I was extremely moved. And, at the risk of sounding heartless at worst, being misunderstood at best, I have to confess that I disdain what I call empty gestures. Little "feel-good" actions that don't accomplish a thing other than make the "doer" falsely feel they have "done somthing". Such as all the makeshift memorials that spring up at the site of a tragedy - the money spent on that stuff would be better spent helping the victims of whatever tragedy is being memorialized (and yes, I have helped out financially to the terrorist victims - more than I can even afford, in fact).

However, when the entire world is lighting candles, when the soccer teams refuse to play, when the guy with the green mohawk is in tears, when the Japanese business men are signing a condolences book at the American embassy in Tokyo, I have to say I am moved beyond words.

We do have to remember, though, that this was a tragedy that affects the world. It was not called the "American Trade Center", after all. Many countries lost citizens last Tuesday. Further, the world economy is going to be affected. Also, we are not the only country that has been terrorist free. I'm sure many countries now are questioning their own comfort right now.