Yesterday, while the Republicans attempted to use 9-11 as justification for reelecting President Bush, I made my own trip down to Ground Zero. I was in the neighborhood, attending a training session in Lower Manhattan for the City’s 3-1-1 system. Since I was only two blocks away from the former World Trade Center site, I took a walk over to assess the scene. Since the tragedy, I’d been there twice before. The first time was in October, 2001, less than 4 weeks after 9-11, when the smoke and ash was still visible. The second time was in January, 2002, where a viewing area had been erected above the debris. Since then, I’ve avoided the scene only to return yesterday. A huge fence was put in place along Church Street, providing a good view of the gaping hole and the construction that is underway. Signs are attached to the fence with photographs and written histories of the WTC site. The WTC PATH train station was open for business. A disheveled looking man sat on the ground playing "Amazing Grace" on his flute. Tourists, many of whom were probably RNC delegates, were standing in awe and taking pictures. Cops were aplenty including one who was holding an AK-47! After looking around for a bit, I went to the Burger King directly across the street from Ground Zero and then went back to my meeting. It’s odd to have the normalcy of everyday life in such close proximity to such a historic and hallowed location.
The polls are not looking good for John Kerry and I am officially concerned. He says that he’s a good closer, having done it against William Weld and Howard Dean. Well he’d better kick things into gear pretty soon.
The Olympics ended with no terrorism! How about that? Wheaties announced that they’re putting Michael Phelps, Carly Patterson and Justin Gatlin on their boxes. But not Paul Hamm. Poor guy’s getting wrecked by the gymnastic medal controversy.
US Open results from Arthur Ashe Stadium : Amelie Mauremso, Roger Federer, Jennifer Capriati, Serena Williams and Andre Agassi all won their first-round matches. At Armstrong Stadium, Todd Martin lost his first-round match and then announced his retirement from tennis.
