‘9/11’, bushfires, and keeping busy
11 September 2001
This week marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.
Peter and I didn’t hear about them until we turned on the television the following morning. Like millions of people around the world, we watched the footage in shock. The aircraft striking the towers. The buildings collapsing. People running through streets filled with smoke and debris.
Twenty-five years later, those images have lost none of their power.
But there were other images, too. Firefighters and police officers running towards the danger. Office workers helping injured colleagues down endless flights of stairs. Strangers stopping to help strangers. The passengers aboard Flight 93 fighting back when they realised what was happening.
It was a day filled with horror, but also courage.
Which makes Donald Trump’s latest attempt to insert himself into the story especially distasteful.
Over the years, he has claimed that he sent hundreds of his workers to help at Ground Zero, that firefighters carried him away from a building they feared would collapse, and that he predicted the attack before it happened. There is no evidence supporting these stories, and people who were actually involved have challenged them. Even Trump’s nephew has now spoken out, saying the claims offend him.
Trump was photographed in Lower Manhattan two days after the attacks. That is not the same as working among the rescuers or being carried to safety by firefighters. The documented bravery of that day belongs to the people who were there, not to somebody trying to elbow his way into the picture twenty-five years later. The Guardian has examined six of Trump’s recurring 9/11 claims.
Closer to home
Back here in Australia, another familiar story has returned. Bushfires.
Smoke has been hanging over Brisbane after fires around South Ripley, Plainland and other parts of southeast Queensland. Some residents have been warned to stay indoors and close their windows. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services continues to list current incidents and smoke warnings.
Bushfires at this time of year are hardly unexpected. After good rain, grass and vegetation flourish. Then the weather warms, the growth dries out, and all that greenery becomes fuel.
Living in town, bushfires are not a direct threat to us. Even so, smoke can travel a long way, and every fire is a worry for the people, animals and properties in its path. Once again, firefighters are out there doing dangerous work while most of us watch from a safe distance.
On a much lighter note, I’m also preparing for the Books in Your Pocket Kickstarter, launching in October.
The side-hustle
Writing and publishing have become my retirement side hustle, although “side hustle” may be stretching the definition. It’s really something I do to keep myself entertained, challenge my brain and avoid taking up sensible retirement activities. Like knitting, or bowls.
Books in Your Pocket is designed to help readers discover books and buy directly from authors. The Kickstarter will offer a variety of rewards, including special extras supplied by participating authors.
One of mine comes from the bestiary, a comprehensive look at the Ptorix. Readers of my Ptorix Empire books have met them many times, but the bestiary goes further into what they are, how they live and what makes them different from humans.
I’ll share more as we approach the October launch. Retirement, it seems, is exhausting.
Go on, follow the Kickstarter. That way you’ll find out what rewards are on offer, faster.
Cheers,
Greta
