The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

As terrorists struck Paris on Friday, like many Americans, I thought back to what happened on our soil 14 years ago. While I was only 20-years-old at the time of the 9/11 attacks and quite ignorant and indifferent to the world of politics, I'll never forget that day, and the days, weeks, and months thereafter. I was in college at the time, a night owl, and insistent on taking classes during the afternoon hours so I could maintain my atypical sleeping habits. Just as the Twin Towers were struck, my father raced to my room, woke me up, and told me something was transpiring which I had to see. When I first saw video showcasing the attacks, I was left speechless, perplexed, frightened, and wondering if I was still sleeping and experiencing a surreal nightmare of the worst kind. Unfortunately, as I fully awoke, I started to realize it was no dream, no film; it was real. The surreal sensation I experienced initially never fully escaped me. Here I was, a 20-year-old college student...

Even though I happen to label myself as rather progressive or liberal, I still had to shake my head and laugh at the recent spectacle where John Kerry sat beside James Taylor in Paris, while Taylor sang the song, "You've Got a Friend." Yes, I'm sure that moment is what convinced all of France and Europe that the U.S. stands by our French brothers and sisters, especially following the recent tragic events in Paris. In light of this international facepalm moment, it seems all but inevitable that John Kerry will travel to the following areas and sit beside the mentioned musicians, where they'll perform these songs: Mexico: "I Don't Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)" by Marilyn Manson Any country in Africa: "Africa" by Toto Netherlands: "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin Middle East (pretty much anywhere): "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5 or Mariah Carey Australia: "Crocodile Rock" b...