Future Dimmer For Florida Bright Futures Scholarships
May 3, 2011
Students eligible for Bright Futures scholarships next year will see their awards slashed by 20 percent in the biggest cut to the popular college aid program since its inception.
Under a budget deal lawmakers agreed to late last week, Bright Futures awards will be cut 20 percent per student. Lawmakers also agreed to raise the number of community service hours students have to complete to be eligible for a scholarship, and will start requiring students to complete a federal financial aid form to get a scholarship.
Lawmakers say these cuts were a necessary evil in a difficult budget year.
“This is the worst budget we’ve ever had, ever since I’ve been in the Legislature, let’s see, 18 years,” said Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, the head of the Senate higher education budget committee. “The revenue to the state is extremely low and everyone in every sector of the state will have to lower their budgets from where they were.”
At the same time that the state’s popular student aid program is being cut, lawmakers also want to raise tuition by 8 percent, giving universities the option to hike tuition another 7 percent above that amount. Florida’s in-state tuition is one of the lowest in the nation and universities have used double-digit increases in a bid to move closer to the national average.
Opposition to the cuts in the higher education budget has been muted. Even many Democrats, who in general oppose the Republican-written budget, say they understand the decision to cut Bright Futures.
“It’s a good program, but I don’t think it really meets all the needs it should be meeting,” said Rep. Betty Reed, D-Tampa. “The students that really need it are not able to receive it.”
Some critics of Bright Futures believe it favors students that don’t need help paying tuition because it’s based on merit, not need.
Many lawmakers said they would support adding a needs-based component to the scholarship. Requiring students next year to fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid to get a Bright Futures is a small step toward gathering the data as a possible precursor to adding that needs-based component.
“The whole purpose of merit was to make sure we have more students stay in Florida, go to school in Florida, graduate and then remain at getting jobs here,” said Lynn, indicating she wouldn’t support a needs-based component.
The merit-based scholarship program was established in 1997 to prevent a brain drain of Florida students to out-of-state colleges. It has largely achieved that goal, with over 180,000 students last year, up from the roughly 42,000 students who applied during the program’s first year.
This is the third year average awards for the Bright Futures scholarship will drop. The program gives students who receive certain SAT scores and grade point averages a scholarship to use for college.
Last year lawmakers agreed to a $1 per credit hour drop and toughened eligibility requirements. Several years ago the Legislature also voted to stop paying the full tuition cost with Bright Futures awards.
Spending on Bright Futures peaked at $429 million in the 2008-09 fiscal year with an average student award of $2,533. This year, lawmakers decided on a budget of just over $350 million for Bright Futures.
That means students who were eligible for the Academic Scholars award of $1,875 for 15 credit hours this year would receive only $1,500 for 15 credit hours next year. Students receiving the Medallion Scholars award this year got $1,410 for 15 credit hours; next year they will get $1,128 for the same amount of hours.
These cuts are a compromise between Senate and House positions. The Senate originally wanted a steeper cut of $1,000 per award while the House suggested a cut of roughly 15 percent.
Students question whether cuts to Bright Futures will eventually unclog the brain drain, tempting students away from Florida. Florida A&M University graduate student Gallop Franklin, the head of the Florida Student Association, said it’s time for “a complete restructuring” of Bright Futures.
Franklin said that since Bright Futures was changed two years ago so that it no longer covers the full tuition cost, it has not proved as valuable to students. He supports adding a needs-based component.
“It’s not meeting the needs and it’s not providing the type of support for students it did years ago,” Franklin said.
By Lilly Rockwell
The News Service of Florida
NJROTC Cadets Recognized (With Photo Gallery)
May 3, 2011
Northview High School’s NJROTC cadets were recognized last week during the annual awards ceremony at Escambia High School.
Numerous national and local organizations presented medals, ribbons and even savings bonds and cash to the cadets that have excelled in the NJROTC programs at Northview, Pine Forest, Escambia and Washington high schools. The cadets were recognized for exhibiting outstanding leadership, commitment and dedication to their unit, school and community.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“The awards ceremony wraps up a year that has been the busiest in several years. The returning cadets have their sights on higher goals and sustaining the momentum begun this year,” said Charlie Code, Capt. USN (ret), senior naval science instructor at Northview.
