Updated Monday 09/08/2003 9:39 AM

LET'S NOT FORGET

by Chuck Sippl, Senior Editor

Usually, at this time of year, THE GOLD SHEET is eager to talk football in this space. But it was only two years ago this Thursday that a horrendous outrage was perpetrated on the cities of New York and Washington, our nation, police officers, firefighters, rescue workers, and indeed, indirectly, on every citizen of and visitor to our country like those who were caught by unfortunate circumstance on the unforgettable day that forever will be known simply as "Nine-one-one." So it is altogether appropriate that we skip football just one week to remember them.

Since that new date of infamy, our armed forces have lost hundreds of lives, our nation has spent billions and billions or dollars, and we have collectively had to endure billions of hours of inconveniences, searches, and delays. Thousands of innocents in other countries have lost their lives as the U.S. has struck back in an effort to destroy the perpetrators and those who would support them.

There are many lessons to be remembered. Here are a few of the simple ones.

Some people are so fundamentally extreme in their hatred they feel it's essential to destroy those who disagree with them. Co-existence is not an option. Moreover, in these days of microchips, nanoseconds, satellite TV, and haves vs. have-nots, there are few people beyond the reach of those who would indoctrinate others with their hatred rather than tolerance.

Most of the indoctrinators disagree with the basic tenets that allow Americans to worship as they choose, think and speak and write as they choose, dress as they choose, and even amuse themselves as they choose. Most Americans might think such strict beliefs are a curious anachronism in the 21st century. Yet those same Americans would still tolerate those beliefs, as they do so many others, if the "sword" did not come with them. That's "problem time."

We don't pretend to know the answers here. What we do know is that hatred and murder are never the answer. And that we should always relish the freedom that so many of our countrymen have lost their lives in winning for us.

These football games we enjoy, in the large scheme of things, are not very important. And we should not let them become so.