Let me tell you something about your "fake hero", Mr. Krugman...

NYT Enron Shill Paul Krugman calls Bush and Giuliani "Fake Heroes" of 9/11.

My brother was a NYC firefighter at the Towers.  He's one of the ones you see stumbling out of the dust cloud in the pictures... and then turning around and going back in.

He spent months after that working on recovery of bodies from the ruins, before he, like a lot of other NYC firefighters was forced to take an early retirmement with lungs like used blackboard erasers.

Every once in a while they'd find a body.  Or a piece of a body.  Or something that might have been a piece of a body once.  They took them to a special morgue that had been set up to identify the victims.

And every time that ambulance pulled into that morgue, Giuliani was there.  No cameras, no reporters, no press secretary handing out talking points.  Just Rudy Giuliani, there for his constituents and his firefighters.

My brother has nothing but good to say of Giuliani, and next to that testimonial, your cowardly little tantrum is meaningless.

This Got Published on the Anniversary of 9/11

"The Big Lie" ... a Truther comic published by Image Comics.  Click on their link for a bunch of other titles you should never buy again.

This is Rick Veitch, the creator...

And this is Eric Stephenson, the publisher...


Hopefully I've just saved my comics reading visitors a ton of money in the future...

I, Cloddius, Episode II...

Emperor Bloomberg Bans Clergy from 9/11 Ceremony, Takes Occasion to Endorse Ground Zero Mosque.  HT: Mind-Numbed Robot

And New Yorkers wonder why the rest of the country no longer watches their shows, buys their books, reads their papers and magazines, or in general gives a crap WHAT they have to say anymore.

As far as I can tell, the only reason New York exists nowadays is to make Californians feel better about themselves.

They used to say, "Too dumb for New York, too ugly for L.A."  Apparently New Yorkers are aiming for both now, perhaps in hopes of being admitted to Massachusetts.

The tragedy in this for New York, besides the insult to the beliefs of so many of the 9/11 victims and their families, is this:  Bloomberg is all they've got.  Seriously.  Look at the New York political scene and tell me who they have who can make a credible run for mayor.

It's the same problem the Democrats have with Obama; they've drained the well of viable candidates to the lees and the straw's full of mud; who do they have to credibly primary him — or follow him?

Obama Lays Wreath at Ground Zero...

"When we say we will never forget, we mean what we say," said the President who once wanted to turn 9/11 into "a day of  national service."

Obama Administration to remove references to "Islamic Extremism" from US National Security Strategy Documents.

Reminds me of when the Carter Administration removed all references to Russia and Communism from military manuals and replaced it with the word "Threat".  You know, those generic "Threat" T-62's and MiGs and November-class subs we were training to fight...

Sometimes it happens...

...that no matter what your plans, you wind up where you need to be when you need to be there.

Deborah Leigh and I were at loose ends today after we got the Rightmobile back from the garage. So we decided to run down to the Bass Pro Shop (Disneyland for Americans) in Rancho Cucamonga and pick up some turquoise jewelry I'd offered to buy her.

We got there just in time for a support the troops function honoring two of Bass Pro's employees who had lost limbs in the war, as they were presented a flag by a Cub Scout troop and the US Army, in the middle of the store as customers gathered around...

9/11 Then and Now...

It's that damn simple.

Obama's Insights on the Mosque...

With visual aids...

Endorsement...

Gay Harvard Law School Grad Sets Fire to 9/11 Chapel in NYC

... and suddenly I feel kinder towards the great state of Maine...

... as I've said before, I'm not reasonable on the subject of 9/11. But I'm perfectly rational and LIKE HELL will I put up with this shit.

I hope this punk winds up flipping burgers for the rest of his life, but I have no doubt that the old boy network of his fiscally and morally bankrupt alma mater will bail him out,

OK, this is important Islam news.

Up front: I had family in the Twin Towers both times they were bombed. On 9/11 I also had family in the firefighters on scene and in the subway tunnel just leaving Nassau Street when they came down.

I am not reasonable on the subject of 9/11. I consider it a testimonial to the strength of my Catholic upbringing that the first words out of my mouth every morning are NOT a prayer for a bright hydrogen spark right over the Ka'abah. I have been known to shove Truthers into the nearest wall by the windpipe.

That said, this e-mail is making the rounds, it purports to be a photo of a Muslim-owned business in Houston Texas closed in mourning for the death of one of the 9/11 hijackers. It even includes this bilingual photo.

THIS IS NOT TRUE. The store was closed for the commemoration of the martydom of Ali the son of Mohammed, 1200 freaking years ago. It's a holy day, like a Christian worker taking off for a saint's day. It has nothing to do with 9/11.

