St. Andrews, NB - Friday, October 19, 2001 - by: Chuck Schom
 
 

 

157 Water St, Unit "C"
St. Andrews, NB
E5B 1A7
(506) 529 4233

 

 

 

Dear Editor,

 

 
I reviewed a list of those who died in the Collapse of the World Trade Centre. They seemed to have a component in common. One, I think, I share. It would have killed me also.

 

 

 

I would not have left my desk given that the planes hit 40 or so stories above me.

 

 

 

I mention this because I have no intentions of being intimidated, yet plan to be more cautious.

 

 

 

Let me draw a parallel. The nation was in a panic over AIDS, children barred from school, etc.. Those with it, and to some extent still, avoided. I do not avoid them. I try not to shake hands with anyone when I have an abrasion, but then I never have like physical contact of any kind with strangers.

 

 
  We as a nation and world will adjust. The Terrorists make a big mistake by continuing the attacks, if that is what the Anthrax letters are and not another crazy or two like the Uni-bomber or whatever he was called. Yes, we adjusted to AIDS, we will adjust to this,
   

 

The same is true today as when AIDS appeared. I don't plan to change the way I live much. I do plan to "watch my back" more then I used to. I plan to stay more alert, much as I do when I go through unsavory parts of Toronto, Vancouver, etc. or for that matter any City.
   
  However, the probability of dieing goes up given certain kinds of inaction on our governments part. In 6 to 8 months I expect to start routing myself through the US when I fly. I prefer the dangers associated with having armed "Sky Marshals" on planes to that of Armed Fighters trying to force Terrorists to land a plane safely.
   
  Yours truly,
   
  Charles B. Schom