sue

Claire,

I wouldn't go so far as to say people that want to see this are sick. This is so unbelievable for people to absorb that sometimes this can give some closure to see it first hand. It is human nature for this natural curiosity. People grieve in different ways and this may be a way of understanding the true impact.

simone

Does anyone think that the existance of animals in zoos or aquariums is cruel?

I used to, until I realized how much value they have to the kids and adults that can see and learn first hand about the habitat and plight of these animals.

Many conservation parks promote awareness of all animals.

I think in a very similar way, being affected by the 911 events will change ones outlook, like the zoo example. Seeing, smelling and just imagining those huge, tall towers were destroyed, filled with non-military innocent people will change most people. Forever.

If you are nearby, don't lose the chance to be "changed" It will carry you through your living years.

Howard

Surely, Simone you can't be serious with your posting that compares the experience of visiting Ground Zero with viewing animals at a zoo!

al

Wanting to visit GZ doesn't make someone morally depraved or anything like that. Nor does taking a picture of the site. We're all different, and just because a few people think it's "sick" doesn't mean it necessarily is. I'd be willing to bet that alot of the posters who keep saying "don't go" have been there themselves, and isn't there a bit of hypocrisy in that?

M

Fraunces Tavern museum/restaurant (from revolutionary war period), just reopened today after a recent renovation. It is located a few blocks south of ground zero. For more info, check out http://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/

Simone

Howard,
No. I don't think they compare in scope, that is for sure.

I may have done a poor job trying to make my point. Sorry about that.

I'll make this broad generalization: The closer you are to the disaster, the more if affects you. The further away, the less it affects you. I believe the people who worked in the towers; lived in NYC/Jersey and saw them each day; the frequent and infrequent visitor to NYC all are MORE affected than someone who has never been to NYC or knows someone injured/killed. Thus - my point - was that if they were to actually see GZ, they would be moved.

[I do not mean to say that you can not be affected if you never been to NYC, but I do know how I feel living in NJ]

The zoo example is what came to my mind thinking and reading the posts. Of course it is not the same, but I do believe that if a child sees a whale in Sea World, or a seal at the Bronx Zoo, or birds from the rain forest, they will be less likely to want hunt or denude the planet.

AC

Hi:
Simone is right about the sights sounds and smells. They will reamin with me forever...however because I am at Ground Zero does not mean I enjoy being there or am a tourist. I go to work there everyday and it has not gotten any easier believe me!
If you really feel the need to see it then please go and say a prayer.
However I still feel the best way to help is to donate money and then go enjoy the rest that NYC has to offer.

Elizabeth

I hope you will take your own counsel about whether or not to go down there. I did go down there myself, to volunteer at a church-run respite center; I didn't look much, I was mostly inside, but it had a very very profound effect on me--a resumption of the loss of sleep, actually. It's a powerful experience.

Whether you go or not, I hope you WILL
go to "Here is New York," the photo exhibition at 116 Prince Street in Soho, where 9/11-related photos from major photojournalists and anybody else who cared to contribute them are on display and for sale for $25, to benefit children of victims.

A visit to the show is a reverential experience in itself. There are hundred of photos and a serious but nice shrine-
like atmosphere. I think it has become the place of thoughtful pilgrimage, alongside the firehouses.

I think it has a website called "Here is New York," where you could find out if it's still on when you come. Or just go by if you go to Soho.

And--if you do go downtown to the site--please stay long enough to patronize a restaurant in Lower Manhattan someplace (Chinatown would be good), that is really needed.

m

website referred to in previous post is www.hereisnewyork.org

janine V.

Dear DG,

First of all I think that you coming to NYC is great! Welcome. IMHO I think you should to to GZ. You will not get the full effect of bieng in the center of it like the dignitaries do. But you will find something about it that you cannot get from seeing it on TV or reading about it. Binoculars will be helpful when you go,as you will always be two blocks away from it. Please say a prayer for all those lost and their surviving family members.
I found most visitors to be very respectful. There was a choir singing and quoting scriptures when I was there 2 Sundays ago and lots of people praying. I found it a unique experience. It was surreal to see Battery Park closed to all except the National Guard. A good way to see the SOL is on the Staten Island Ferry (It's free) It passes right next to the statue. When we passed by, there was a big Coast Guard vessel guarding it. The round trip ferry ride takes about 1 hour.
GZ is in a very historic part of NYC. Take time to stroll the area, it's quite amazing, the Stock Exchange, South Steet Seaport, Customs House, Federal Courthouse Buildings, Woolworth building,Brooklyn Bridge. It just goes on and on. Please report on your trip when you get back.