9/12 7:30 pm - How odd it is today. It's a very surreal feeling, and I am constantly fighting the urge to wake up and witness the world as it was 36 hours ago, yet knowing that is impossible. In the wake of these events, I know not what to do or feel. I feel frightened, I feel angered. I feel sad. I feel bothered. I feel terror and intense hatred. And all of this is undirected. I know I cannot possibly be the only person in this country - in this world, in this galaxy - who feels this same confusion/lack of direction. I am but one person. I think of the sheer hatred that covers the planet like a blanket at this moment, and it frightens me. I know what we are able to do when we set our minds to it, as a people, and if you're not scared out of your wits, then you're not paying attention.

I actually came across two bits of news that made me smile. Indeed, the knowledge made my heart and soul leap. The first part was about Fidel Castro. Fidel, who has had an unconditional hatred for the United States for more than my lifetime has backed the United States and offered "any and all support" we need. This, from the man who is supposed to be our enemy? Maybe he isn't as bad as we've been told. Maybe in his old age, he's gotten a conscience? Maybe the universe changed its mind.

The other bit of information is something I read on discoveromaha.com. I quote --

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP)--Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat donated blood intended for U.S. victims Wednesday, condemning the ``horrible attack'' on the United States.

``We are donating our humble abilities to (President Bush) and to the American people,'' Arafat said at Shifa hospital in Gaza City.

Arafat, one of hundreds of Palestinians who participated in the blood drive, smiled as doctors drew blood from his right arm. Blood donations were to be passed on to the U.S. Embassy.

As Arafat emerged from the hospital, about 200 Palestinians started chanting: ``We are ready to give our soul and blood for you.''

Asked if he had a message for the American people, Arafat said in English: ``God bless you, God bless you, God bless you.''

AP-NY-09-12-01 1823EDT

"They're bigger than us" - Marcus
"I know" - Susan, 2260

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