Northview NJROTC students receiving awards were:
American Veterans ROTC Award
- PO1 Tim Rackard
Order of the Daedalians JROTC Achievement Award
- CPO Jonathan Moretz
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award
- PO3 Victoria Wright
CAPT James O. Haughton Memorial Award
- LCDR James Garrett
Military Order of the Purple Heart Leadership Award
- MCPO Kiani Okahashi
Military Order of the World Wars Award
- LT Melissa Moretz
Women of the Sea Services (WAVES) NW Florida Unit #52 Award
- PO3 Alanna Johnson
The Reserve Officers Association ROTC Medal
- CPO Nathan Waters
Navy League Award
- CPO Arron Mccants
- PO1 Kayla Miles
- SN Casey Godwin
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution JROTC Award
- PO2 Aaron Rausch
Scottish Rite Award
- SN Amber Francis
The National Sojourners ROTC Award
- PO3 Johnny Robbins
Military Officers Association of America ROTC Medal
- ENS Jody Day
Stephen Decatur Award
- Jr. – PO1 Lantz Jones
- Fr.- SN Kasie Braun
Florida Property Tax Overhaul Passes House
May 3, 2011
First-time home buyers, business owners and snowbirds will get new property tax breaks under a proposed constitutional amendment passed in the House on Monday.
The measure (HJR 381), if also approved by the Senate, would allow voters to decide whether to put a 5 percent cap on property tax assessment increases for business owners, investors and landlords that own “non-homestead” property.
Voters would also decide whether to give first-time home buyers a tax break of 50 percent of the assessed value of their home, capped at 50 percent of the median home value in their county.
Current law puts a cap of 10 percent on assessment increases for non-homestead properties.
“If this House is truly about stimulating jobs, this is a bill that tells the business community ‘We are not going to penalize you anymore,’ ” said Rep. Fred Costello, R-Ormond Beach. The measure passed on a 105-11 vote.
This bill is a big priority for Florida Realtors, who got a similar measure passed in 2009, but saw it struck down by the courts for confusing ballot language. Realtors said this year’s effort should better survive a court challenge.
Supporters of the proposal say it helps correct inequity in the property tax system. Under the “Save Our Homes” law, owner-occupied homes – those with a homestead exemption – have their tax assessment increases capped at 3 percent.
This has caused many counties to rely more heavily on the non-homestead properties, such as businesses, apartments and investment properties for tax revenue, backers say. But the bill is opposed by cities and counties, whose officials say they stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
Opponents say it will cause cities and counties to look at new sources of revenue, yielding tax increases to all property owners.
House Minority Leader Ron Saunders, R-Key West, broke ranks with many Democrats to support the bill.
“This amendment is for tax fairness,” said Saunders, whose district is home to many snowbirds and vacation home owners who are subjected to the current 10 percent assessment cap and face higher tax bills than those in owner-occupied homes.
The Senate has yet to take up the companion measure or withdraw it from its last committee stop. Realtor lobbyist John Sebree said they are “obviously working hard for that.”
Another bill (HB 1053) would put the proposed amendment on the presidential primary ballot in early 2012. House Democrats voted Monday to not stray from an earlier position to oppose putting any constitutional amendments on the presidential primary ballot. Republicans need Democratic votes to pass HB 1053, because 90 votes are needed to put the measure on the January ballot.
Lawmakers are also examining other property tax cuts. The Senate passed an expansion of an existing property tax break for disabled military veterans on Monday. The measure (SJR 592) was passed unanimously.
Also part of the budget talks is a proposal to require Florida’s water management districts to reduce their tax rates later this year and require more legislative involvement in district budgets.
By Lilly Rockwell
The News Service of Florida
House Passes Bill Expanding Virtual Schools, Vouchers
May 3, 2011
The House and Senate approved a slew of bills Monday to expand virtual schools and voucher programs, potentially siphoning more students away from traditional public schools.
One of the bills, an expansion of the John McKay scholarship program for students with disabilities, is one signature away from becoming law after the Senate approved the House bill on Monday.
The measures reflect a Republican priority of boosting “school choice,” whether it be more virtual classes, expansion of charter schools or vouchers for private schools. This is largely an extension of education reforms that began with Gov. Jeb Bush in the late 1990s with his push for private school vouchers.
