I watch my son die every time I see the twin towers on TV

The Daily Telegraph ^ | January 31, 2003 | Kate Connolly

[MadIvan]

Relatives of September 11 victims wept yesterday as for the first time they confronted an alleged plotter, frequently breaking down and sometimes shouting as they delivered emotional testimony to a Hamburg court.

A bereaved husband, two widows, a mother and a father who are among 20 co-plaintiffs in the first September 11 trial spelt out the horrendous impact the attacks had had on their lives.

On trial is Mounir el Motassadeq, 28, a Moroccan student accused of acting as a logistician for the Hamburg-based gang that planned the attack and of assisting in the murders of 3,045 people.

"We wanted to present the faces of the victims and their families today so that they're not just statistics," said Maureen Fanning, who lost her fireman husband Jack, 54, when the World Trade Centre collapsed. Mrs Fanning told the court his death had forced her to place one of their two severely autistic sons into a care home.

"Sean and Patrick have very little in their lives. They can't read or write. They have no friends to ring the doorbell. They had Jack to walk in the door and smile at them, something special. That was stolen from them on 9/11."

Mrs Fanning said the only possession of her husband's recovered was his helmet. Joan Molinaro, who lost her fireman son Carl, 32, reduced many in the court to tears, including the interpreter, when she described how she was haunted by the images of the plane attacks.

"I have watched my son die 100 times, every time I see videotapes of the towers falling," she said through tears. When I watch, I lean towards the TV and my mind screams: 'Carl run, run, run. This time you'll make it out'. I look at the faces of the people coming out but his face is never there."

Deena Burnett, whose 38-year-old husband Thomas was on United Airlines flight 93 which crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, looked directly at Motassadeq as she told how her three young daughters had yet to comprehend fully their father's loss.

"I hear them talk to their Dad at night by whispering prayers. They stuff crayon drawings into helium balloons and watch in the childlike hope that angels will carry them to Tom."

Michael Low, whose daughter Sarah, 29, was a flight attendant on American Airlines 11, which was rammed into the north tower, said all that had been recovered of his daughter were small bone fragments and two rings.

The impact of her loss meant "I'll never get to walk her down the aisle or to experience the joy of her first child".

As he spoke, Motassadeq, in a grey shirt, listened attentively, sometimes resting his chin in his left hand or clutching his beard. The co-plaintiffs are being led by Stephen Push, whose wife Lisa Raines, 42, a lobbyist for the pharmaceutical industry, was on board the plane that hit the Pentagon.

Since her death, his life "has had no joy in it" and he was constantly bombarded with reminders of the attacks.

"A sunny day reminds me that the hijackers selected a cloudless day better to see their targets at a distance," he said. "The mere sight of a commercial plane gives me a sick feeling in my stomach."

Mr Push, who founded the Families of September 11 organisation, said he had received his wife's body parts in a sealed coffin as well as a bent anniversary ring and half a burnt credit card.

Motassadeq, who denies the charges, dropped his gaze as Mrs Fanning delivered an angry outburst. "The defendant has chosen to associate himself with the forces of evil.

"Under the guise of religion, he has submitted himself freely and voluntarily to be educated and brainwashed in hatred and murder," she said, calling for a sentence of life imprisonment.

The trial continues.

[MadIvan]

Never forget. Never forgive.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[Fzob]

"I have watched my son die 100 times, every time I see videotapes of the towers falling," she said through tears. When I watch, I lean towards the TV and my mind screams: 'Carl run, run, run. This time you'll make it out'. I look at the faces of the people coming out but his face is never there."

May God give you piece. Sniff

[Fzob]

Good grief

piece = peace

[Clintons Are White Trash]

You've got that right Ivan. Unfortunately, some have already forgotten.

[caisson71]

I wonder if we can get these same people to testify before the US Senate as to the liberals question of a "smoking gun".

[bigfootbob]

BTTT

[BureaucratusMaximus]

Never forget. Never forgive.

(snicker)

50+ years of liberal brainwashing has turned the masses into cowards and dumbasses...they forgot already...all they know is that "Islam is a Religion of Peace (TM)"...AND that us mean ole-Imperialistic Americans are a bigger threat to world peace than Hitler was.