I don't know if this is a hoax, a mistake or deliberate malice, but if you receive this e-mail LEAVE THESE PEOPLE ALONE.

The Twin Towers Hit Back

The USS New York, LPD-21, docks in Lower Manhattan Nov. 1st prior to its formal commissioning on the 7th.

The US Navy's newest warship designed for counterterror and amphibious operations bears 7.5 tons of steel from the Twin Towers in its bow.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said 'They knocked us down.They can't keep us down.We're going to be back.'
The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'


Now if only we could put some of that steel in our President's spine.

The U.S.S. New York

Friday Night Rally

No fancy slogans for 9/11.

National Day of Service: Obamawe'en

Once we knew there was darkness in the world.

Once we knew there was evil.

We saw it, right in the midst of our daily lives, and we wanted to remember it, to remind ourselves to be watchful for it forever.

And a day was set aside every year, just before the Feast of All Saints, a day when evil was acknowledged to walk freely in the world.

In the pre-Christian era, it was called Walpurgistnacht. With the dawn of the Christian era, it came to be known as All Hallow's Eve, Hallowe'en, the day when we all acknowledged that evil was real and free to roam the world around us.

But time passed. And we grew distant from the world around us, insulated by our strong homes and creature comforts and beliefs that were easy to hold in the daylight and laws we gulled ourselves into believing would hold the dark at bay with no effort or watchfulness on our part.

And the day we set aside for watchfulness and facing reality became a day of trifling amusements and novelties, a day of laughter and treats for children.

But the evil did not grow distant, and was not trifling, and did not forget.

Now we are told that this day is to be a day of trifles again, of irrelevant little once-a-year acts, to make an end of this day when we acknowledge that evil exists.

Because it is politically inconvenient.

Not again. Never again. We will remember, and we will declare our remembrance... and we will remember the people who tell us we shouldn't.

TWIN TOWERS ANTHOLOGY: The Pentagon and Flight 93

“In the manner of the Spoon River Anthology, this collection of verse has the dead speaking of their lives and abrupt departures on September 11, 2001.

Writers Viola and Kilborne take the poetic license of putting words in the mouths of the dead in this collection of free- and rhymed-verse portraits. The facts are drawn mostly from the New York Times's “Portraits of Grief,” the award-winning series of vignettes about the victims of 9/11. Then Viola and Kilborne assume control, adding a wash of color and personality as best they can imagine. A number of the pieces have a certain staccato rhythm, an abruptness of tone that reflects what those last moments may have been like. Others are conversational, sometimes in the form of duets, as when siblings or married couples both perished (e.g., brothers: Vincent… “I persuaded Cantor Fitzgerald / To hire him as a bond trader / In my department / We were a team.” And Andrew: “He talked; I listened. / That’s my brother’s idea of a dream team.” While some are sassy and defiant, others nail home the profound feeling of loss, especially when children are involved” “Now Zachary will raise my son”; or “I planned on having two days off / That I would spend with Irene / Fixing up a nursery / For a child due in October.” A few of the selections feel a bit rushed to include the pertinent information — “I played guitar, / Studied kung fu / And photography, / Climbed Mount Rainier…” — while others stumble over the verse: “At Carr’s Futures / I may be missed / As a financial / Analyst.” But each illustrates the extreme difficulty in capturing the essence of the departed’s being. Viola and Kilborne manage to inject immediate life into many of these quick studies, which is certainly a tribute that all these men and women deserve.

The preface quotes Eli Weisel: “Memory may be our most powerful weapon against fanaticism.” Thank you, then, for the poignant memories. — Kirkus Reviews

Selected Comments on Twin Towers Anthology

“Viola and Killborne have crafted a… moving tribute to the people who died Sept. 11 that focuses on life rather than death… The show brought smiles and laughter at quirks and funny stories [and] evoked the charm, spark, and vibrant personalities of these special — yet oh so ordinary — people.” — Kathi Scrizzi Driscoll, Cape Cod Times (Sept. 9, 2002)

“Impressive. Twin Towers Anthology should become a lasting part of history to commemorate 9/11 over the years.” — Libby Hughes, On-line review, Cape Cod Today (September 15, 2002)

“Twin Towers cracks our reserve about September 11… [Viola and Kilborne’s characters] have passed into our hearts and become part of us, despite their flaws and because of their intelligence and humor. They are now a small part of me… [Viola and Kilborne] tirelessly and lovingly gathered their data, wrote the monologues, and are now prepared to share their brilliance with the public.” — Melora B. North, The Barnstable Patriot (Sept. 6, 2002)

“Brilliant, extraordinary work.” — Professor Enoch Durbin, Princeton University.