“It’s about doing what is right for students,” said Rep. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, during House floor debate. “We want you as a parent to have the choice to go to whatever school you feel is best for your student.”
The bills have the backing of Gov. Rick Scott, who campaigned on promises that the state would offer more school choice.
But advocates for public schools see the changes to Florida’s education system as a way of chipping away at public schools by using state funds that would have gone to school districts to instead help support private schools and virtual schools.
“This Legislature, under the leadership of (Senate President Mike) Haridopolos and (House Speaker Dean) Cannon, have side-stepped their requirement to take care of public schools, they are just looking for gimmicks that can save the state some money,” said Florida Education Association President Andy Ford.
Among the bills approved by the House on Monday are:
-HB 1331: Expands the definition of a failing public school from a school that has received an “F” in a four-year period to a school that has received a “D” or “F” in the prior year, and allowing students in failing public schools to use the Opportunity Scholarship to transfer to a higher-rated public school elsewhere in the state.
-HB 7197: Requires students take a virtual class prior to graduation and allows children as young as kindergarten to take full-time virtual school classes with private vendors paid for by state funds. It allows the development of virtual charter schools and expands the amount of grades the Florida Virtual School can offer.
-HB 965: Allows companies that donate to a corporate tax scholarship group to receive a tax credit worth 100 percent of that donation. Under current law, these companies only get a tax discount worth 75 percent of their contribution. Corporate contributions go toward scholarship groups that use these funds to pay for private school vouchers. This bill was amended to take out a provision that would have given these scholarship groups access to a list of the top 100 taxpayers in Florida in order to approach them for donations.
The Senate approved on Monday:
-HB 1329: An expansion of the John McKay scholarship for students with disabilities. It expands the definition of disabled students, allowing potentially up to 50,000 more students to receive state funds to attend a private school.
Democrats are generally opposed to these changes, citing concern about a failure to help struggling schools and an emphasis on virtual classes that may not benefit students who don’t have much exposure to computers.
“We don’t have failing schools, we have failing communities because parents aren’t getting involved,” said Rep. Joe Gibbons, D-Hallandale Beach. “We should be trying to make sure we get parents more involved.”
Under HB 1331, more students could leave failing schools, Democrats said, crippling the school’s ability to improve.
During debate on the virtual school expansion bill, Democrats said they were concerned about the emphasis on virtual classes, given the inconsistent exposure that Florida students have to computers. “We have students who lack home access,” said Rep. Cynthia Stafford, D-Miami. “This puts some students at a disadvantage.”
Supporters of virtual school expansion said children are savvy at online interactions and the bill better equips them to handle online classes in college. “The classroom is simply not the same as when we were in school and we were kids,” said Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville. “This bill will let parents know about the options and will help our kids go into the 21st century and prepare them.”
The Senate also passed a bill (SB 1546) last week that makes it easier for highly-rated charter schools to expand enrollment and add grades, paving the way for more charter schools competing for public school students.
The combination of these bills and a cut to school funding in the budget means tough times for school districts, said Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, a former superintendent.
“You will see some tough times in school districts throughout Florida,” Montford said.
By Lilly Rockwell
The News Service of Florida
Shining Stars Are Named
May 3, 2011
The Greater Escambia Community Foundation and WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, presented the Shining Star Award to 36 Escambia County elementary students in a ceremony Sunday afternoon at WSRE’s Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio on the main campus of Pensacola Junior College.
Area principals and teachers selected the winners based on good citizenship, community service and adherence to the core values of the Escambia County School District: equality, responsibility, integrity, respect, honesty and patriotism. Each winner was awarded a certificate of achievement and a new bicycle and helmet.
North Escambia area Shining Star Award winners are:
- Celeste North, Bratt Elementary School
- Peyton Lane Newsome, Byrneville Elementary School
- Ataylor Carter, Jim Allen Elementary School
- Sabra Stewart, Molino Park Elementary School
Former Florida State Representative DeeDee Ritchie and former Pensacola Mayor Mike Wiggins were the Masters of Ceremonies. Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas spoke at the festivities. Principals and teachers from each school, as well as the winners’ families and friends, were invited to attend.
