In Oregon, I didn't understand what had happened until 10:00am PST (3 hours earlier than the East Coast)--then, trying to get information was a bit difficult, NPR was available but I didn't see any video until I went into the treatment center where I work and saw a replay of the collapse of the 2nd tower.

Without trying to be catastrophic, I can only think that this event draws a line in the historical sand. At first, when I read the headlines on the NY Times website, I thought (in denial) that it was some sort of movie trailer, I couldn't comprehend it. I had to go pick up my car at the repair shop, in Portland, it's a gorgeous day, I felt as if I was memorizing every color of every leaf on every tree.

My fears are, of course, of US retailiation. I agree with Amos' description of the possible scenarios. The US was poised, it seems, for this to happen. I don't mean to minimize the destruction, death, and pain to all involved, I just think of the targets, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon--what they might symbolize to someone raised to hate the "West." Without knowing who the perpetrators are, I also fear that jingoism and the panic of misinformation, combined with a sense of blind outrage, will cause more pain, more death.

With profound sadness for all the losses we collectively are experiencing at this point in time, and with a deep belief and trust in the divinity of all life,

blt