Reliving

Reading the testimonies from family members and phone calls from victims of 9/11 in this Moussoui trial is absolutely gut-wrenching. It brings me right back to that day, one week into my teaching career, when everything changed. I actually found myself spending some time on this website last night, just reading about lives that were ended.

As for the trial, I'm not sure why all the victim testimony is needed. Is it healthy for the family members to relive these moments? Does it do anyone any good? If a person thinks the government should kill people who do bad things, and if he or she believes the Moussoui was involved, then clearly it applies. Intense long and short term suffering was a result of the 9/11 attacks, and that cannot be disputed. I still believe the death penalty is wrong not just because I don't want the government playing God, but because it's such an easy way out and so clearly is exactly what Moussoui wants. But I'm certainly relieved that hearing all those testimonies and 911 recordings is the job of someone else, and not me. I'm not sure I would be able to listen to people say, "Oh my god, I'm going to die, aren't I? Aren't I?" just before the line cuts out.