2 • BENNETT BANNER • NOVEMBER 9, 2001
OPINION • OPINION • OPINION • OPINION • OPINION
Monya D. Tomlinson
Dealing withanthrax threat
r ve been jaded since the events of SepL 11 and the days
that followed. Without the usual newscasts about monsoons in
J^)an and the World Left-Handers’ Convention, I’ve been forced to
realize that my country is not as safe as I thought it was. America is
now under a siege of fear.
Nothing is heightening our fears m«e
than the threat of exposure to the anthrax
virus. The terror of possible contamination
of our mail services and public buildings is
the top story everyday. While the news is
usually discouraging and nerve-racking, I,
like so many others Americans, have
continued to live life. I’m more cautious
now of what I do and whoe I go, but other
than that, my life hasn’t changed much.
The big question now is “What can I do
to protect myself?” Buying a gas mask is out of the question.
Spraying myself with disinfectant is not really an option. I could
move into a bomb shelto', but I’m not good with confined areas.
What I’m really doing a lot more is praying - not the usual
list of “thank you’s” and blessing requests th“rm-kneeling-so-hard-
I-need-a-pillow-so-my-knees-don’t-tum-black” kind.
I’m also starting to adjust my priorities. I’m no longo* only en
sconced in the daily goings-on here at school. I’m looking harder at
my future. I’m making plans.
If it is my fate ,God forbid, to be die anthrax victim, I want
to be able to say ^t Fm prepared for it My insurance pays for
Cipro -die antibiotic used to fight anthr^ --1 checked). I know
where all the major hospitals are and which is the closest I watch
the news daily and read the papa for any new information. Mcve
importantly. I’ve ui^)ed my daily prayer quotient I tell my family I
love them as often as I can. I’m living my life.
We are living in scary times. Our worries about anthrax are
real. As long as we realize that we have little control ovct what
happens to us, but we have ultimate control over our attitudes about
life, we can survive anything.
I might be jaded, but I’m not afraid.
The opinion expressed in this column is that of the author and does not
necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire Bennett Banner staff.
STUDENT OPINION POLL;
The Bennett Banner
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What should we do about the possible
threat of infection by the anthrax virus?
Photos by La Shainna Campbell Associate EdKor.
NATTA BROWN
Junior
Arts Management
Washington, DC
While Anthrax is an issue, I don’t
think that we as Americans can
allow fear to rule our lives. It
could hit us at anytime. We
should live life to the fullest.
LATOYU MILLER
Sqihomore
Undecided
Statesville, N.C.
God has not given us the spirit of
fear. We should keep our trust in
God and believe that he will see
us through.
SHAUNA WILLIAMS
Senior
Business
Baltimore, Md.
Everyone should remain calm
and not jump to conclusions. The
terrorists want us to be scared so
we should do the opposite.
MEREDITH TALFORD
Junior
Social Woik
Chester, S.C.
Take proper precautions and
pray.
DEVAN YOUNG
First Year
Biology
Biloxi, Miss.
Be more aware of it and
understand that it could happen
to anyone.
SHAKIRAH FOSTER
First Year
Mass Communications
Marlton, NJ.
' cautious.
-
ERICA WOLRIDGE
Rrst Year
English/Political Science
Wilmington, Del
America should continue to do as
they are doing and unite, and
pray that God will take control of
this situation and fix it.
MELANIE FIELDS
Senior
English
Cincinnati, Ohio
/ believe all we can do is check
our mail and tell people in
power about anything that we
think is suspicious
TIFFANY BOWE
Junior
Mass Communications
Balch Springs, Texas
Just pray and let God take
control.