Remember...we're safe now...the government will take care of us...there's nothing to worry about.

[Bobby777]

from my 9/11 memorial page ... if anybody knows the creator of the fireman image, I will give them credit on the page too ...

http://www.tribulation.com/ourheart.htm

[LibKill]

"I have watched my son die 100 times, every time I see videotapes of the towers falling," she said through tears. When I watch, I lean towards the TV and my mind screams: 'Carl run, run, run. This time you'll make it out'. I look at the faces of the people coming out but his face is never there."

Dear Mrs. Fanning. We can't bring Carl back, but we will make them pay large for this. He will be avenged.

Never forget. Never forgive.

"One should forgive one's enemies, but not before they are hanged."

:)

[mvpel]

As much as my heart goes out to these victims, this kind of trial tactic is simply inflammatory and prejudicial, and has no probative value whatsoever.

None of the people testifying about their personal loss have any independent knowledge at all as to who carried out the attacks, who handled the logistics, who paid the bills, or any of that.

I could see putting them on the stand once the verdict had been determined and they were trying to decide whether to put the convicted terrorist to death, but now? It's grandstanding, and that's not something that should be part of a fair trial.

[Monty22]

The correct action to a tragedy is sorry. The WTC was an atracity, and therefore vengence, and endless retribultion are we me must do.

[OldFriend]

IT HAS VALUE TO THE FAMILIES AND THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS.

Sorry if that's too inflamatory for you!

[OldFriend]

meant.....inflammatory!

[mvpel]

The trial is supposed to be for determining the guilt or innocence of the suspect, not to provide a forum for the families of victims to pour out their anguish.

At the sentencing hearing, that's one thing, but during the trial? No way. Not in a fair trial, at least.

[CharlesThe Hammer]

Semper Fidelis and condolences to these bereaved. I will never forget nor forgive this attack. It will be avenged properly.

[dagnabbit]

He will be avenged.

Don't count on it.

[LibKill]

That image of the angel leaning on the shoulder of the fireman and comforting him is powerful.

[OldFriend]

You sound like the typical dem, or are you a defense attorney. Either way, you have my sympathies......it must be hard to live without a heart......or brain cells.

[harpo11]

[GermanBabies]

You sound like the typical dem, or are you a defense attorney. Either way, you have my sympathies......it must be hard to live without a heart......or brain cells. No the right to a fair trial is many centuries old. Only in the media age has such nonsense been added to the trials. Have a fair trial and then hang'em when they are found guilty.

[geedee]

Never Forget! Never Forget!

[Bobby777]

yes it is ... when I did those pages (there is a similar one on the site but with a slightly different image from the artist ... this one here is his second version) I wanted something to be touching and respectful ... an airline passenger/crewmember or a policeman or an office worker or pedestrian would be appropriate too ... I found the angel on the firefighter a proper summation of the terrible grief that befell so many on that day ... God rest their souls ...

[LibKill]

He will be avenged.

Don't count on it.

Patience, FRiend.

The Al Queda was first on the list.

Paid.

Saddam is next on the list.

In WWII this country had to make nice with the kommies. Later, Ronald the Great put them out of business, now the former kommunist nations of the Soviet bloc are either on our side (Poland) or they are on the sidelines.

We will fix the Saudis later.

Take the long view. America is not only the most powerful nation since Rome, we are also spreading FReedom. FReedom is a seed that will take root in the toughest, stoniest soil and will still bring in a bountiful harvest.

[harpo11]

"I wonder if we can get these same people to testify before the US Senate as to the liberals question of a "smoking gun".

I agree with you. What greater proof do people need of a "smoking gun" than September 11, 2001 when over 3,000 of our innocent citizens were slaughtered? I think that is over 3000 "smoking guns".

[dagnabbit]

American relatives are at this trial. Is their government?

U.S., Saudis not helping in 9/11 suspect's trial, Germans say
New York Times / Minneapolis Star Tribune ^ | 8 Dec 2002 | By DESMOND BUTLER

Posted on 12/11/2002 9:41 PM EST by dagnabbit

BERLIN -- German authorities investigating a Moroccan man on trial on charges that he was involved in the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States say there is evidence that he had contact with a Saudi diplomat as well as the leaders of an extremist group in Saudi Arabia.

