The President never made it to the classroom that morning, and so he missed the reading of “The Pet Goat.” When the Secret Service agent gave him the news that a plane had hit one of the World Trade Center towers, he immediately had an aide contact the school to say that the President would be delayed.
It might not amount to anything. Planes had crashed into buildings before, usually totalling the plane but creating relatively little damage to the building. Still, with the bits and pieces of information that had been coming in over the past several months, including hints of an attack – well, any such event had to be taken seriously.
More messages soon removed all doubt. Two other planes had been highjacked. One of them had hit the second tower. Both towers were on fire. Clouds of black smoke were pouring from the impact sites.
The President would not be making a classroom appearance that day. Within 20 minutes, he was on Air Force One, headed back to Washington. His Secret Service team had argued against it. Too dangerous, they insisted. The President would have none of it. President Roosevelt hadn’t gone into hiding when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, he reminded his protectors. President Kennedy didn’t flee when faced with the Cuban missile crisis. His place was in Washington.
A little more than two hours later, Air Force One touched down at Dulles Airport, and twenty minutes later the President was back in the Oval Office. He had not been sight-seeing during the two-hour flight. He had been receiving updates of what was obviously a serious and apparently widespread attack. The Pentagon had been hit. A fourth plane had crashed in western Pennsylvania, apparently after its passengers had rushed the high-jackers. The South Tower collapsed. A half hour later the North Tower fell in a heap of smoking rubble. New York City was a disaster area, engulfed in smoke and ash. Across the nation, people stared in awe and horror at the images, played over and over again on their television screens.
The nation needed to hear from its leader. This was not a time for speech-writers. The President spoke from the heart. His words would be remembered through the coming months and years:
“My Fellow Americans, this is a crime, not just against our own great nation but against all nations. It is a crime against humanity itself.”
He reminded his listeners that many of the innocent people who had died were from other countries. This was, after all, the World Trade Center. He spoke of courage, of vision, of hope, of determination. His words echoed around the world. Messages came flooding in, extending sympathy, offering help.
Over the next seemingly endless hours, the President and his Secretary of State were on the phone, speaking to leaders around the world, conveying a simple message: we're all in this together; an attack on one is an attack on all. It was perhaps a simplistic message, but nevertheless true. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
At the same time, the Director of the CIA was also on the phone, recruiting the assistance of Interpol, of MI5 in the UK, of the Mossad in Israel, all the many intelligence services in nations around the world. The response there also was unvaryingly positive. Information poured in, to be scrutinized, analyzed, added to other bits of information, digested, consolidated, reduced from bits of data to intelligence, what could reasonably be said to be known based on the evidence. It soon became clear that the mastermind was Osama bin Laden, the deceptively soft-eyed fanatic, black sheep of a respected Saudi Arabian family.
A consensus was reached on the amount of reward to be offered for information leading to the arrest of bin Laden and his agents. The amount must be reasonable, offered in the individual nation’s own currency. The reward offer would be broadcast around the world, in newspaper advertisements, radio and television broadcasts, e-mail messages, posted flyers. There would be no place for bin Laden to hide.
It became clear that bin Laden had for some time taken refuge in Afghanistan, abetted and protected by the Taliban. The Pentagon proposed a military action. The President demurred. Any military action on the ground would entail unacceptable casualties to U.S. troops, and any action restricted to bombing from the air would be too diffuse to guarantee actually hitting bin Laden’s headquarters. And both types of actions would result in the deaths and injuries of innocent civilians.
The President was adamant: The deaths of thousands of ordinary Afghans would in no way compensate for the deaths of 9/11. This was the Twenty-first Century, far removed from the doctrine of “an eye for an eye.”
When found, bin Laden would be brought to justice in a properly constituted international court of law, similar to the Nuremberg trials. He would have legal representation. Evidence would be presented. This was the way civilized nations dealt with criminals. No matter how vicious the crime, no matter how heartless the criminal, he would be accorded every legal right throughout the proceedings. And Bin Laden would be found. He and his associates would be brought to justice.
