What Now? How You Can Help Keep Our Country Strong.
Jenn Peterson | Graphics
Manager
What happened on September 11th will not easily escape our memories and will
leave a lasting effect on ourselves, the country, and the world. There are
several things that we, as individuals, can do to help restore our country,
help the economy, and show the world that we will survive. The terrorists
want us to be afraid and want to see our economy collapse, but we have to
show them that we won’t let them scare us. Here’s a list of ways you can
help and show pride for your nation.
Donate Time and/or Money To Charities
There are several charities dedicated to helping victims of the World Trade
Center and the Pentagon. Here are a few organizations that you can contact:
Red Cross: 1-800-HELP NOW Red
Cross
The United Way of New York and The New York Community Trust: (212) 251-4035.
Salvation Army (Cash Donations): 1-800-SAL-ARMY
Donate Blood If You Can
The Red Cross is always in need of blood, plasma, and platelet. Hundreds of
Americans are donating to help victims from the terrorist attacks, but more
is always needed and there are other Americans all over the country who need
it just as badly. To contact the Red Cross about donating call
1-800-GIVE-LIFE or America’s Blood Center’s at 1-888-BLOOD-88.
Don’t Worry About Your Money
Several large financial institutions had offices in the World Trade Center,
but you should not need to worry about the state of you accounts if you
banked with any of them. Large corporations usually keep all data and
information saved in remote, off-site computers in case of an emergency.
They were prepared for Y2K, and they were prepared for an event such as this.
Do not go to ATMs and withdraw all of your money. In order for the economy
to stay strong money needs to be in circulation, not under your mattress.
Take out cash as you normally would
You should also not rush to sell stocks. Leave your investments where they
are for now. Show trust in the financial markets.
Don’t Be Afraid To Shop
Our economy depends on us buying things. No matter how big or small, keep
shopping and buying as you normally would. Buy an American flag and display
it proudly. If you were planning on making a large purchase considering
doing it now. Continued sales will help prevent price inflation and
lay-offs. Don’t be afraid to buy airline tickets also. Security is improved
and you can show your support for air transportation.
Conserve, Conserve, Conserve!
Even though many of us live in dorms and do not have to worry about electric
bills, it is still a good idea for us all to conserve energy. Energy
conservation helps prevent price inflation. Open your window blinds and let
natural light in, turn off lights and appliances when you leave your
room/apt. If you can, use public transportation (which I know is hard to do
in Radford), carpool, walk, bike or whatever it takes to drive less.
Don’t Be A Victim To Price-Gouging
Gas stations and grocery stores around the country have panicked and hiked
prices up tremendously. Some gas stations have raised gas up to $5.50 a
gallon. Price-gouging such as this is illegal and should be reported by
consumers. Fill your tank as normal and if you follow the tips above you
shouldn’t have to fill up as much. If you find gas-gouging let people know.
Call the newspaper or local broadcast stations, contact the local American
Automobile Association (AAA), your state Attorney General or the U.S. Energy
Department Hotline at 1-800-244-3301.
Write To Your Elected Officials
Our country has a tremendous demand for foreign oil that needs to be reduced.
Let your members of Congress know what you think about the current oil
situation, and other spending activities. To contact your representative go
the House of
Representatives.
Most importantly, resume your normal pattern of life. Don’t let the
terrorists win and show them that we can take anything that they give us.
This nation has seen great tragedies before and we have always came out
strong. Show support for the government, get together with your family,
friends and neighbors. And don’t discriminate against your fellow Americans
because of faith or background. That only weakens us as a nation.
Selected information taken from MSNBC.com.