A moment of noise 2002-09-12

Well, yesterday was the one year anniversary of somebody's birth. Somebody's wedding. Somebody's first date.

Yesterday, one year ago, we all were younger, not as good at our jobs, not as good friends with those who are our friends. Yesterday, one year ago, we didn't even know some of the friends we have now.

Yesterday, one year ago, we were dating someone else, doing other things, living in other houses, thinking different thoughts.

Oh yeah, and yesterday, one year ago, some madmen flew a couple planes into some buildings in New York. Yesterday, one year ago, we went to war against evil. The American Flag became the hottest selling item in stores across the nation. Newfound patriotism was birthed out of our shock and rage.

Yesterday, one year ago, people died. And they have continued to die everyday after that. And they have died everyday prior to that as well. Why is it that we ask for a moment of silence for only yesterday, one year ago? Why isn't every death honored with a moment of silence?

Well, fuck that.

I ask for a moment of noise. A moment of yelling, of anguish, of grief. For everyone who has lost someone at any point, at any time. Not just yesterday, one year ago. I ask for a moment of wailing, and gnashing of teeth. A moment of sackcloth and ashes, a moment of tearing out your hair and beating your chest in pain.

"Everybody hurts," sang REM. Even our supposed "enemies." How is it, that we have the gall to think ourselves so different from them?