As the responsibilities and demands of the day wound down, the President’s thoughts turned to the thousands of people who had died and to their loved ones, still hopeful or already in mourning. The overwhelming sadness of it all brought tears to his eyes. It seemed trite to offer some hope that these victims of violence had not died in vain.
Born in Philadelphia, grew up on a farm, which my parents lost in the Great Depression. I suppose my political inclination began when I watched Dad ride our horse across snow-covered fields to vote for FDR. Married, three great sons, divorced. Still learning.
You're still buying the official "conspiracy theory"
If you demonize the government for ineptitude you still buy into their myth and central premise regarding the hijackers and Al Qaeda. We still have no proof that those individuals were even on those planes on that day. Your little fable does not address the stand down of the military, the controlled demolition of the buildings including Building 7 not even hit by a plane, the criminal removal and suppression of evidence by the government, and a million other items.
The official "conspiracy theory" as told to us is the least plausible scenario.
by
CasaZaza (6 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 151 comments)
on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 11:30:51 AM
Thanks for your comment. Actually, I don't "buy into" the official conspiracy theory at all. I've seen the photos. I've read the books. I began as a LIHOP and became a MIHOP. I really didn't think I could add anything more to the wealth of info that has come out. What I find, though, is that many, if not most, people just can't go there. The very thought that the leadership of our nation is so corrupt – and so powerful – that such a thing might be possible shakes the foundations of their being, who they are, as people, decent people living they believe in a decent country, as citizens holding responsibility for that leadership. These are intelligent people, and I don't fault them, though I'm quite sure they're deceived and that we will be stuck in the morass unless and until the truth is out.
That said, you've noticed that there are no investigations, not of Jack Kennedy's assassination, or Robert K., or Martin Luther King, or Paul Wellstone, or Oklahoma City, or 9/11. What bothers me even more than the public's acceptance is the unquestioning nature of it. Even everyday murders are investigated to some extent. After every air crash, the pieces are picked up, sifted through, analyzed. Yet the rubble of 9/11 was immediately removed and, as I understand it, SHIPPED OUT OF THE COUNTRY! There were no hearings on why U.S. air defenses were missing in action, why 4 or 5 military exercises were scheduled on the same day AND ON THE SAME SCENARIO, OF PLANES BEING FLOWN INTO BUILDINGS! I don't know what responsible citizens such as you and I do in the face of mass denial.
The purpose of my article was to say, "Okay, EVEN IF the 'official conspiracy theory' is true, the response was just plain wrong!" Unfortunately, most people seem to think that, while attacking Iraq was a mistake, dropping bombs on Afghanistan was an acceptable response to an attack brought – if we are to believe the official account – NOT by Afghans and not by the Taliban but largely by Saudis, trained not in Afghanistan but in Florida.
I can't begin to understand the mass monkey reaction: "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."
If you have any ideas as to how to shake our citizenry awake, let me know.
lmarndt
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L.M. Arndt (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 42 comments)
on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 5:32:38 PM
I, before seeing this thing in perspective, had mused over a similar scenario many times. After I questioned, that very day as I watched, the first crash and said to my wife, "I wonder if this was planned, because I do not think it was an accident," my doubts fled with the second crash and I was asking "why weren't fighter planes scrambled." as Bush and Cheney ran for cover as cowards like them always do. Thg planes weren't scrambled some have said because Cheney stopped them. I believe that is closer to correct.
I then believed that Cheney did this and did not let Bush in on it because he considered him a buffoon, only later when they apprised him of the advantages would he go on board with it all.
