The Memorial. "People talk a lot about the "healing process." Well, this is New York. In the aftermath of a tragedy of monumental proportions, the healing process has been noisy and rude, with elbows out, redolent of greed, power, and the darker forces that drive human existence. And most of the shouting has been about how to make a fitting monument to what happened here. But in a hundred years, all the shouting and all the politics will be forgotten. What will be remembered is what is built here, now, on these sixteen acres." [more inside]
posted by zarq
on Aug 19, 2011 -
37 comments
"On September 11, 2001, thousands of first responders heroically rushed to the scene and saved tens of thousands of lives. More than 400 of those first responders did not make it out alive. In rushing into those burning buildings, not one of them asked 'What God do you pray to?' 'What beliefs do you hold?'"
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
has recently
defended the planned
Cordoba Initiative Islamic Community Center and Mosque to be built near Ground Zero
against critics. Yesterday, after the City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission
voted to
allow the demolition of a building that would be replaced by the center, Mr. Bloomberg gave a
speech on Governor's Island (the
location seems to have been deliberately chosen) in which he
eloquently defended religious freedom. (YT:
Video)
(Previously on MeFi)
posted by zarq
on Aug 4, 2010 -
315 comments
Thinking Big - A Plan for Ground Zero and Beyond - from this past Sundays NY Times Magazine. Some months ago, when the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation made public
their plans, Metafilterians were, for the most part,
underwhelmed. This new plan, from an
impressive set of architects, goes far beyond the LMDC plans and really redevelops much of the surrounding region as well. There's certainly no lack of bold or controversial designs. I for one, think this is the best set of suggestions that I've seen so far. Delightfully bold.
posted by warhol
on Sep 9, 2002 -
16 comments
Toxic Exposure Near Ground Zero EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman said a week after the attacks: "I am glad to reassure the people of New York...that their air is safe to breathe and their water is safe to drink." Yet now: "Dust taken from an air vent in the apartment building's hallway contained 555 times the suggested acceptable level for asbestos.....Many of those who live or work downtown report strikingly similar symptoms: nosebleeds, sore throats, bronchial infections and an endless racking cough." How long do we need to wait until we see some full blown
investigative reporting?
posted by Voyageman
on Jan 8, 2002 -
29 comments
