What followed can only be described as a never-ending state of delusion and dysfunction that would last for days, months and even years. Doesn’t Mike work near the Towers? Where is he now? Why do some victim’s families get money and others don’t? We are profiling whom now? We are at war with whom? Why do those men have to register with the government? I have to do what at the airport now? Are we at yellow or orange alert? And what exactly does that mean? Why is AT&T is recording my family gossip sessions? If the Senator is against the war, why isn’t he for bringing the troops home now? Like good soldiers in the army of justice, we all kept pushing forward with our campaigns for health care, immigrant rights, quality education and whatever the cause, all the while the madness kept swirling around us.

I woke up with a heavy heart this morning. I’m usually not one for sentiment, especially when its wrapped in government manufactured patriotism, electoral aspirations and deep collective denial. But beyond all of that façade is something real. There is real pain, real loss, anger and sadness. And there is a tremendous need for compassion. In the days after September 11, the US experienced an outpouring of compassion from people around the world. And it is in that moment in history that my hope is restored. After all, in many of these countries, especially those filled with black, brown and Asian folk, these were people who had been harmed by the policies of US. They had lost their livelihoods, their homes and love ones because of US backed sanctions, support of draconian regimes, or our failed economic schemes. But perhaps on that day, September 11, in our suffering, they saw a reflection of their own sorrows. And they mourned with us.

It’s a lesson that anyone who claims to be fighting for justice must remember. Having compassion does not mean that our nation’s leaders should not be held accountable for the suffering that they cause. It is compassion that helps us to recognize the humanity of our enemy, so that in the process of pursuing justice we do not lose our own. Without this sea change, the solutions we offer will continue to be smothered by the atmosphere of hate. So on this day, I try to remember the warmth and support given to us by brothers and sisters across the globe. And in that remembrance my hope is restored.