But despite their requests for help following up on these leads, German officials said, responses had not been forthcoming from U.S. or Saudi authorities.

In Washington, a Justice Department spokesman named called questions about the German authorities' requests "too sensitive" for comment.
Excerpted - click for full article ^
Source: http://www.startribune.com/stories/484/3482399.html

---

TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Extended News; Foreign Affairs; Germany; Government; Click to Add Topic
KEYWORDS: 911; GERMAN; GERMANY; HEARING; SAUDI; <a

[FBD]

Aren't all defense atty's Dems by default?

[geedee]

One more I just found...

[LibKill]

That's good. You brought tears to these old cynical eyes.

[wizardoz]

Poor people. But they are wasting their time attempting to make terrorists realize what they have done.

[OneLoyalAmerican]

Greetings MadIvan, FReepers, et al:
Perhaps Mr. Mounir el Motassadeq should watch this little clip each day before appearing in court?

Just listening to the music brings tears to my eyes.

[exit82]

Libkill, thanks for standing watch during the Cold War. I grew up during the Cold War--free. Thanks.

[Tamzee]

Actually, it is an entirely relevant and sometimes critical step in a trial. A typical part of the defense's "strategy" is to deflect attention as much as possible from the murder victim's identity, dignity and worth as a person. The more the defense can make the jury feel like they are actually hearing about a "parking ticket" versus a life snuffed out, the better chance they have at gaining sympathy for their client's stated "defense" story.

It will continue this way as long as courts use an "adversarial" attorney system where a jury is presented to two opposite versions of "truth" regarding an event and expect the poor jurists to expertly navigate all the smoke and mirrors - unless the American Bar Association starts actually putting it's money where it's mouth is and strictly enforces an ethics code that outlaws any attorney from blatantly lying in a courtroom. Everyone else in court is subject to severe penalties for any type of knowing falsehood or deceit.... except the defense attorney (who are sworn officers of the court in the U.S.A).

And that's why you have to "humanize" the murder victim during a trial....

Tammy

[LibKill]

Libkill, thanks for standing watch during the Cold War. I grew up during the Cold War--free. Thanks.

You are very welcome.

I, myself, give thanks to the WWII generation. They are leaving us now, soon there will be none left. If you know a WWII veteran, please visit him (or her) and thank them for saving the world.

Also, I pay homage to the Korean Veterans, and (never forget) the VietNam veterans. Last, but not least, the Gulf War Veterans.

Standing the watch was good and neccesary, but compared to the sacrifices of these warriors it was a walk in Disneyland.

I did see some combat in dockside bars. Usually when some (censored) made a derogatory comment about the USA.

I always won. And I'm a little-bitty Marine.

[dagnabbit]

I don't share your optimism, but I'd love to be proven wrong by some real justice in the 9-11 case. The capture, and Nuremberg-like trial of all the Saudi officials, "diplomats", "charity" heads and others directly linked to the 9-11 hijackers or to the rest of al-Qaeda would be good. Driving our armed forces South after Iraq would be better.

[LibKill]

Patience FRiend.

The awful truth is that we need their oil to drive our civillisation.

What is true today may well not be true tomorrow.

If my optomism is right there will come a day when we don't need these (censored) or their oil.

If, in the long run, we still need their oil, we will be in a very good position to dictate terms of contract.

They'll get what is coming to them. No Fear.

[LibKill]

We can't bring back the dead. We can't bring back the towers. But we can Rock the muslim world!

I applaud your fighting spirit.

You are mistaken on one little detail.

We can rebuild the towers. We can rebuild them taller than before.

This would be the ultimate "F--- YOU!" to our enemies.

We must never give in, never bow down.

[exit82]

Libkill, there's no such thing as a little-bitty Marine;)

You're right about the WW2 vets. I live in central NJ, by the Shore--we have the third largest group of retirees in the country.

My three kids are grown now, but I told them never to make fun of the many seniors around us. I told them you don't know their story--some of these bent over men were some of our country's biggest heroes.

