Letters

Looking forward, to remember and rebuild

I enjoyed your article on the lukewarm feeling that many had about the World Trade Center ("Twin giants - What will fill their shoes?" Oct. 4). I guess there was a common sense of unease in their shadow. I would like to see something built on the site that provides the same feeling as you approach the city, but gives a better feeling when you're near the buildings. I hope the design of the new structure allows for a geographical marker - without being double or more the size of everything around it.

I've always been moved by Boston's Holocaust Memorial, where they've etched the numbers of every Jew killed during the Holocaust on glass towers. It would be a fitting tribute to etch the name of one victim on every window in a new building. That way, all of the victims' descendants can look to the buildings, and know that the names of their loved ones are forever in view.

Steve Alexander Friendswood, Texas

Regarding "Twin giants - What will fill their shoes?": I suggest that lower buildings be spread over the entire area, with atriums and gardens. The memorial should then be on the middle section, on top - a spire extending high into the sky, unoccupied, soaring in inspiration and hope.

Bess Tittle San Diego

Far from the tragedies of Sept. 11, we students are struggling to help the nation recover. We propose that the US Treasury mint a coin, using steel from the twin towers rubble. What better tribute to those who worked in the World Trade Center - symbol of the American economy - than a coin in remembrance, a memorial that is part of the same economy? It is important to create a monument on the site as a historical reminder and a testament to the American spirit. But not everyone would have access to that type of memorial. Through the circulation of this coin, we would make accessible to the entire nation a token of the courage and resolve of rescue heroes and those who lost their lives.

Students of Kihei High School

Kihei, Hawaii

Sept. 11 should be a day on which we remember the tragic loss of friends, family, and co-workers. But it should be more than that. I suggest that on Sept. 11 we remember the courageous, selfless rescue workers who stepped up when the nation needed them most, on a National Lifesaver Day. Their work reflected the principles that make America great, and it would be unfortunate if we fail to remember this in years to come.

Robert L. Mull Jr. Everett, Wash.

I am impressed by America's enormous generosity to the victims of Sept. 11. I am puzzled, however, to hear nothing of helping Middle Eastern and South and Central Asian families in the US who have been devastated by attacks and murders of family members. Victims of hate crimes in the wake of the terrorist attacks seem to have been forgotten.

Eliza Livingston Santa Cruz, Calif.

I agree with President Bush that a protracted war is necessary in response to Sept. 11. But we do not need a war against a specific person or country. Rather, we need a "war against poverty," directed at changing global inequities. It is the inequity between the lives of Americans and those in developing countries that breeds the terrorism, suspicion, and distrust that make our intelligence efforts useless. Sacrifices will be needed from our people: smaller cars, less fuel consumption, living simply with less personal wealth, in order for resources to be shared. But we will never find security until disparities in wealth are minimized.

Elinor A. Graham Seattle

The Monitor welcomes your letters and opinion articles. Due to the volume of mail we receive, we can neither acknowledge nor return unpublished submissions. All submissions are subject to editing. Letters must be signed and include your mailing address and telephone number.

Mail letters to 'Readers Write,' and opinion articles to Opinion Page, One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115, or fax to 617-450-2317, or e-mail to oped@csps.com.