A warning: I wouldn't recommend that you watch this video if you're likely to get upset by footage of the attacks on the World Trade Center.
I'm not a political blogger, my engagement with the events of September 11 is personal, and particular to the Greater Boston area, and not of any particular interest or illumination to anyone. But I watched this set of clips of the second plane flying into the Twin Towers, I was struck by the newscasters' general calm and professionalism, the speed of the jump to terrorism, the words in common. It wasn't until around the 7 minute mark that someone said something in a tone that sounded like my thoughts, an NPR reporter, clearly shooting and narrating at the same time, trying to right herself: "Oh my word. I'm sorry I screamed. That's on purpose, Alfred. Somebody is doing this on purpose."
This is a strange profession we're in as a whole. The requirements we face depend on who we are: if we write opinion or news, if we write for print or the web, if we are asked to be voices on the air and to be calm in the face of death. It can be hard to reconcile yourself with your job, especially on days like that one.