9/11: A Day We Will Never Forget

     Thinking about the day of September 11, 2001 is haunting, terrifying, and upsetting. Watching the movie Seven Days in September took these emotions to a whole different level, but at the same time, I learned a lot about the day of the attacks and the days following them that I had never known before. Knowing that so many people had to die that day is very saddening, but it is even more upsetting to think about the people who had to stand by and watch their friends and family die and how so many people lost someone important to them that day. The main emotion that I saw was evident throughout the entire film was 'shock.' So many Americans were just simply in awe in the moments that the towers were blown up. One of most captivating scenes was when the man and woman-who were fortunately able to run from the explosion in just enough time-were being interviewed. They were so shocked and relieved that they had just escaped death by just a few seconds, that they didn't even know what to say. They just sat there, without even realizing how thankful they should be.
      Days later, the one scene that I still cannot get out of my mind is when the movie showed the one man falling as he jumped from one of the windows of the tower. This man chose to jump to his death, rather than remain in the building. The video of this man falling is so tragic and haunting and truly demonstrates how difficult this day was. It also reminds me to be thankful for the life I have, because the thought of this man having to make the impossible choice-to suffocate by the smoke in the building, or jump and fall hundreds of stories to his death-is too difficult to even imagine.
      As upsetting as this movie was, it also was beautiful. It showed how powerful our country is and the beauty that exists within. It was very moving to watch the people line up on the sides of a street to cheer on and thank the rescue workers as they drove by. The amount of people there was astounding, and I believe that this is what motivated the workers to keep going even when it seemed like there was no hope left. The idea of hope was also evident when random people walking on the street stopped to help in many different ways. For example, the movie showed men and women stopping to build stretchers for the injured bodies, as well as groups of people who gave food in order to provide for the rescue workers. This huge amount of support that was demonstrated over these few days in September really illuminates the beauty that exists within the United States. It shows how people truly care about the safety of others, and even with their lives in danger, thousands of people still chose to help in the best way they could.
     The movie was very powerful and moving in many ways, because it showed how scary September 11th and the days that followed the attacks were for the people of New York, but it also demonstrated the love that America has. Despite the terrifying events, people were able to turn to one another for comfort and to find a way to keep their faith. It's unfortunate that it takes such a massive tragedy to bring people together, and I think that the scenes shown in Seven Days in September are able to act as a symbol of hope; it shows America the strength and support that we can give to one another and that despite our different values and outlooks on life, we are all still here to help one another.

Limiting the First Amendment

     Recently in class, we have been discussing the ideas of speech codes. A speech code is any rule that limits or restricts speech. It is used to prevent hate speech and fighting words. Many individuals argue that speech codes are a violation of our First Amendment rights. Even though some speech codes many be considered too vague or broad to be fair and successful, I still believe that some speech codes are necessary in certain cases.
     Hate speech must be prohibited when necessary, because it can often be a  breach of the peace. The First Amendment-although it protects free speech-does not protect harassment. Hate speech is not only offensive to the individuals it targets, but it can usually be considered a form of harassment. It often tends to promote a violent reaction, thus distrubing the peace. In class we focused on the use of speech codes in universities. After class discussions and assigments, I have come to the conclusion that they should be allowed as long as they focus on a direct issue at hand. Speech codes must have a sole purpose, otherwise they are broad, confusing, and useless.
    If universities do not limit some forms of freedom of speech, then the campuses can turn in to chaos. In almost all cases, speech codes are created to protect others. If people can go around harassing anyone they disagree with or don't like, then how can anyone feel safe? It is important for universities to have the best interest of their students in mind, and if that requires them to slightly limit the students' rights freedom of speech, then it should be allowed.
    I believe that speech codes must exist in some cases for the purpose of protection. Although I agree with FIRE, when they state that speech codes can be unfair because they often limit someone's rights, I also believe that sometimes these limitations are necessary. Those who create speech codes must be sure that they restrict the First Amendment just enough, so that it prevents violence and disruption, but does not completly violate anyone's rights. More often than not, the gray area is what is most successful. For example, if everyone has complete freedom to do anything they want, it endagers the lives and safety of others. On the other hand, if individuals have no rights, then the situation is unjust. For this reason, not everything can be black and white. Sometimes a mix is what is more successful. If individuals have limited restrictions on their rights, a good mix of freedom and control exists, thus allowing for a happy and successful country.