Posted 9/12/01 Tuesday morning: Sunday Night, by MaryHelen Swanson I was just wondering last night why people are so angry these days. Angry enough to take weapons and kill their family members, even their own small children. I wondered what makes the young people so angry they fight violently among themselves, lashing out at classmates, teachers, authority. I wondered why drivers are so angry and in such a rush they drive foolishly and take many risks to get from one point to another, using foul language, gestures, and obscenities against other drivers on the highways. I wondered why people living good lives in one of the greatest parts of the country are so angry with the way their communities are changing. I wondered why we canít run political campaigns without harsh criticism of opponents. I wondered how parents could be so angry and abrupt with their children they make fools of themselves in public places. I even began to wonder why I, myself, was feeling so cross lately that I grumbled in my car as I drove around, that I found myself with pursed lips and furrowed brow where I usually had a smile. There just didnít seem to be any answers. But all of this seems nothing compared to the anger that must be behind whatís happening today, Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, 2001. As I write this, my spine is tingling as one after another report of this national disaster is unfolding on the tiny television in our office window. How this will all end, no one knows. We, here in the newsroom are having difficulty getting this paper together. I think itís not being able to do anything about the situation that leaves us with such a hollow feeling. I stare at a blank space in front of me trying desperately to come up with a cutline that seems so insignificant now. I should shut off the TV, but I wonít. We need to be part of this national tragedy today. Family members have called ñ perhaps to report what we already know ñ but perhaps to be assured that weíre all okay. I tell them I love them. I tell them to pray. What else can we do right now? We will recover. We are a strong nation. But it will be very difficult, it will take years and years and we still may never know why. Now we must see clearly itís time to stop being angry and come together in love and peace, whatever it takes. Where it begins will be in your home tonight, tomorrow, day after day, week after week. When your children make you angry, work it out. When your spouse makes you angry, work it out. When co-workers make you angry, work it out. When drivers make you angry, work it out. When you meet with your community leaders, work out your issues. When it seems that life is so impossible you want to take out your aggression on everyone around you, get help and work it out. Even as you consider what a horrible thing someone has done to our people, to the security and safety of our workplaces and homes, keep your minds and hearts from being torn apart with anger. Thereís going to be a lot of anger in our country ñ from the top down, and itís going to be tremendously difficult to get over it. But the anger must stop. Now. ©Post Review