Peggy Ogonowski Speaks Out About 9/11
The federal government has largely failed to implement anti-terrorism upgrades recommended by the 9/11 Commission more than a year ago, according to a report released yesterday by the panel’s members.
Unveiling a “report card†that featured a litany of D’s and F’s, members of the former panel warned that the slow response has left the United States unprepared for another major attack.
Dracut resident Peggy Ogonowski, whose husband, John Ogonowski, captained American Airlines Flight 11 before terrorists slammed it into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York, said the panel’s report card reveals that the attacks are slipping from the minds of Americans.
“That makes us very ripe for another attack,†she said.
The panel graded the Bush administration and Congress yesterday on the implementation of 41 recommendations issued in a book-length report in fall 2004. Of those grades, 16 were D’s and F’s.
“We shouldn’t need another wake-up call,†said former commission Chairman Thomas Kean, who served as a Republican governor of New Jersey.
“We believe that the terrorists will strike again — so does every responsible expert that we have talked to,†said Kean. “And if they do, and these reforms that might have prevented such an attack have not been implemented, what will our excuse be?â€
Only one A was awarded — to the government’s effort at disrupting terrorist financing.
U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, a Malden Democrat and member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, blamed GOP lawmakers for decreased funding for first responders and loose airline security.
“Letting four-inch scissor blades back onto passenger planes while letting unscreened cargo the size of a Volkswagen be placed on the same plane is absurd,†Markey said, referring to loosened airline rules that will permit some sharp objects onto passenger decks later this month.
“The 9/11 commissioners said it clearly — the administration’s homeland-security priorities are upside down,†Markey said.
The 10-person commission, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, was considered the authoritative body on 9/11 before adjourning a year ago. Its detailed and narrative report last year was a best seller.
All 10 commission members have served on a private panel for the past year named the 9/11 Public Discourse Project, meant to prod Congress and the administration into implementing the changes.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said yesterday the president has acted on 37 of 39 recommendations that apply to the administration, including appointing a director of national intelligence, John Negroponte. Commission members, though, questioned the reach of those changes.
“We have taken significant steps to better protect the American people at home,†McClellan said. “There is more to do.â€
Ogonowski agrees.
After her husband died aboard Flight 11, she became fearful of crowds. They’re easy targets, she said.
“Just waiting for that first suicide bomber,†Ogonowski said. “I hate to sound all doom and gloom, but they want to get us. Just because they’re quiet doesn’t mean they’re not out there plotting.â€
To see the report card, visit: http://www.9-11pdp.org/
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
February 1st, 2006 at 12:46 am
Dear Peggy-
I am currently watching a special on A&E regarding your late husbands last flight. I had to write and tell you what a wonderful, supportive, and brave woman you seem to be.
I am a pilots wife as well, and thank God every day since 9/11 that he was home that day.
You are so poised on this program and show such a sense of class that I cannot help but admire you.
We, as pilots wife’s are a different breed. How many women could and would handle the schedule these men keep. I know the perks that come with it, but most women cannot handle the responsibility of being a married single parent.
You handle yourself so beautifully in your interviews that I just couldn’t help but email and let you know what a wonderful woman you seem to be, I will always be sorry for the loss of life that happened on that day, but you can be sure that women like myself will think of you always.
February 1st, 2006 at 1:27 pm
Yes that was truely a tragedy.
August 28th, 2006 at 9:10 pm
[...] The event took place only 11 days after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The day took on a special feeling. The pilot of the ill-fated American Airlines Flight 11 was Dracut resident John Ogonowski. [...]
September 11th, 2006 at 11:34 am
[...] The commemoration included four moments of silence. Two for the times that hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center towers (which Dracut’s own John Ogonowski piloted flight 11) and two for when the burning towers collapsed into mountains of rubble, killing thousands of people working there and first responders who were trying to rescue them. Including my friend Ray Rocha. [...]