[dekeguy]

I ran into my Contracts lecture, got to my seat, and figured I had just made it under the wire (Prof was pretty uptight about punctuality). Most of us had not yet heard what happened and as I got there just this side of late I didn't hear anyone talking about it. Anyway our professor came in, right on the mark as usual, and announced "Ladies and gentlemen, I can see that most if not all of you have not heard what has just transpired. I must therefore regretfully inform you that our nation has been deliberately attacked by terrorist elements in what appears to be a coordinated series of strikes against multiple targets. The news media report that commercial airliners have been deliberately flown into both of the WTC towers in New York and another commercial aircraft has been flown kamikazi style into the Pentagon Building in Washington. There are apparently several other aircraft which are deviating from flight plans and may be part of this undertaking. It would appear that a great loss of life has occured and that property damage will be substantial. There will doubtless be interrelated effects which will develop over the weeks and months to come.
Upon completion of this lecture and discussion I intend to to follow a tradition by which Americans respond when we are attacked. I will contact the Army Reserve Personnel Center and offer my services should there be a need for Field Artillery officers. To those of you who are reservists or have had recent military training I suggest you consider what actions might be appropriate on your parts.
Now, as the object of terrorism is disruption we shall deny them that object. Regarding "Pinnels Case" ... he was then drowned out by applause but called for order and proceeded with the class.
He reminded me of Cincinnatus at the bridge! This nation is filled with heroes.