If, if, if, Nader hadn't run, if Gore had challenged and not given up, if I had signed with the Yankees, instead of going to graduate school, ififififif, but too late. Fascism should never have been allowed to rise in America, but no one stopped Prescott Bush and his allies.
by
Professor Emeritus Peter Bagnolo (144 articles, 1 quicklinks, 95 diaries, 1311 comments)
on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 12:28:05 PM
Is Bush a "useful idiot" or just a regular "idiot"
Perhaps the best theory I've heard about this event is the one put forth by some people like Webster Griffin Tarpley. He explains how there were around 20 or more war game exercises taking place the day of 9/11, with more than a few of them enacting scenarios wherein hijacked planes would be flown into buildings. At the last couple of seconds, the drill is "flipped live" and the attack being simulated is committed for real. Tarpley explains how the secret network responsible have moles infiltrating the highest levels of government in order to pull off this complex operation, using CIA groomed Muslim patsies to take the fall. He also explains how the shadow government threatens Bush, and gets him to capitulate to their demands or else "angel is next". In effect, there was a coup that took place that day - code words fly about the globe, secret agencies from other countries have parts to play, the military is running around all confused playing war games, other nations are on high alert - it's like a well-crafted espionage novel except we are still living it. Would you be surprised to discover that the London 7/7 bombings also had drills involving terrorist bombers being played out at the exact same time the actual events occurred? Incredible coincidence, eh Watson?
by
CasaZaza (6 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 151 comments)
on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 2:46:16 PM
1. Crminal investigation was sought and Trial was commensed.
2. Separate investigation and trial was commensed for the criminal negligence of those responsible for missing the threat.
3.The President and Congress petitioned the Supreme Court to annnounce new Presidential elections in the Y 2002. The President offers to stay in the Presidency until the day the new President is elected.
4. Last but not least. After the trial convicts Osama Bin Ladin ( if it does) the US offers the Afghanistan to give him up for the aid package.
by
Mark Sashine (51 articles, 19 quicklinks, 244 diaries, 3462 comments)
on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 1:14:32 PM
You ignore way too many things in your 'what if'. I agree that we all wish the response was different. I look farther back and the wish looks like we're spittin in the wind. Hope we all have a hanky.
What have we learned?
The part of us that dearly wants a do over is alive.
So does Shoeless Joe.
peace
by
mikel paul (10 articles, 1 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 395 comments)
on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 1:35:44 PM
Truthers continue to use fiction to advance their "facts"
Apparently, Truthers like Steve Alten and L.M. Arndt need now to rely on fiction rather than the "truth" to spead their words. President Bush's comment on 9/11 apparently didn't suffice for a deed most foul:
"8:30 P.M. EDT
"THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.
"The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.
"A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.
"America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
"Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America -- with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.
"Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts.
"Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.
"The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business, as well.
"The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.
"I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.
"America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me."
"This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
the Twilight Zone Tom Murphy lives in. It is like he is.. ( no ad hominum) just permanently happy. I envy him. Does he listen to that speech above in his car every day?
by
Mark Sashine (51 articles, 19 quicklinks, 244 diaries, 3462 comments)
on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 6:45:52 PM
I wonder if Georgie was writing that speech in his head as he sat in that classroom glassy eyed for 11 minutes after being informed that "America is under attack" by his chief of staff.
What a brave man.
