The bloated fantasy now featured in New York Magazine is a particularly pungent example of using 9/11 to launch ad hominem attacks for personal and political gain. While premising his hit-piece, John Heilemann writes:

“As a way of marking the fifth anniversary of 9/11, we’ve attempted to provide an answer—or, rather, many answers. But we’ve done so in a roundabout manner: by asking an assortment of big thinkers and public figures to address the question, What if 9/11 never happened? …
…
“…As Andrew Sullivan suggests in his alternative-present blog, America should perhaps consider itself lucky that 9/11 took place when it did (thus giving the country an early warning of the battle ahead) and that it wasn’t worse.”

Ask the family members of the 3,000 if we feel lucky, Mr. Heilemann, and if we appreciate you pimping a magazine with a wholesale political hit-piece to mark the day they were murdered.

While there are many examples I could site of vitriolic attacks within Mr. Heilemann’s piece, the most egregious is found within a section entitled The Long Funeral, authored by John Homans. In part, he wrote:

“The media’s appetite for stories of overnight transformation was glutted in the weeks after 9/11. The event gave birth to myriad complicated figures like Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, who had been the prototypical hard-driving, acquisitive, assholic businessman [emphasis added mine]. Blasted by the loss of 658 employees and colleagues, including his brother Gary, Lutnick was changed instantly into a raging, crying man on a mission—and then, almost as suddenly, changed back into a businessman.”

One 9/11 family member responded to Mr. Homans this way:

“Howard Lutnick had no obligation to do anything. He could have packed up his family and moved them out of New York. Instead, he committed himself and his company to rebuilding in New York and caring for the families of our 658 lost. The goal of all Cantor survivors, which came from the top down, was to make sure that our 900+ children would be able to say, “This is where my father or mother worked.” If Howard’s crime is, he is a good businessman, than the Cantor families are fortunate that he is one. Cantor Fitzgerald has given over 175 million dollars including a commitment for 10 years of healthcare to their families. The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund has been in existence since September 14, 2001 and financial aid continues to provide emotional support to our families. Thanks to Howard Lutnick, the Cantor families forged a community that has been helpful in assisting them to heal. Maybe if people like John Homans said “thank you” to people who in times of adversity rise to a height of goodness most of us only dream of attaining, then in the future, we would see more Howard Lutnick’s. Alas, it is easier to vilify others for the shortcomings in ourselves. Thankfully, John Homas is not the final arbiter of Howard Lutnick’s behavior. The Cantor families are. And they feel very differently.”

For those of you who buy New York Magazine, I have a suggestion: do not buy this edition. If you must read it, read it on line. After I finish this post I will use the delete button and flush Mr. Heilemann’s piece from my computer.

Note: Perhaps you would also voice your displeasure by emailing the editors at nyletters@nymag.com

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