“It is touching, incredible and truly a work of art. I’m surprised that I’ve seen nothing else of this magnitude, but not surprised that you put it all together.” — Tome DeGray, Former Headmaster, The Peddie School

“Moving and humanizing. Thank you for doing this.” — Joyce Flynn, Harvard University

“…a beautiful and extraordinary piece of theatre…” — David Kaye, Theatre Department, University of New Hampshire

“…an amazing tribute filled with love and grace…” — Nina Schuessler, Artistic Director, Harwich Junior Theatre

“Albert T. Viola’s Cape Cod Actors’ Workshop presented a moving performance of Twin Towers Anthology…” — New England Theatre Conference Review, November 1, 2002

“I want to thank you so much for choosing Carol for Twin Towers Anthology. The family is truly in gratitude in what you have done in her memory. You are wonderful people…” — Marilyn Matthews, sister of Carol La Plante, Long Island, New York

“Thank you for including my extraordinary daughter, Karol, in Twin Towers Anthology and for giving celebration to those who are gone but not forgotten,” — Denise Keasler, Las Vegas, Nevada

“I am extremely touched you and Mr. Killborne have included a monologue about Eugene Clark in your new play, Twin Towers Anthology. Being the ‘Diva’ he was, and in my heart always will be, I know that he is also very happy.” — Larry L. Courtney, Gene’s partner, New York City

“A greatly moving piece of work. I came away knowing some of the victims of 9/11 and with a kind of sense of closure.” — Jill Romeo, South Yarmouth, MA

“This was an excellent production. It put a human face to all those lost on 9/11. We were in Brooklyn the day of the attack. I saw the tower burning, not believing what I was seeing. It was a day I will never forget. This play (Twin Towers Anthology) will help to keep alive the memory of those lost.” — Mary and Jeffrey Fass, South Yarmouth

“…moving but uplifting. A most beautiful way to keep the hearts broken open — feeling of humanity.” Kathless Greager Ryan, Cape Cod

“…very touching — with honesty and humanity. Music was wonderful.” Charlotte and Henry Werrick, Mashpee, MA

“I was moved by everyone in the performance of Twin Towers Anthology. We must never forget September 11, 2001.” — Justin Horner, Hyannis, MA

“Sad, reflective, moving yet passionate. Take it on the road!” — Helen Bresnahan and Clare Neal, Centerville MA

“Moving, so realistic. I will never forget this performance.” — Janet Reagan, Cape Cod, MA

“Twin Towers Anthology was beautifully and respectfully done. Congratulations to all who produced and acted in it. Thank you for sharing.” — Grace Waystock, Harwich MA

“It was an honor to see and feel this presentation. Thank you.” — Betty and Dick Neitz, South Yarmouth, MA

“Well done! It took strength and courage to do this. Beautifully presented.” — Tony Saizdan, Cape Cod, MA

“Splendid performance! Everyone did a wonderful job! Thank you for telling their stories!” — Don Hunter, Amherst NH

“This should be done every year at the memorial on 9/11.” — Nancy and William Boncos, Fall River, MA

“Fantastic!” — Tom and Marian Falciglio

“It was wonderful. I feel as if I became personally involved with the victims of 9/11. Thank you for giving us a different perspective.” — Judi and Dave Bislise, Setucket, RI

“Just great! Very wonderful tribute to those not with us. God bless you all!” — JK McCarthy, Chatham, MA

“I saw a preview of this show at South Yarmouth Library. I knew I had to come to the full performance. It is very powerful and so meaningful. Great job. Keep showing this.” — S. Abrams, Martha’ Vineyard, MA.

“Very moving. Always remember!” The Kelly’s, Harwich, MA

“Very moving. A fine tribute.” “H.M.J., Cape Cod, MA

“An awesome production. Should be seen by everyone! Perhaps a TV special for all to see! Most reflective!” — The Raphaelians, Weston, MA

“A sensitive and powerful production. Thank you!” — Dr. Peter and Mary Amorosi

“A beautiful and powerful performance done by all. We will not forget 9/11.” — Kate Waystock, Harwich, MA

“It really touched my heart. Well done. I will never forget 9/11 or this show that was done with a lot of thought and excellent acting.” — Leigh Ann Small, Brewster, MA

“Very moving. You have made a beautiful contribution to our memories.” — Joan Sheehan, Easton, CT

“An amazing portrayal of some of the victims of 9/11. You brought home to us the real people, their joys, their hopes and dreams. For the first time we felt we could identify with them.” — Shelly and Moe Spector

Available through

Players Press

PO Box 1132

Studio City CA 91614-0132

or by special order through your local bookstore and Baker & Taylor