The complete list of Shining Star Award winners is as follows:
AK Suter — Kyra Clark
Allie Yniestra — Chelsea D McGhee
Bellview — Jordyn Bennett
Belauh — Alexandria Boles
Blue Angels — Jahriel Griffin
Bratt — Celeste North
Brentwood — Tyra Smith
Byrneville — Peyton Lane Newsome
C A Weis — Tyrese Washington
Cordova Park — Mariah Brady
Ensley — Roseanna Reber
Episcopal Day — Emily Johnson
Escambia Christian — Tannier Rogers
Ferry Pass Tyler Michael Greene
Hallmark — Aleshia Odom
Hellen Caro — Alexis Lowery Waller
Holm — Olivia Johnson
Jim Allen — Ataylor Carter
Little Flower Catholic — Alexandra Cajigal
Longleaf — Joshua Ellenberger
McArthur — Keyana Danielle Norman
Molino Park — Sabra Stewart
Myrtle Grove — Joseph Jackson
NB Cook — Peyton Schmelzenbach
Navy Point — LaDaizjhia Burnett
OJ Semmes — Starletta Fountain
Oakcrest — Bad-Tien Duong
Pensacola Beach — Meredith McCurdy
Pensacola Christian — Justin Schubeck
Pine Meadow — Lindsey Crawford
Pleasant Grove — Samantha Nichole Dean
RC Lipscomb — Riley Orr
Redeemer Lutheran — Samuel Schelling
Scenic Heights — Alana Rodriguez
Sherwood — Jayla Brenson
Spencer Bibbs — Avian Sanders
St Paul Catholic — Matthew Harmon
Warrington — Tyrez Porterfield
West Pensacola — Norma Guillen
Pictured above and below: WSRE’s Shining Star Award winners. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Murder Charges Expected After Cantonment Shooting Victim Dies
May 3, 2011
A woman shot outside a Highway 29 convenience Sunday morning has died, and charges against a North Escambia man are expected be upgraded to murder.
Jennifer E. Gilbert, 22, of Pensacola, was shot in the head outside the Circle K and Wendy’s on Highway 29 at Kingsfield Road just after 9 a.m. while she was seated in her Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Gilbert was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital where she passed away Monday afternoon.
Attempted murder charges were filed Sunday against 30-year old Isreal Marell Taylor of Bateson Lane, Cantonment, but those charges are expected to be upgrade to at least second degree murder. He remains in jail on $300,000 bond.
Pictured above: A Pensacola woman was shot at the Circle K at Highway 29 and Kingsfield Road Sunday morning. Pictured inset: An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigator photographs the car in which Jennifer Gilbert was shot. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Obama Announces Osama bin Laden Is Dead
May 2, 2011
An intelligence-driven U.S. operation in Pakistan killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden yesterday, President Barack Obama announced in a nationally televised address from the White House late last night.
“Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan,” Obama said. “A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability.
“No Americans were harmed,” he continued. “They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.”
Obama noted that bin Laden had been al-Qaida’s leader and symbol for more than 20 years and continued to plot attacks against the United States and its allies.
“The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al-Qaida, yet his death does not mark the end of our effort,” Obama said. “There is no doubt that al-Qaida will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must, and we will, remain vigilant at home and abroad.”
The president revealed that shortly after taking office in January 2009, he ordered CIA Director Leon E. Panetta to make bin Laden’s death or capture the top priority of the U.S. war against the al-Qaida terrorist organization.
“Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground,” he said. The president said he met repeatedly with his national security team as information developed indicating bin Laden was at a compound in Pakistan, and that last week he determined enough information was available and authorized the operation.
The president emphasized that the war against al-Qaida is not a war against Islam.
“Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader,” he said. “He was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al-Qaida has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”
Counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped in finding bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding, the president said.
“Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people. Tonight, I called [Pakistani] President [Asif Ali] Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations, and going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al-Qaida and its affiliates.”
The president praised those who worked to find bin Laden and those who carried out the operation that killed him.
“Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome,” he said. “The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
“We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation,” he continued, “for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.”
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
for NorthEscambia.com
Pictured: Pres. Barack Obama announces Sunday night during a televised speech that Osama bin Laden is dead. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Facebook Friend Reaction: Osama Bin Laden Dead
May 2, 2011
After the announcement Sunday night that terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden was dead, we asked our Facebook friends what they thought. A sampling of the responses are below.
You can join in the discussion in our comment section at the bottom of the article, or click here to join our thousands of Facebook friends.
