Please feel free to check out a few sections of this entry:
A Public Service Announcemnt.
Read this for tips on how you and your children can cope with all of this. It contains other pertinent information as well.
An Editorial on the US from Canada
Looking for someone saying something good about the US?
My personal feelings as of this morning.
My early morning entry.
If you care to donate to the American Red Cross, http://www.amazon.com is providing an easy method to directly contribute. I know that I felt better after giving...
A Public Service announcement.
For the record, everything is going to be ok. This country can never be hurt again like this. Sure, more terrorist attacks could happen, but we will never again be so unprepared. Be strong, help your neighbors, the FBI is already arresting people. Soon we will all be able to begin to heal.
Already, we are able to demand "Never again."
Please feel free to pass this information along to anyone who may need it.
� The American Red Cross has mobilized a national response and, in particular, STILL needs donated blood for the injured. Contact your local chapter of the Red Cross for information about how you can donate. Please note that the need for donated blood will be considerable not just today, but in the weeks ahead.
� The September 11th Fund has been established by the United Way and The New York Community Trust to receive donations from concerned Americans across the country. The purpose of the fund is to help the victims and their families and all those affected by the tragedy. Anyone wishing to contribute to The September 11th Fund may send their donations in care of United Way of New York City, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10016. Donors may specify the community (NYC, Washington, D.C. or other affected areas) where they would like their contributions directed. Contributions are also being accepted on the United Way of New York City�s web site at www.uwnyc.org
�
Yesterday's terrorism has left many people�both those directly and indirectly affected�wondering how to deal with the aftermath. This rest of this entry offers tips and information on taking care of yourself, helping others cope and talking to your children about violence.
Reactions to a Traumatic Event
Disasters such as the terrorist attacks that occurred today can result in extreme emotions including stress, helplessness, fear, irritability, anger, depression and grief. Although everyone deals with trauma and stress differently, there are some common reactions, including:
* Recurring thoughts or nightmares about the event
� Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite
� Anxiety and fear, especially when exposed to events or situations reminiscent of the trauma
� Feelings of depression, sadness and having low energy
� Memory problems including difficulty remembering aspects of the trauma
� Difficulty focusing on work or daily activities
� Spontaneous crying, feelings of despair and/or hopelessness
� Avoiding activities, places or even people who remind you of the event
� Feeling emotionally �numb,� withdrawn, disconnected or different from others
� Feeling extremely protective of, or fearful for, the safety of loved ones
If you or a loved one are experiencing extreme symptoms of stress, depression, grief or anger, consult a professional such as your doctor or Employee Assistance Program (EAP) immediately for help.
Additionally, many temporary shelters offer free counseling services to victims�or referrals to professionals who can provide further assistance. In addition, consider the following tips:
� Reach out to supportive friends and family for comfort and guidance.
� Be patient and give yourself plenty of time to recover and rest.
� Try to maintain a nutritious diet to keep your energy up.
� Focus on your breathing�deep, slow breaths will help calm you.
Keep in mind that emotional and physical reactions to a traumatic event may not appear immediately. Sometimes they may appear hours, days or even weeks or months after the event. The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction may last a few days, a few weeks, months or possibly longer depending on the severity of the event. According to the American Psychological Association, individuals who are unable to regain control of their lives, or who experience the symptoms above for more than a month, should consider seeking professional mental health assistance.
How Children React to Trauma
How a child responds to a tragic event will vary depending on a child�s age, personality and maturity level�and how directly he or she was involved with the tragedy. Children that were directly affected by an incident may suffer from severe anxiety or trauma�and will probably need professional help. All children, however, may be affected by the violence.
Younger children may react by showing more separation anxiety when their parents leave them at child care or school. Some children, particularly those age nine and under, may be unable to grasp the reality of the tragedy, or comprehend that violence could affect their own lives. Others may be frightened that something could happen to them. Older children may present a rough exterior or act out with aggressive behavior, and still others may attempt to protect themselves through denial, cynicism or apathy. Some signs of anxiety that may indicate your child is having difficulty dealing with the stress of a traumatic event include:
� Disrupted sleep patterns�frequent nightmares and/or insomnia
� Changes in eating habits�loss of appetite or overeating
� Decline in school performance
� Lack of concentration
� Irritability or prolonged depression
� Separation anxiety
� Unusual clinginess
� Regression
Remember, these symptoms are common reactions to anxiety. However, if symptoms persist for longer than six weeks and disrupt your child�s daily routine, seek help from a, pediatrician, psychologist or social worker. A professional can help your child deal with his or her emotions and can provide valuable tips and guidance to parents.
In addition, ask your employer if they offer an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). An EAP counselor can provide counseling on a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, dealing with violence and more.
How Can Parents Help?
Speak to your child about the tragedy openly and honestly, adapting your conversations to the age of the child. Children deserve honest answers, regardless of their age. You do not have to provide every detail, but don�t hold back too much information, either; instill trust in your child while helping him or her understand what happened.
