Jim Bennett was in town the last few days for a small and intense colloquium in which he had the opportunity to interact at length with Vaclav Klaus, the outspoken free-market President of Czechoslovakia. It was not until Saturday morning that we were able to get together and I arranged for Taylor Dinerman, one of our sometimes Samizdata writers, to join us for lunch. Given the nature of our conversation over burgers and Guinness I half expected to see leftish types holding their hands over their ears and running for the doors lest they hear free-market, pro-capitalist ideas. Why, one of our motley threesome was even an outspoken Republican. Oh, the Horror, the Horror!
Neither Jim nor I have had an opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the World Trade Center site in some years. I have less excuse than Jim on this matter as I pass through Manhattan so often. I just have not ‘got around to it’.
There is no comparison between what I last saw and now. When you walk down Church Street and arrive at Vesey street the new building is just THERE. For me the mood for the visit was set by the passenger jet which just happened to pass by in the frame as I took one of my first series of photos.
This image set my mood for a somber remembrance.
Photo: copyright Dale Amon, All Rights Reserved
The other buildings are equally fine and are rising quickly as well.
I just liked the framing…
Photo: copyright Dale Amon, All Rights Reserved
We had some difficulty figuring out where to go for a view of the new museum but finally did find one.
First glimpse of the new museum.
Photo: copyright Dale Amon, All Rights Reserved
In the process we also found much better sight lines for the new complex.
When complete this is going to be a magnificent set of buildings.
Photo: copyright Dale Amon, All Rights Reserved
You are never far from something which reminds you of the gravitas and the sheer holiness of this place. Reverent songs will be sung on planets of far stars of the courage of the Fireman of New York.
We will never forget.
Photo: copyright Dale Amon, All Rights Reserved
Although I took a number of photos with Jim in them, I liked the backdrop in this even though he was somewhat dwarfed by it. I do not think Jim will mind.
Author and pioneer space entrepreneur Jim Bennett.
Photo: copyright Dale Amon, All Rights Reserved
