11 September 2008

I was going to write this yesterday, but time didn't permit it. I thought a lot yesterday about the events that happened seven years ago. I almost can't believe that so much time has passed.

The events of 11 September 2001 left an indellible impression on me--they changed me forever. They changed the way I looked at the world. They changed my values, my patriotism--my life.

It was then that I decided that I wanted to do something that would make a difference. Something that would help people around the world, and give me a platform to share what I considered to be most important. They say "no man is an island," but prior to 9-11, I think the feeling in the U.S. was that we WERE. It was immediately apparent that the world had been forever changed, and from that point forward, the world's concerns were ours and vice-versa.

That's why I am a journalist. To help this nation in its continuous struggle to break free of ignorance and closed-mindedness and reach out to the world around us. Knowledge is power, more than any other force.

Every day of life and freedom that I--and you--continue to enjoy is thanks to the millions throughout history who have fought for that life and freedom. Whether you agree with the events that have transpired since that fateful day 7 years ago or not, ALL of us owe the men and women in the Armed Forces our support and gratitude for their sacrifices on our behalf.

Freedom isn't free.