The following tips may help:
Encourage your child to express his or her feelings. Children usually feel better when they can talk about their feelings. To help your child sort out his or her feelings, ask specific questions such as �How do you feel? Does it make you feel scared? What worries you the most?� Encourage your child to be honest and open, and listen carefully for clues about hidden feelings or worries.
Reassure your child. Respond to your child�s feelings; acknowledge his or her fears; and continually reassure your child that he or she is safe. Stress that this was a rare incident, and that he or she is not in danger, but avoid making false promises such as �Nothing like this will ever happen to you.� Instead, offer your love, support and guidance and say things such as �I am here to protect you and to help keep you safe.� In addition, remind your child that others such as the police and government are also doing everything they can to keep us safe.
Monitor the media. Monitor and limit the amount of television your child watches. If your child sees disturbing footage, his or her fears and anxieties may escalate. Do not allow younger children (under age eight) to watch television. Older children should watch television (briefly) with parental supervision. Explain to them what is going on and then shut the TV off, saying you will check back later.
Speak to your child�s school administrators. Ask your child�s teachers and/or school principal how they are handling the event. Are classes proceeding as normal? Are crisis counselors available? Many schools speak to students about safety issues, and reassure them that they are doing everything possible to keep the children safe.
Pay close attention to your child. If you notice any unusual behavior, it may be a reaction to stress, fear or trauma. Learn how to recognize the warning signs (as described in the previous section) and seek professional help from a pediatrician, counselor, social worker, psychologist or other professional if necessary.
Emergency Resources
Numerous organizations have set up emergency services to assist people with finding information about a loved one or other important information.
Airlines
If you have a question about a loved one on any flight, family members can call these numbers for further information. If you can provide details on the flight (flight number, time of flight, origin or destination of the flight), this will assist representatives to find out more information.
Air CANADA: 800-521-0810
American Airlines: 800-245-0999
Canadian Air: 888-247-2262
Continental Airlines: 800-525-0280
Delta Airlines: 800-221-1212
Jet Blue: 888-538-2583
Midway: 800-446-4392
Northwest Airlines: 800-225 2525
Southwest Airlines: 214-792-4223
TWA: 800-221-2000
United Airlines: 800-932-8555
US Airways: 800-428-4322
Additional Resources
Following a disaster such as the recent terrorist attacks, emergency management organizations provide shelter, first aid, food and counseling to assist victims and their families. To find the shelter nearest you contact your local Red Cross chapter or call one of the hotlines below:
American Psychological Association
750 First Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
202-336-5500
http://www.apa.org
Crisis Counseling Assistance line: 202-336-5800
This nonprofit organization provides information and referrals to state associations that can help you find local clinical psychologists. They are offering crisis counseling to anyone who needs it during this tragic time.
American Red Cross Hotline: 800-435-7669
www.redcross.org
The American Red Cross has activated its Aviation Incident Response Team to both the Boston and New York City areas. To donate blood in any area, call 800-448-3543. The Red Cross will also provide crisis mental health counseling. To find out more information contact the Red Cross at 800-435-7669.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency):
FEMA has set up a toll-free Help line: 800-525-0321
(Or 800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired)
500 C St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
www.fema.gov
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an independent agency of the federal government, reporting to the President. FEMA�s mission is to reduce loss of life and property and protect our nation�s means of communication. They have set up a task force to address any concerns or needed assistance with this tragedy.
Morgan Stanley Hotline: 888-883-4391
Morgan Stanley, the largest tenant in the World Trade Center, established this emergency contact phone number for employees and their families.
Note�For those who would like to help, these organizations are always seeking volunteers, donations and financial aid. Additionally, following such an event, blood donations are always needed. As needs vary by location and continually change in the days following a disaster, it is best to call these agencies for a list of specific needs before you make a donation or to see how volunteers are needed.
This is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations.
THE UNITED STATES - an Editorial
This, suposedly from a Canadian newspaper, is worth
sharing - regardless of the true author, the facts are correct.
America: The Good Neighbor.
"This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up
for the Americans as the most generous and possibly
the least appreciated people on all the earth.
Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent,
Britain and Italy were lifted out of the debris of war
by the Americans who poured in billions of dollars
and forgave other billions in debts. None of
these countries is today paying even the interest
on its remaining debts to the United States.
When France was in danger of collapsing in
1956, it was the Americans who propped it up, and
their reward was to be insulted and swindled on
the streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it.
When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is
the United States that hurries in to help. This
spring, 59 American communities were flattened by
tornadoes. Nobody helped.
The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy
pumped billions of dollars! into discouraged
countries. Now newspapers in those countries are writing
about the decadent, warmongering Americans.
I'd like to see just one of those countries
that is gloating over the erosion of the United
States dollar build its own airplane. Does any
other country in the world have a plane to equal the
Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas
DC10? If so, why don't they fly them? Why do all
the International lines except Russia fly
American Planes?
Why does no other land on earth even
consider putting a man or woman on the moon? You talk about
Japanese technocracy, and you get radios. You talk
about German technocracy, and you get automobiles.
You talk about American technocracy, and you
find men on the moon -! not once, but several
times - and safely home again.
