacrifice and bravery!
I have to disagree with Julia Gillard,“In a democracy, a population should be able to look at its leaders and see a reflection of the full diversity of society.” When it comes to leadership, I want leaders who are strong and that our enemies respect and fear. I want leaders who put the American people first rather than leaving them stranded as they did in Afghanistan. I want leaders who uphold our Constitution on which we were founded, not holding us hostage and intimidating us with the latest edict (the shot) or demand a president wants (acting like a king or dictator), rather than going through the Congress elected by “We the People”. I want leaders that know how to lead, how to protect, and how to ensure justice as commander in chief (supporting police, law enforcement, and our military). I care less if our elected officials are of a certain race, ethnicity, color, social class, religion, or sex. Only the most qualified, trustworthy, honorable and abiding in the Constitution and the rule of law should be elected under a secure voting system (which ours is not).
Julia Gillard’s statement is why our colleges and universities, now high schools and the elementary grade schools are indoctrination camps to raise up the next generation of activists and unpeaceful protestors and rioters against the Constitution we have in place. It is her thinking that helps fuel hatred, by setting us apart in groups, rather than one people who formed this nation (E pluribus unum) – out of many (states or colonies), one (nation). By pointing out that we are different (as we all are) it only exemplifies that very point rather than putting the emphasis on the many different skills, gifts, and talents we all have to bring to any organization, workplace, family, group, or community. My skin color does not qualify me for anything, nor my sex, religion…etc.
I could comment on the others but I will digress.
I’ve never seen prejudice and hatred in the eyes of an infant. We’re that we all were so colorblind and accepting.
May history never repeat itself! We all have a lot to learn from this tragedy. The whole world needs to learn…
Peace & Blessings. Thank you for this great moment, we must never forget and remember to strive more for peace and love. Asè