[DeltAlum]

I suspect that it is too early to truly answer whether any of us become "more religious" during or after an event such as last week. Or more patriotic. Or whatever.

After any tragedy, there are hundreds of special services and rememberances. People gather to try to calm, comfort and console each other. They look for guidance and leadership and mutual support. There is an outpouring of generosity and help for the victims. People pray. We fly our flags.

I wonder if these are just good for soothing the immediate pain, or whether they really have a long lasting effect. I don't know the answer.

Are the causes and effects of these events additive over the long haul? Probably. I think so. But I don't know for sure.

My thoughts may sound a bit cynical, but they are not meant to be. Being somewhat older than most posters, I've lived through the Cold War and Cuban Missle Crisis as a youth, the Kennedy/King murders and Vietnam while in high school and college, Challenger, Columbine and the others as a broadcasting professional -- the ones that, "I remember exactly where I was when I heard about it."

They all engender a great amount of immediate passion -- which dissipates over time. Sometimes rapidly. Sometimes slowly.

Will this one be the exception because of its enormity and magnitude and the number of people it touches? Will the religious and partiotic fervor prevail?

The Fear?

Perhaps.

I don't know those answers either.

Maybe the real answer to this question can't be known until several months after the event. Will we still feel the need, the strength, the peace -- whatever -- or will we be back to "business as usual?"

Time will tell I suppose.

DeltAlum