“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference — the opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference — the opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference — and the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.” — Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel

We frequently hear that “everyone” thinks the Towers should be rebuilt. And while there are plainly some who do not agree, every indication is that most of us do. As recently as 2007, the results of an American Institute of Architects/Harris Interactive poll of “America’s Favorite Architecture” placed the Twin Towers in the Top 20 of 150 landmarks.

After six years of dysfunctional politicking at the site, people are becoming resigned to the notion that the current plan is the best we can hope for, but that just is not true. That misapprehension is due only to the one-sided coverage that has been bought and paid for by special interests with narrow agendas, deep pockets, and little regard for the public good.

Robert Kennedy said: “The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use — of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public.” A few brave people in high places with the gumption to use their influence on behalf of the people in this lopsided struggle would make all the difference.

We aren’t seeking converts among those who prefer the current plans; we are imploring those who have always hoped to see the Twin Towers rise again not to stand meekly by, while they are replaced with an incoherent jumble of buildings that would permanently degrade the site.

We all know that when a building is defaced by graffiti it is important to return it to its pristeen state. We are not insisting on replica towers, but are adamant that what rises from the ashes of this generation’s Day of Infamy should be at least as impressive in every way as what was stolen from us.

And just as important, it should reflect the public’s legitimate stake in the process — instead of dismissing as irrelevant those who own the land, financed the recovery, and have shared the sorrow. What took place over the past six years was the equivalent of being invited to a banquet, watching while only a few select guests were served, and then, being handed everyone’s tab on the way out.

A referendum was never sought because it would have exposed the lie behind the “open and inclusive” process. Who doesn’t remember their disappointment when they found that the results of the “Innovative Design Study” yielded no real Twin Towers? The last thing people wanted was an innovative design — what we needed was innovative Twins. It was all downhill from there.

We’re asking those who are up on a pedestal in our society to use your power with care.

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