You talk about scandals, and the Americans
put theirs right in the store window for everybody to
look at. Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and
hounded. They are here on our streets, and most of
them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are getting
American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend
here.
When the railways of France, Germany and
India were breaking down through age, it was the
Americans who rebuilt them. When the Pennsylvania
Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody
loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke.
I can name you 5000 times when the Americans
raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can
you name me even one time when someone else raced to
the Americans in trouble? I don't think there
was outside help even during the San Francisco
earthquake.
Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm
one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them
get kicked around. They will come out of this
thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are
entitled to thumb their nose at the lands that are
gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada
is not one of those."
Stand proud, America!
"This is one of the best editorials that I
have ever read regarding the United States. It is nice
that one man realizes it. I only wish that the
rest of the world would realize it. We are always blamed
for everything and never even get a thank you
for the things we do.
I would hope that each of you would send
this to as many people as you can and emphasize that
they should send it to as many of their friends
until this letter is sent to every person on the web. I
am just a single American that has read this.
I SURE HOPE THAT A LOT MORE READ IT SOON."
Original forward and quoted comments by:
-John Fernald
Principal Hardware Engineer
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Everything will be alright. (This morning's entry)
Will it be easy? - No. But the US will get through this.
�
Advice will be Thursday. I can't be funny today. "You're always funny looking John..." "You heartless fucker." I mean I can't write humorous things today, I just can't.
It's not right.
�
... and these are the thoughts in my head.
Disarrayed
Fragmented.
Broken.
Re forming.
Treat them as such.
�
We in Providence live a fast 3 hours from New York City.
I say we because tragedy tends to make communities come together. I think that we as American's thrive on our individuality during times of peace and then unite on our commonality - that right to be an individual - in times of crisis and war.
Let's hope it keeps working.
�
I don't know about you, but last night, the house of representatives spontaneously breaking into song to sing "God Bless America" theatrical musical style just brought me to tears.
�
I suggest holding onto your outrage for a long time - you will need it to insist on the changes in this country that are needed to keep this from happening again.
Better security. Better Intelligence.
AN INTELLIGENT SOUND FUCKING POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST?!?!
WOW, THE US HAD IT'S HEAD IN THE SAND AND WHAP! DEAD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE!
�
Should I direct my rage at a group of people before we are certain beyond a doubt who is responsible?
Should I focus on the 5 Arabs who are suspects in the two Logon Airport hijackings.
Should I turn myself into a sheep and let the massive probe into all of this do my thinking for me?
I could comment on the heartfelt responses of horror by world leaders Blair and Putin. The two faced hypocrite response of Arafat.
Ask who will we retaliate against? Sit an contemplate how will we do it?
�
I wonder if my 18 year old cousin will be drafted?
Many parents are worrying the same thing right about now.
�
Why do we need to know exactly many have died? At least 800 at the pentagon alone. About 260 on the air planes alone. About 350 fire fighters and police alone...
but today no one is really alone, for one day - at least one day, chances are you feel just like your neighbor down the street. Chances are if you pick any civilized country you feel the same as they do... and that feeling is Changed.
�
Does anyone realize the U.S. has just lost more lives than all Israelis and Palestinians have lost COMBINED in the latest uprising?
�
Does anyone see a difference between Palestine terrorists and the al-Qaeda?
�
As things start to change around this country, and I hope they do, I plan on smacking in the mouth people I hear bitching about it.
�
My patience for senseless destruction is at an all time low. This includes vandalism.
I would be afraid if I were the hoodlums harassing my apartment complex.
�
I believe I will refer to a civilized country from now on as any country that believes in the separation of Church and state as well as human rights - yeah, you can read that as most countries besides Afghanistan.
�
I'm not happy with China.
�
I could relate the horror of people calling from their cell phones as their planes were about to kill them and thousands more.
�
Seeing Palestinian mother's hand out candy to children in the streets because we were bombed...
...and wondering at the horror the world would feel if suddenly us Americans started to party the next time Palestine gets it's wrist smacked by Israel in retaliation for another suicide bombing.
Wouldn't that be a trip.
�
The dull roar and constant mumble of people saying stupid things in my office is driving me nuts.
Every police siren, every fire truck siren, every ambulance is freaking me out.
I feel claustrophobic on the 11th floor of my office building.
I need to go stand outside for a while.
Update: 3:52pm
The Providence Police Chief is now saying now that the man arrested had nothing to do with yesterday's terrorist attack. He is not Arabic as first reported. Many people are sickened by the mob's reaction.
Update: 3:47pm
About 3:20 pm at Providece Union Station - An Amtrak train with about 100 pasengers was detained. Federal agents went through the entire train and detained and arrested at least 1 arabic person. That person was shuttled directly to the basement of the Providence Police Headquarters.
Reportidly an angry mob of about 100 people were chasing after the police car transporting the suspect shaking thier fists in the air and yelling unreported expitaphs. Holy fricking hell!
Authorities are still looking for at least 1 person who escaped the authorities in Boston.
Update: 2:54 pm
Not to breed panic... but SWAT teams have the Providence Train Station surrounded. They think the terrorists fled Boston to Providence. Providence People stay inside.