For you independents

摘要

I must confess that I write this in a daze, relying on my instincts to put my thoughts and feelings into words. It has been only four days since the tragedy in New York and Washington, D.C. that stunned the world. No matter what their age, color or religion, Americans — and friends of Americans around the world — are grieving. They are in shock, disbelieving that this unspeakable catastrophe could have happened on our shores. These numbing feelings will give way to periods of examination of what "should have" been done, as well as anger, and a reluctant acceptance. Everyone will pass through these grief stages. Unfortunately, no one will emerge unscathed; our openness and trust have been violated.