Nation needs time to rebuild

Almost out of nowhere, the United States of America was attacked by a "faceless coward" that left the nation crying for its victims, and at the same time, outraged at this tragedy.

When the smoke settled, what were the nation's symbols of strength and prosperity were all but destroyed.

The World Trade Center's twin towers were reduced to a collection of dust and debris, all of which would serve as a temporary burial ground for the victims.

As firefighters frantically fought to extinguish the flames that swept through the city, there was little that could be done to calm the fire that burned inside of Americans throughout the nation. For the people of the United States of America, it was time realize that we are not helpless.

While first impressions may be ones of anger and hatred, we as a society and as a single nation need to realize that pointing a finger and feeling hatred and anger will not help us push beyond what has happened.

The events that took place on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, should not be seen as a call to arms, nor should it be seen as an excuse to fall below standards that we set for our civilized nation.

Rather than allow our emotions to inhibit us, or our ability to critically think and evaluatewhat has happenedwe need to redirect our energy toward a more positive goal.

As the residents of New York attempt to rebuild their lives, we the residents of Southern California need to realize that we are not helpless and that we too can help.

The ideologies of a picture perfect world that Norman Rockwell captured in his famous still life paintings were not burned down with the Trade Center, and as soon as we can realize this, efforts to move in a positive direction can be made.

As students of the University of La Verne, there is more that we can do.

Disaster relief funds have already been started. The Red Cross and community hospitals throughout the nation are working overtime to accept blood donations. This is merely the beginning of what can and should be done to help.

Pomona Valley Medical center will be open Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for those who are inclined to donate blood.

This is an opportune time for our community to band together and demonstrate love and support for the less fortunate.

We sit and wait anxiously for word of who is to blame and who we will view as our enemies. In the meantime, we need to realize the potential that each one of us possesses, use it to every positive advantage we may find, and ultimately realize the need to leave hatred behind.

The dust and debris have settled, but the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 has yet to be forgotten. Will it ever be forgotten? Can it be forgotten?

While countless Americans band together to show support for the victims, we as a campus, a state and a nation need to remember the lives that were lost. No matter what will come in the immediate future, we need to move in a positive direction and offer any help we can, regardless of what form it may take.

New York has almost been completely destroyed, a very crippling blow indeed, but we can rebuild, and we will rebuild.