America comes together

The terrorist attack on America shocked millions of people around the world. This horrific tragedy brought frustration and helplessness, which turned from anger to sadness and other emotions difficult to verbalize.

Like millions of God-fearing Americans, I could not work last week, numbed by the unconscionable loss of lives of thousands of innocent victims. It felt somewhat un-American to call on clients and do business.

As a foreign-born resident of America, it struck me deeply to witness the solidarity of the American people. The American people from all faiths and from all walks of life felt the same intense pain. The political leaders in Washington, DC – whether Republicans or Democrats – showed to the world that they can cast aside their political ideologies and philosophical differences and stand shoulder to shoulder. The American people are law abiding and God-fearing people, which makes them a great people. The terrorist attack in their homeland united Americans and made them rally solidly behind their president. If only our Filipino politicians and military people can do the same when dealing with the Abu Sayyaf bandits!

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From tears and agony over the senseless loss of thousands of lives came an amazing convergence of spirit. I have already witnessed a subtle metamorphosis in people’s behavior. We have become extra considerate of other people – from the parking lot to the bank, from the freeway to the grocery store. People have become nicer and more accommodating.

In California, a melting pot of many nationalities, we are slowly finding out that we have more similarities than differences. What pains our neighbor also pains us. In our church, words can remain unspoken, but just a hug or holding of hands say it all. Words are not necessary to express sorrow. We are taking extra time to acknowledge the presence of others. The little things are beginning to matter more. We are beginning to count our blessings as we take time to smell the roses. Tragedy, it seems can also work miracles.

Ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things – even at the risk of their own lives like the hundreds of firemen and policemen who perished in trying to save others in the infernal fire.

In his new book, There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer offers compelling testimony on the power of love, harmony, and service – putting our collective energies toward what we are for instead of what we are against. In that book that is both very practical and deeply personal, the author recommends to look to the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi to solve some of our human problems. Moral force is far.

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This cowardly terrorist act caused a chain of reaction in the financial markets. American investors and consumers are acting more conservatively. They say that when Wall Street sneezes third-world countries get colds. The American economy will probably undergo a mild recession in the next two quarters as she prepares for war against an "enemy that has no land." As a Filipino-American, I am also concerned about the serious consequences upon third-world countries like the Philippines. As we suffer in America, millions of people around the world will suffer more along the way. The world has become a very small village. No man is an island any more.

In this connection, my wish and my prayer for the Philippines is for Filipinos to prepare and brace for harder months ahead. Austerity programs should be in order. The Philippine government must not rely too much upon other nations like the US to help her solve her own problems.

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E-mail [email protected] or [email protected]. Visit www.katipunan-usa.org and www.nurseinamerica.com.