september 13

I think it's time we stop, hey,  what's that sound everybody look what's going down What a field-day for the heat, a thousand people in the street Singing songs and carrying signs, mostly say, hooray for our side   Two days on, there are things I never have to hear again, and things that are strangely encouraging. Patriotism is one of those things that seems corny until something like this happens. I once dated a guy who said he was seeing the "real me" when I put my hand over my heart at the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" before a Mets game. I do get goosebumps when I hear that song, even if "America The Beautiful" is more lovely and less violent. Good news: 1) Heard from Julia, Rebecca and Amy. 2) Old boyfriend is OK; heard from Jim. (That's a whole other story.) 3) Never heard from Patrick. Or D, whose schmuck colors are showing. Is it Verizon's fault again? Things I never have to hear again: 1) "This is war!" 2) "Are you changed forever, do you think?" 3) People falling from the tower. (I saw this on the TV, and you can go a whole lifetime without that image, I promise.) 4) That there have been attacks on Arabs. 5) "Looks like we'll have to give up some liberties to be safe." Bullshit. You're only safe when you're dead. Things that have been just lovely: 1) A real sense of solidarity; we're still pissy to each other on the subways, but I think the delicacy with which people are treating each other at least for now is amazing. 2) I heard in France and Germany people are marching holding American flags. In England they played the "Star Spangled Banner" at Buckingham Palace. Whoa. I sure hope we remember them and their sympathy next time they have a tragedy of this magnitude. 3) A guy on TV -- union worker doing cleanup -- telling Bush (if he was listening) that "we don't need another memorial. We have one in Oklahoma. Put up another building, bigger and stronger." 4) Blood banks are full! Supplies are full! We got so much extra shit on this island, when people need it, we got it. 5) Flags. Everywhere. I made cupcakes with flags today. We're such a nation of children in this way; our religion is our patriotism. We are all men and women of that cloth. Things that have been strange: 1) No broadcast networks (barring CBS) -- the transmitter gone, without cable I can't get NBC or ABC or Fox or UPN or The WB on their networks. One or two of the community UHF channels are piping in ABC or NBC. Why CBS is up, I couldn't say. 2) Tuesday and Wednesday: Virtually empty streets, particularly of traffic. Man, I wish we didn't have to have a tragedy like this to clear the streets. How fab would it be if, on weekends, cars other than taxis and emergency vehicles wouldn't be allowed in the city, and people could hoof it everywhere? 3) Knowing that the entire city south of 14th Street (a substantial amount) is closed if you're not a resident (with proof) of the area. 4) At the rental car places, total strangers are pairing up to drive to where they need to go, including 2000 miles to Seattle. Things I am profoundly glad for: 1) No one I know is in the rubble. 2) I am not in the rubble. 3) Gorgeous blue days.