Today is a Day of Remembrance, Not Politics

Last updated on September 14, 2020

Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken.

There is not much to say about 9/11 that has not been said by me or others. What transpired on that fateful day was absolutely horrific and morally abhorrent. The law enforcement officers, firefighters, and medical professionals that put their life on the line to save others are among the bravest people in our society.

Now, nineteen years later, we still remember the victims of 9/11 and those who fell trying to save lives. This day is not about politics. This day is not about advancing narratives or political agendas, but a day where we should pay our respects, a time where a moment of silence is warranted and encouraged.

Yet, #AllBuildingsMatter was trending on Twitter to mirror the All Lives Matter phrase with the Black Lives Matter phrase. This was to advance the argument that the “All Lives Matter” phrase overlooks the seriousness of the “Black Lives Matter” phrase.

This is beyond uncalled for and disrespectful. I have always been annoyed by the semantic overload in the war between Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, and Blue Lives Matter, but this takes away the much-needed attention of the families deeply affected by the 9/11 attack. It is counterproductive and blatantly insensitive to tweet this hashtag, especially to use a devasting attack that killed thousands to advance a political narrative.

Despite this, some political leaders have paused the game of politics and took the time to memorialize the dead. On the 19th anniversary of 9/11, Vice President Mike Pence and Former Vice President Joe Biden met at the New York 9/11 memorial for a brief moment.

This act of putting politics aside is what we need in this time of great political division. 9/11 is an event that is far greater than the bickering in Washington and the partisanship in the media. It is a time where we acknowledge that the greatness of this nation, the sources of unification like the constitution, transcends what divides us. There is very little agreement on various political topics, but we can all agree that we should never forget the fallen American men and women on that defining day.

Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken.