9-11-2014

I have tried to resist commenting on 9-11. But I've read so much in social media that I must say something.

I cannot refrain from stating two thoughts:

My first thought on the morning of the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 was, This is payback for September 11, 1973, when a US-backed coup deposed the elected government of President Salvador Allende of Chile. Whether the highjackers in 2001 had that in mind is not known. But I think of this on every anniversary and I am ashamed of the alleged democracy of which I am a citizen.

My second thought: The attack on New York was personal. I was born in a now-defunct hospital on West 76th Street and my first home was an apartment on East 52nd Street. My parents met when they worked in the same factory in the East 20s. We later lived on East 223rd in the Bronx, before moving to Danbury, CT. I loved most of the places I've lived. However, although I've resided elsewhere most of my life, New York City is home. Always has been, always will be.

I do not believe that the United States deserved the attack in 2001. One evil action does not legitimate another. For me, September 11th is the anniversary of two days of infamy, one perpetrated by my nation, one perpetrated against it. I am proud of my nephew, Sebastián Abel Chamorro Johansson, for noting the connection on his Facebook page.

Solidarity can be complicated.