The need to express "how an unbeliever reacted to the WTC tragedy" was half way composed in my mind when Mr. Blaney and Mr. Huisman caused an immediate response.
Those of us who are unbelievers need to acknowledge that we do recognize that prayer is a solace for some in times of desperate grief and bewilderment. When believers cannot think of anything else to do in their horribly shocked condition, then praying helps them to feel that they are doing "something" for the good of the victims of death and their survivors. And, especially, prayers aid in comforting those who are praying. There is certainly nothing worth criticizing of this activity. And children might seek out an understanding teacher or parent; and there are many counselors to help deal with trauma of this magnitude.
However, to intimate that atheists haven't strong empathy for the dead and their families is surely suggesting that we are not mere humans, just like the rest of the population who mourns. We feel that this judgment is unjustified. We endure rage, helplessness and lack of understanding about those murderers and the vast "other world" of those who applaud them--just like any Christian does. Many freethinkers, atheists and agnostics have stated so on their many web sites--our sincerity should not be questioned.
But, what I have noticed about the remarks from RRF, AANews, FFRF or ACLU is how remarkably different from statements made by most other segments of our citizenry. The majority of the latter call for immediate attacks on Afghanistan and the hiding-places of bin Laden; they say that they approve of troop recalls, military alerts and departure of our armed young men toward the Mid-East.
Are there plans to assign Marines to do the job? If so, then I suggest counselling be held to educate the troops about history--both of the enemy's and our own, too. (Marines like Mr. Blaney ought to know that our country was not founded on "In god we Trust." This slogan is younger than the founding of the U.S. and was not printed on currency until as recently as the mid-50's, thanks to Sen. McCarthy and President Eisenhower.)
Also, for Mr. Huisman--the Freethinkers or the ACLU raised no protest over any prayers in schools offered to soften the terrible impressions on young minds and spirits, simply out of common decency and general humanitarianism following the nation-shattering catastrophe of 11 September. I really hope that he can understand that.
With the passage of time, there will be opportunity to renew past interests and activities; for us all, I'm sure.
Marcel Stratton
9/20/01