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Topic: I remember two towers
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Flowers By Irene
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3012
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posted 11 September 2002 12:22 AM
It was about eight or nine years ago, I was 16. My first and, so far, only trip to New York. I was there for only four days, but I have many memories from that trip. One memory that has become the most precious in this last year is my visit the World Trade Center. I never went in the towers, but remember being amazed by the sheer immensity of them. I remember laying on my back on the courtyard between and in front of the two towers, on a cool, windy early October day. I remember the cold concrete against my back as stared up, up, up, and still further up. I remember feeling jealous of the few clouds I could see in the sky; they seemed so much closer to the top of the towers than I was. I remember the towers gently swaying in the wind, the sun periodically reflecting off the windows directly into my eyes. I remember the people; tourists as astounded by this wonderful feat of engineering as I was; business men and women hurrying past, taking almost no notice of the towers they saw every day. This is how I will remember the towers.
From: "To ignore the facts, does not change the facts." -- Andy Rooney | Registered: Aug 2002
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Mimichekele
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1351
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posted 11 September 2002 06:32 PM
When I look at the debates surrounding the planning and construction of the World Trade Centre, I come to a different conclusion.The towers were not a symbol of hubris - the architect saw the towers as a positive sign of hope and humanism and internationalism. Perhaps naively, but the builders did not look at the towers as a symbol of American power, but of international concord. I agree - when I consider victims came from 80 nationalities, it's easy to imagine what the architect meant. Also, one has to recall how the economy of southern Manhattan had been devastated in the 60s and 70s recessions. The WTC towers contributed very directly to the rejuvenation of the entire south of Manhattan for dozens of blocks in all directions. The construction of the towers also led to revolutions in construction and design and engineering technologies. They were a true engineering feat, without exaggeration. A once in a generation building that changed the way large structures around the world are planned. Ugly? An aesthetic judgment. Hubris? I beg to differ. The towers are as revolutionary as the Eiffel Tower. By the way, the buildings were not targets. The people inside were.
From: Toronto - but I'd prefer being back in Montreal spotting Nazis | Registered: Sep 2001
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