I listened with some amazement to Clyde Lewis Friday night.. he had a very interesting take on his GROUND ZERO radio program concerning the controversy of the 9/11 gift shop—I am sure you heard about it by now..
I also learned something new.
There was something much more offensive that took place within the ‘hallowed’ halls of the museum than the gift shop selling chotchkies..
As Clyde Lewis writes on his page:
As the Gothamist reported, “The National 9/11 Museum opened to the public [May 21], with dozens of museum employees on hand to assist visitors through exhibits, numerous Red Cross workers and chaplains eager to help those who needed comfort… President Obama dedicated the museum last week in a special ceremony that was by invite only. There were mostly politicians and a few of the victim’s families in attendance.”
And, of course, select members of the media – which did not include that Gothamist reporter who was actually thrown out.
But those honored visitors were told to leave because only the VIPs, which included former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, were allowed back inside for a black-tie cocktail reception, the NY Daily news said. It is said later this summer there will be a family restaurant opening up in the facility.
The creepiness here is evident, the cocktail soiree was being held on the site where it is believed many of the victim’s remains are still buried and many people feel that it is also a bit sick to open a restaurant on the site.
The museum’s cocktail hour took place near the “remains repository,” where 8,000 unidentified body parts are being stored.
Now that it has opened to the public, there are mixed feelings about the museum. While some see it as a place where people can reflect on the tragedy, some see it as politically exploitative and not as dignifying as maybe a wall with names or a monument.
Again, our censored Gothamist reporter noted: “There’s a warning in front of the entrance, “The exhibition may not be appropriate for visitors 10 years old and younger. Adults accompanying younger visitors should exercise discretion before entering.””
Upon arrival, the scene is set up like a Halloween spook alley in a posh library. Scorched car doors, salvaged firefighters’ uniforms, banners, toys, and a destroyed fire engine are preserved forever and on display at the museum.
Never knew of this party.. this sick, sick party..
A cocktail hour on the grave of 8,000 body parts.. There seems to be something very ghoulish about that choice, don’t you think? A little vampirish, perhaps? The blood lust, the pain.. the suffering.. all beneath the feet of the elite and wealthy as they sip their champagne. Their riches are thanks to the thousands dead.. A little more honor is due than a cocktail hour on top of a grave site..
Clyde Lewis goes on to write more,
For $64.00 you can purchase survival tree earrings and $39.00 gets you a hoodie emblazoned with an image of the towers. There is also a collectable [sic] cheese plate you can purchase as well.
Victims’ families didn’t ask for this, they didn’t expect their family members to be important deaths for eternity and have their remains in a containment hold piled behind a locked door in a museum that doubles as a mausoleum with an adjacent Shake Shack.
Disturbed yet?
The full article *(and show*) from Clyde Lewis is worth the read and listen. I would dare say, if you have any sense of morality, you’d be a little grossed about the goings on within the public building..
The remains of all of those body parts being at this location seems to be one of the worst decisions made..