- “It is great news; a real morale builder. Great job by our troops; way to go! Now is it time to bring our troops home? The mission seems to be accomplished, Mr. President.” — Scobie Wilcoxon, Sr., McDavid
- “I think the troops should receive the credit THEY deserve not Obama & I think America needs to have its guard up for retaliation…he didn’t do it alone, he was just the ‘head clown.’ — Jackie Morgan, Barrineau Park
- “I have always supported our troops sorry it took so long, but Thank God it is over. Sorry for the families who have lost so much. I think they should burn his body at Ground Zero so some maybe able to put closure to what they lost. He does not even deserve a proper burial.” — Kimberlie Miller, Molino
- “The mission is not over, there will be retaliation and more lives lost. We just (expletive) off a whole bunch of his followers but the fight will sill be worth it! God Bless America.” — Sara Lowery, East Brewton
- I am an Air Force wife whose husband is in Afghanistan. Even though we miss him so much, I am so thankful for men like him who leave their families to fight and keep us safe.” — Emily White, Flomaton
- “Good,good,good…I do worry of his followers cauing problems so continue to pray to keep troops safe and for them to capture Osama’s top men and come home safe. This has been a long journey for all men/women serving and the spouses/moms/dads/aunts/uncles.” — Jennifer Peebles, McDavid
- “Have you hugged a soldier today?” — Susan Langston, Pensacola
- “I guess, at a minimum, this at least gives a little bit of justice to the friends and loved ones I/we have lost for what seemed to be a lost cause. Kudos to all who have served, suffered and lost for the greater good. I only hope this brings some closure to the families and friends of the American Soldier, Sailor, and Marine.” — John G. Jones, Atmore
- “What a great day for America & our Wonderful military! Thank You Bush because if it wasn’t for him this never would happen! Sad thing is what will America have to go thru now that this Evil man is in fact dead?” — Lindy Broome, Molino
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“I think it is wonderful. The celebration at the White House is also great. I know there are many families who lost someone during 9/11 or lost someone in the military since who feel a huge joy over this. We all know that there could be some following problems, but for now lets rejoice at something we have all been waiting for since 9/11. Obama has proven to be a great President, but we need to remember he did not do this alone.” — Pennie Wright, Atmore
- “Nah, I disagree. Bush had nothing to do with this. Any president would have done what he did. He just happened to be president when it actually happened. Not to demean the man, but that was pure coincidence.” – John B. Jones, Atmore
- “Good Job to our troops!!!” — Brandi Mattheiss, Cantonment
- “I also am a veteran. We have to continue to take the fight to them.” — Casey Pritchett, Century
- “There are so many things to be said…. But put simply, It was all in God’s timing and I praise the Lord that this war wasn’t in vain. We need to be in prayer now more than ever for our nation, our military and each other. I thank God for my loved one’s that have served and are serving to make this day possible.” — Melanie Dix, Walnut Hill
- “I feel like the rest of the nation does right now. I feel like singing “God Bless America”, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and shooting off fireworks…It took almost 10 yrs, but it has been done.” — Rhonda Corley, Cantonment
- “As a Navy wife facing my husbands first deployment soon I am relieved that there is one less thing for me to worry about and I think we are finally starting to see a faint glimmer of light at the end of this war. This is one giant step towards bringing our men and women home. Thanks to our troops who are still putting it all on the line everyday to keep us here in the US safe your are doing an amazing job keep up the fight .” — Lindsay Rector, Bratt native in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Blog: Where Were You That September Morning?
May 2, 2011
We had several requests Sunday night for a blog that we published back on September 11. With the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden, we felt it an appropriate time to rerun this blog post from September 11. Your thoughts and comments are welcome below.
September 11, 2001. It’s been nine years. We’ll all ask each other, “where were you”. So here’s my story.
Life, at least when that morning began, seemed good. I’ve always been a work at home dad, so I was home with my two girls. The youngest was almost four months old, and the oldest was approaching her fourth birthday. It was a normal morning. The little one was asleep, “fat and happy” as we used to say, after a morning bottle. The oldest was in the living room just a few feet from my office watching PBS Kids on the TV as I worked on a project for a client.
Then this arrived in my inbox:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 08:52am– World trade center damaged; unconfirmed reports say a plane has
crashed into tower. Details to come.
