Have you grown numb from the glacier of information that has descended upon us since the terrorists' attacks of September 11? The first week I was pretty much stuck
to my television like a tongue to a cold flagpole. Then it snowballed. There was
too much information. Too many facets. Too many shows and specials. It turned
into an avalanche.
I stopped watching the
television. CDs replaced my usual morning talk radio. Newspapers piled up in the
family room. I don't know if the reality was sinking in, or I was stressed out
from dealing with the reality of what had happened. I felt helpless. I could not
do anything for the people in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon or any of the
airplanes that crashed. I can't give blood. I did send a check to the Red Cross.
That was the least I could do. But as British Statesman Edmund Burke said, "All
that is needed for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
So what could I really
do that would make a difference? I decided that the best thing I could do is to
keep the faith. I believe in this country. I believe the economy will improve.
I believe the finishing industry will rebound from this recession. I believe that
the one GE stove I bought three weeks ago makes a difference to this economy.
I will not cancel any trips because they involve air travel. Sure, I will be more
cautious, but I will not let fear control my life. I will do as Ralph Waldo Emerson
suggested, "Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."
Even if it is something
as simple as persistence and faith in the face of uncertainty, I believe my little
part can help not only myself, but my country, my community, my industry, my family
and the world.
Each snowflake is delicate
and unique; however, together they can create a powerful and dominant force. We
need to confidently continue our way of life, and not be ruled by fear. I've used
a number of quotes in this editorial. They inspire me. I will close with one of
my favorites from Helen Keller, "Security is mostly a superstition. It does
not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding
danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring
adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits
in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable."