The all had a history teacher that had the seniors come in and talk about their real life experiences in WW2. For some, it was the first time they ever told their story. The kids were amazed every time.

I saw an elderly couple in an informal restaurant a few years back. He had on a cap saying "USS Franklin". As he left, I got up, and approached them and said to the man--thank you for serving on the Franklin, fighting off the kamikazis, and for bringing her back to the United States(1945). His eyes teared up and he shook my hand, and so did his wife, who proceeded to tell me how she anxiously waited for his return after learning of the attack.

These are men, like you, who served all of us and gave us a legacy of freedom. May we be able to keep it.

[mhking]

"Farewell to a real hero"

[hchutch]

Well, I'm all broke up about that terrorist's rights. What about the rights of those killed on 9/11? Who speaks for them?

Sorry, but the folks who died on 9/11 didn't get a fair trial, and I really couldn't care less if we bend the rules a little in the process of taking down terrorists.

[Howlin]

Bump!

[Nachum]

I just watched this with my family. Thanks for putting it up.

[Jerez2]

Why can't the families of the victims present their side? The defendant is allowed to present every possible detail of his life that might be an excuse: his father beat him, his mother dressed him funny, his sister made him eat paint chips, and his teacher gave him an F. He's disadvantaged and disabled. He didn't know what he was doing at the time (but he'll be better soon, so don't put him in lockup for the criminally insane either).

Since the Dark Side is not going to let up with the pity party anytime soon, why should those who are TRULY the victims forego the advantage?

Giving one side such an advantage without giving it to the other -- now THAT is not fair. Using emotion in a trial as as old as the idea of a trial itself. Try reading Dickens sometime (for one example), you'll see what I mean.

Or is your idea of a 'fair trial' only one in which the criminal is allowed to go free?

[Terridan]

We purchased a DVD that covered the attacks on the United States. I watch it, my children and husband watch it... we cry in anger, and for such a great loss of human lives. We will never forget! God bless all of you!

[mvpel]

Are you sure that the defense presents every possible detail of his poor oppressed life during the trial, or does it occur during the sentencing phase?

If you're a defense attorney, you're usually going to use the SODDI or TODDI defense - "Some Other Dude Did It" or "That Other Dude Did It." On a few occassions, such as self-defense cases, you can use the "I Did It, And I Was Right to Do It" defense, but presumably that's not a factor in this particular trial.

You don't start talking about how the defendant DID IT but his mother dressed him funny, when the burden is on the STATE to prove that he even did it in the first place.

Like I said, I have no problem with victim testimony during a sentencing phase, when the factual guilt of the defendant has already been determined.

But does the testimony of the victim's family, who were nowhere near the scene of the crime, talking about how terrible they feel about their loss, help prove that the defendant IS THE ONE who committed the crime?

If the answer to that question is "no," then they shouldn't be testifying during the trial phase.

Got a conviction? Then bring on the parade of victims' families! Have three days of heartbreaking testimony! Get the jury so riled up about the horror and tragedy of the crime that they come back with three consecutive death sentences and burial in a pig sty! Fine by me.

But a fair trial is the bedrock of our legal system. If you are falsely accused of a heinous crime, I hope your lawyer has the smarts to strenuously object to non-witness, non-evidentiary emotional testimony during your trial.

[Cindy]

What a heartbreaker this piece is Ivan....

"I Remember September 11, 2001" (A Resource Link Site for citizens Remembering the attack on America, Archived Resource Information, Encouragement and Help links, and links of interest for CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT in Fighting Terrorism.) *ATTENTION RESEARCHERS: This 9-11 Site is updated on a regular basis and includes links to THE TALIBAN, JIHAD, SUICIDE-HOMICIDE BOMBERS and more.

[backhoe]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/748497/posts

Where It's 9-11 All the Time...
various links | 09-11-02 | The Heavy Equipment Guy
"Where it's nine-eleven all the time
and no Sun sets, and no clocks chime
where no voice speaks and no bird trills
the Moon hangs frozen o'er the hills
The winds are still, they seem to say,
Reflect, remember, stop to pray..."