What went through my mind that morning nine years ago probably mirrored what most of my fellow Americans felt. Confusion. Fear. Helplessness. Outrage. Fury. The incident inspired a primal reaction in me I had not felt since I was a child learning how to cope with life's hard lessons. But ever so slowly, those destabilizing emotions faded and I was able to place those events in their proper context. Others, however, have held onto those feelings like a favorite shirt that is tattered beyond repair, but they've worn it so long they can't bear to part with it.

The attacks of 9/11 demanded a response. Someone had to pay, and pay dearly. Since then, we've conquered and occupied two countries, bringing about the deaths of hundreds of thousands and the destruction of cities, towns and villages. And we've sacrificed thousands more American lives and hundreds of billions in wealth squandered. But when will the debt of anger be stamped "paid in full"?

Concord man used Facebook page to promote violence:

A Concord man was charged with describing how to make explosives to bomb a clinic where abortions are performed, after FBI agents found instructions on the man's Facebook page, officials said Thursday.

Justin Carl Moose, 26, describes himself as the "Christian counterpart of Osama bin Laden," according to an affidavit filed by FBI agents.

Moose's Facebook page, which was still public Thursday, contained posts expressing anger at doctors who perform abortions, President Barack Obama's health care plan, and plans to build a mosque near ground zero in New York City. It also included expressions of support for those who have killed abortion providers.

Choosy parents choose Luddy(TM) brand schools:

At an event today in Apex, Luddy will offer details of a technology and science concentration - to be called the Luddy Institute of Technology - to be featured at his planned high schools. Land has already been purchased in Apex and Rolesville for the new schools, which will serve grades 6-12, and the existing schools will educate children from kindergarten through fifth grade, Luddy said.

Um, didn't Wake County just purchase land in Rolesville for a new high school? Future breaking story: "School board votes to suspend plans for new school in Rolesville, citing lack of demand."

Reaffirming the Foundation's policy of misdirection:

Now is the time for a robust, open, public policy debate on how to reform and improve state government. Instead, N&O editorial page editor Steve Ford, in his Sept. 5 column "Money and rhetoric from the right," complained bitterly and maligned businessmen, such as myself, for supporting nonpartisan independent public policy organizations such as the Civitas Institute and the John Locke Foundation, and citizen groups such as Americans for Prosperity. One of the nicer things Ford said about AFP's over 50,000 volunteer activists in North Carolina was that they were a "rough crowd," that attempts to stoke fear and loathing.

I guess "open public policy debate" means sending fliers to people's homes that tell lies about the votes of legislators.

Raleigh's leaders likely squirming in their seats today:

The city council in North Carolina's capital could soon make its feelings known on proposals for high-speed rail in town.

The council could decide at a Tuesday meeting whether to endorse one of two proposed routes for high-speed passenger trains, or to urge more study.

Five bucks says "urge more study" wins the day. ;)

p.s. Sorry about the use of the word "imbroglio", but it popped into my head and demanded recognition.