Ten years ago I sat down and wrote my first “Desert Happenings” Newsletter. Some of you knew it as the “Mission Hills Review.” That all began ten years ago, September 2001, the same month our World Trade Center and our Pentagon were viciously attacked by al-Qaeda.My newsletter was delivered the first few days in September, and on September 11, a few days later, many of us sat “glued” in-front of our television sets, not believing the sights before our very eyes!
The only reason I mention these two events together is because they were both “firsts” for me. One was the birth of my Newsletter. The other was a first for hundreds of thousands of us who witnessed these unbelievable monstrosities together. Over 3000 people lost their lives in this tragedy. Some were victims of the attacks, and other were victims who lost their lives trying to rescue others.
Out of this madness, more firsts have been born. For the first time in history SCATANA was invoked, establishing an ATC Zero condition, closing all airspace and immediately grounding all non-emergency civilian aircraft in the United States, Canada, and several other countries, and so stranding tens of thousands of passengers across the world. The Federal Aviation Administration closed American airspace to all international flights, causing about five hundred flights to be turned back or redirected to other countries. Canada received 226 of the diverted flights and launched Operation Yellow Ribbonto deal with the large numbers of grounded planes and stranded passengers.
Since that time, aviation has implemented new boarding rules and regulations. Security in many other sectors has “tightened up” in hopes of thwarting future attacks. Other countries have followed suit.
Today, a new tower is being built in the same place the World Trade Center stood. I read this one could withstand an attack from the ground or the sky. That is just another “first” that has come about in the last ten years.
Our Stock Market also realized a “first.” The market remained closed from September 7th until it re-opened on the 17th. It suffered the largest one-week drop at its time when it fell 1369.7 points (14.3%).
Many other “firsts” have given birth since September 11, 2001, and they have shown us and others that we are a strong country and we can re-bound from many adversities.
From tragedy oftentimes comes strength.Yes, we have suffered before, and we will suffer again…………..but this is America, and we can work together to build our economy and coffers strong once again!
Perhaps you’ll call me an “Optimist,” and I won’t disagree with you. After all, I’d much rather see the world as “half full,” than empty. It’s just a shame our media hasn’t figured that out!
Let me know your thoughts? What are some other “firsts”?
IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificatetowards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!
Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,
Nancy Hankin
Comments (0)Subscribe to CommentsComment