Anger at Those Who Trivialize Attacks--and Their Impact

Anyone who uses the tragedy of Sept. 11 to get out of “social obligations,” or to push a product, needs a life and a conscience (“National Tragedy, Universal Excuse,” Nov. 4).

I live in Las Vegas, far removed from the actual site of “ground hero,” but it has impacted thousands of lives here, including mine.

Aside from the horror of watching 5,000 people die right in front of my eyes, aside from watching a newlywed weep on national television because he wouldn’t be celebrating his second wedding anniversary, aside from having my heart broken daily by more stories of daddies, mommies, brothers, sisters, lovers, friends lost, on Oct. 3--one day before my eighth year as a publicist at a major hotel--I lost my own job because our business had taken such an immediate hit.

Now, at 52, I have to scramble to find another job in a city where the unemployed are legion. I have to worry about health insurance.

Anyone who trivializes what I consider the single most horrific event of my lifetime should be ashamed.

I don’t use Sept. 11 as an excuse not to see someone I don’t like or to hawk my wares.

Because of that day, I have simply cut out the petty people in my life, I revere the people I love even more, and I still can’t keep back the tears when something jolts that terrible day back to life.

Fortunately, your article didn’t make me weep. It did, however, make me furious.

LYNN BERK

Las Vegas