Declaration of Interdependence

September 11, 2001

As appeared in ISHN’s “FDO”

November 2001

“When, in the course of”….. global events, it now becomes necessary for  independents  to unite in order to increase interdependence.

My first thought, after the shock and horror, then the tears of sadness, was one of isolation and aloneness for our country – independent, on our own in this event. I was feeling sorrow for all of us in America .

Later in the day, E-mails from outside our country started rolling in and that evening on the networks they reported that all around the world – a rallying of global support was piling in – it helped – but a daze kind of set in, making it hard to focus. But we’re learning.

We’re not in this alone – it’s a global problem – a global war, a new kind of war – it’s begun – this war and journey to rid this globe of terrorists – outside and inside each country.

I feel better (not a lot better – but better) but behind our tears is anger and sometimes we (I) disguise our emotions with humor to keep from crying. We all have been wounded and it has left a large visible scar that will remain on all of us -  “in infamy’- 911.

However, positive attitude isn’t about what happens to you, it’s more about what you do with what happens to you and how you react and respond to it.

So far, at the time of this writing (10/10/01) I’m so impressed and proud of how this has been handled by America and our allies – our fire and police personnel – our volunteers – our generous citizens who have given time and money to the cause. All of channel partners too who continue contribute so much to the effort.

We all come together – interdependently in times of crisis. I propose we do it every day – interdependently on each other – whether it’s with our channel partners – our families – religions – countries – neighborhoods – cultures, etc. I therefore propose a ….

Declaration of Interdependence.

Think about it.

George J. Hayward