by
Charlie L (2 articles, 3 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 676 comments)
on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 11:41:36 PM
Bush’s own recollection of the first crash only complicates the picture. Less than two months after the attacks, Bush made the preposterous claim that he had watched the first attack as it happened on live television. This is the seventh different account of how Bush learned about the first crash (in his limousine, from Loewer, from Card, from Rove, from Gottesman, from Rice, from television). On December 4, 2001, Bush was asked: “How did you feel when you heard about the terrorist attack?” Bush replied, “I was sitting outside the classroom waiting to go in, and I saw an airplane hit the tower—the TV was obviously on. And I used to fly, myself, and I said, well, there’s one terrible pilot. I said, it must have been a horrible accident. But I was whisked off there, I didn’t have much time to think about it.” [White House, 12/4/01]
There was no film footage of the first attack until at least the following day, and Bush didn’t have access to a television until 15 or so minutes later. [Washington Times, 10/7/02] The Boston Herald later noted, “Think about that. Bush’s remark implies he saw the first plane hit the tower. But we all know that video of the first plane hitting did not surface until the next day. Could Bush have meant he saw the second plane hit—which many Americans witnessed? No, because he said that he was in the classroom when Card whispered in his ear that a second plane hit.” [Boston Herald, 10/22/02] Bush’s recollection has many precise details. Is he simply confused? It’s doubly strange why his advisors didn’t correct him or—at the very least—stop him from repeating the same story only four weeks later. [White House, 1/5/02, CBS, 9/11/02] On January 5, 2002, Bush stated: “Well, I was sitting in a schoolhouse in Florida… and my Chief of Staff – well, first of all, when we walked into the classroom, I had seen this plane fly into the first building. There was a TV set on. And you know, I thought it was pilot error and I was amazed that anybody could make such a terrible mistake. And something was wrong with the plane…” [White House, 1/5/02]
Unfortunately, Bush has never been asked—not even once—to explain these statements. His memory not only contradicts every single media report, it also contradicts what he said that evening. In his speech to the nation that evening, Bush said: “Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government’s emergency response plans.” [White House, 9/11/01] It’s not known what these emergency plans were, because neither Bush nor anyone in his administration mentioned this immediate response again. Implementing “emergency response plans” seems to completely contradict Bush’s “by the way” recollection of a small airplane accident."
The 9/11 Commission tells us the Otis F-15s were scrambled at 8:46 to intercept hijacked aircraft inbound for NYC--this thirty minutes after contact was lost with AA11. Secret Service had direct lines to the FAA and a good view of the gash in WTC1 from WTC7.
Tell us again how the POTUS thought it was a "horrible accident".
by
Michael Fury (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 47 comments)
on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 1:03:31 PM
... The sturdy solid structures withstood the initial shock. The fires burnt out to extinction in a few hours. Firefighters discovered the blackboxes which were immediately sent to the United Nations Headquartes for data analysis in the presence of authorities reputed for their honesty and integrity. The whole scene was sealed off by the police for intensive investigation; and forensic material was dispatched by mayor Giuliani to all police laboratories around the globe for analysis to demonstrate that no explosives other than jet fuel had caused the fires that ensued the impact. Journalists were invited to Pentagon to view the footages of recorded videos from hundreds of cameras and to take pictures of scattered plane and human debris all over the place. They were shown how trees and lamp posts had been levelled by the impact. The honorable vice president Cheney resigned on that day for having failed to prevent the attack. Larry Silverstein, the famous honest real state dealer, decided to demolish the buildings once the investigations were over. He said that the buildings had to be taken down anyways because of excessive asbestos used initially in the construction. He assured that the domolition would be slow and stretched over years so as to reduce the impact of toxic materials on public health. His concern for public well being is so sweet and admirable.
The caveman Osama Bin Laden was captured by CIA agents in his hiding a few days later and delivered to authorities in The Hague for trial in an international tribunal for his crimes against humanity.
Later on we learnt that Pearl Harbor attack and Gulf of Tonkin incident had not been false flag operations, and we were so relieved to learn that FDR and Lyndon Johnson were more innocent than angels.
by
ramsheyi (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 464 comments)
on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 7:14:43 AM
Oooh, great points!I wish I'd thought of them, because they would be PRECISELY the kinds of actions that WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN, had this event actually been what it was purported to be – an evil and devious act by a bunch of Muslim fanatics, i.e., "terrorists." Instead, what we got was a whitewash, no analyses, no testing of materials, no investigation into the military non-response, zero, zilch, nada! Why have We The People not demanded such an investigation? Beats the hell out of me! L.M.Arndt
by
L.M. Arndt (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 42 comments)
on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 8:50:46 PM
13 comments
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