Remembering 9/11

Editor;

It was shortly before 9:00 a.m. and I was on my way to my first client. The weather was clear and the morning rush hour traffic had already built up and was inching along.

I was listening to the news radio, getting the news and traffic updates, when the first announcement came that a small light airplane had hit one of the buildings.

Odd, I thought, how easy it would be to miss the building, even with some airplane malfunction. My attention went back to the road, with an occasional peek to see what was happening at the World Trade Center. Approximately 15 minuets later they announced that a second airplane had crashed into the 2nd tower. Traffic stopped. The second airplane seemed to make the building explode. Great billows of black smoke and flame were now coming out of the first building. Great flames and smoke poured out of the second building. People were horrified and stunned.

The civil defense has an action plan in the event New York City is under an attack, part of which is to shut down all bridges, tunnels and all access ways into Manhattan. I was able to weave my way back home and get to my TV set and see what was happening.

Watching the twin towers collapse had initially an unreal quality about it, like some movie disaster film. As the commentators told of the attack at the Pentagon and the aircraft that went down in Pennsylvania, I became more attuned to the reality of the situation, the frustration and helplessness of what was coming at me.

The United States has always had two great oceans to defend our shores. We have invested untold millions of dollars in defense to protect our citizens. And yet there was a weak link.

I know this area extremely well. The lives that were lost represented some of the most brilliant minds in the financial community. They will not be replaced easily. But, they will be replaced and although for a moment the world stood it has carried on.

This massacre was done by individuals who believed that their god had chosen them, and they would be honored in paradise. In my time I grew up with Hitler, Mussolini, and Japan. This evil axis sought submission and domination of all the world’s peoples. Today they are just memories of what can happen when we give in to appeasement.

The United States is now the mightiest nation in the world. I feel certain that these criminals, for whatever excuse they muster, will be most severely crushed, ground into dust. They have guaranteed their place in hell, for heaven and paradise have closed their doors.

Ron Fleitman,

New York City

Thanks M.J.B. for adding an extra smile

Dear Editor,

I would like to thank your cartoonist M.J.B. for adding an extra smile to your newspaper. I have been reading your paper for years & now I’m hooked on the wonderful insights this guy has on what goes on in Pattaya. What happened to the cartoons on your web site? I used to send it to my friends all over the world, please bring it back.

Just a thought, what about bringing out a book of these cartoons, is there one already out? Please let me know.

A loyal fan of Pattaya Mail & a doting fan of M.J.B. - keep up the good work.

Jacko

Good folk are still around

Editor;

To the (Lancashire) bloke who stopped and helped me at the road-side after my motorcycle accident on Sunday morning: I was probably in a bit of a state of shock at the time and although I wasn’t seriously injured, your help and your calm, friendly nature really did do me the world of good.

Other people might have simply passed on by, saying “ not my problem”, but you took the time to stop, see how badly injured I was and even treated my wounds. For this, I thank you sincerely.

It’s good to know folk like you are still around.

Rider

What happened after the Top Secret raid?

Editor;

I’ve been reading your online paper for about 2 years. I can’t wait to read the next weekly issue.

I’ve often wondered what happens to persons (farangs) who are arrested for drugs in Thailand. For instance, I would like to hear the follow-up stories of the persons who supplied urine samples and were arrested for drug use at “Top Secret” (I do understand that there are many classes of drugs).

For instance, what are the consequences of providing a sample found to contain marijuana, yaba, etc.? I think it would be a good idea for PM to follow up these stories so readers know what to expect it they find themselves in a likewise predicament.

I know these stories would be repeated many times over the year, but perhaps the repeated stories would help discourage this drug abuse.

I feel it would be a great service to those visiting spectacular Thailand.

And thanks for the greatest online paper on the Web.

Wayne Howkins

Editor replies: Smaller cases are most likely dealt with through fines and immediate deportation, along with a stamp in the offending party’s passport. Larger cases (as well as smaller ones if the accused wishes to pursue this avenue) go through the legal system. Penalties can be stiff, with extreme cases eligible for the death penalty. Jails here, like anywhere in the world, are not fun places to take up residence. The bottom line is: don’t mess around with illegal drugs. Remember, “If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.”