I got up, walked to the living room and flipped the TV to CNN. They were talking about how a pilot could make such an error, hitting such a large building. They were speculating that it was just a small plane. But then as the TV news helicopters zoomed their cameras in closer, the anchors were beginning to notice what I had already thought….those holes the tower were to big to have been a small plane.
I called my wife at work in Atmore. She had seen the breaking news email, and had tried to visit the CNN website to see the story. If you remember trying to use the internet that morning, it was near impossible to get a news website to load; they were all overloaded. She was unable to see the pictures. I was describing what I saw on the TV to her.
I managed to grab a picture from CNN via my web server and then download and email it to her. We were speculating about how it could happen when the second one hit.
I remember saying “wait, hold on, wait…”. I told her what I just watched on the TV. The second plane had hit the other tower. We quickly decided that we were at war as the anchors on TV speculated again that perhaps there was a problem with some navigational system, causing jetliners on a beautiful, clear morning in New York to fly into some of the tallest structures in the world.
Another breaking news email arrived:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:21am– Second plane crashes into World Trade Center.
She and I began to speculate ourselves that we were at war. What would we do? What should we do? What about the kids? It was not panic, understand, but just that protective momma and daddy instinct, I suppose. Prayer. That was a good idea. Maybe go to the bank and get out a little cash. That seemed like a good idea. How would you prep for a war on American soil? We were not sure.
I continued to relay information about what I was seeing on TV to my wife at work, who, in turn, would relay the information to her coworkers. They had a TV, but no cable service or antenna. They ended up fashioning a homemade antenna to see a fuzzy picture.
Meanwhile, the breaking news emails kept arriving…
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:32am– Sources tell CNN one of two planes that crashed into World Trade
Center was an American Airlines 767.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:42am– President Bush calls plane crashes at World Trade Center a
terrorist act.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:45am– Significant fire at the Pentagon. Details to come.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:46am– White House evactuated. Details to come.
The Pentagon on fire? The White House evacuated? Notice that in CNN’s email they were in such a hurry that they misspelled “evacuated”. One sentence at a time, the situation became more grave.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:55am– CNN confirms a plane hit the Pentagon
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:03am– One of World Trade Center towers collapses; fire forces
evacuation of State Department
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:30am– Second World Trade Center tower collapses in Manhattan
Over and over, we watched those towers collapse on TV, and we watched our Pentagon burn.
Our almost four year old asked a lot of questions. “Were people hurt? Did they need a Band-aid?” The magnitude of the event was lost on a four year old. Looking back at those first few hours, I think the magnitude of the event was lost on all of us.
Like many Americans, I sat glued to the TV that day, continuing to watch the video of the towers falling. Our almost four year old asked if another building fell down or if it was the same one. It was time to change the channel on the TV.
You might remember that many of the entertainment TV stations ran network news feeds. Others just simply ran screens about the day’s events. There was no USA network, no ESPN, no MTV. But on PBS, we found children’s programming at a time it was not normally on. For a little while, sitting in the living room floor holding my kids, the world stopped turning that September day, as we watched Big Bird and the Cookie Monster.
Country artist Alan Jackson later wrote a song “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?”.
Some of those lyrics:
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cryDid you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left belowBut I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where where you when the world stopped turning that September day? Your comments are welcome below.
Congressman Jeff Miller Statement On Osama’s Death
May 2, 2011
Shortly after Pres. Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden. Congressman Jeff Miller released the following statement Sunday night:
“Tonight’s confirmation of the killing of Osama Bin Laden by a United States operation is a significant development in the Global War on Terror.
This is a particularly profound moment for the American people. We will never forget those who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as those who lost their lives fighting terror in the field. Our brave men and women in uniform have neutered al Qaeda, and the death of Bin Laden is a significant, symbolic blow to the remnants of the terror network.
Bin Laden created and funded the al Qaeda terror network, which was responsible for numerous attacks including the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. As one of the first Members of Congress sworn in after the 9/11 attacks, and as Member of the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees who has traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan, I have focused on national defense and security issues. I am eternally grateful for our military and intelligence professionals who serve around the globe.
The death of Bin Laden does not mean the United States can let down its guard. We must remain diligent in the defense of our homeland and in the elimination of terrorist threats against America.”