LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Monday, April 15, 2013

Boston -- I Am So Sorry For This Terrible Thing That Happened To Your People And Places

Ironically, I was out of the house all day, at the 9/11 clinic, where we continue to be assessed for the physical damage that may or may not have been caused by prolonged exposure to the toxins thrown up by the blasts, and the fires that continued for months.

So I was in a 9/11 state of mind, for the physicians always go over everything about that moment you learned the Tower -- Towers -- had been / were hit, what you did, where you went, immediately, thereafter, and then the days and weeks afterwards.  I hate this process with all my heart.  El V has to force me to go these check-ups and appointments, which he insists I do, as I've developed a mysterious cough and shortness of breath subsequent to (note -- I am NOT saying consequent of -- still too soon to know) the 9/11 event, days and weeks and months thereafter.

So I hadn't heard a thing about this terrible, bloody event in Boston until unlocking my door, when my neighbor -- who also, needless to say, went through 9/11 as well -- rushed to ask what I thought, and then told me what had happened.  As it turns out a close friend of hers was at the Finish Line when it happened.

I have nothing else to say.  But it was a weird day, consumed with images and memories of catastrophe, bewilderment and numbness.  For us, at least, at our stage of life, 9/11 is a huge demarcation of our lives'  before and after, and not only for us personally, but for our neighborhoods, for our City.

And then -- this news.

The huge difference is that the emergency rooms and services were all primed, ready and waiting to do their work.  There wasn't any. There wasn't even any blood.

In Boston today there is a great deal of blood, a great deal for the EM tams and Emergency Room team to do.  Too much to do.