Looking back, hoping forward

By Kyle Williams

As the year 2001 closes, we tend to look back on the news stories and events of the year. The world has gone through many things this past year. From foot-and-mouth disease to anthrax infections, from the Timothy McVeigh execution to the attack on the World Trade Center.

As this is my last article of the year 2001, I will present my picks of the top news stories of the year. The stories are not necessarily in any particular order.

Attack on World Trade Center and Pentagon: The biggest story of the year is the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. We will all remember the moment we were told of the attacks. For me, I received a phone call from my dad saying that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. It was one of the most horrific things that I had ever seen; yet, there seemed to be something bigger. The country came together more than ever before, and that’s something I will never forget.

Foot-and-mouth disease: Many in the United Kingdom will never forget the year’s epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease. Although there were only 1,960 confirmed cases of the virus, nearly 4 million cattle were slaughtered. However, after the destruction of many farms, the virus is under control and no longer a major threat.

Anthrax scare: The actual confirmed start of the anthrax scare began Oct. 4 with photo editor, Bob Stevens, who later died because of the virus. As days passed by, media outlets around the country began to receive letters containing anthrax. On October 14, Senator Daschle’s office was quarantined and days later, twelve senate offices were closed while hundreds of staffers were tested. The anthrax case is still developing, but authorities believe the suspect is not linked to a terrorist organization.

Timothy McVeigh execution: On June 11, Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy McVeigh, died of lethal injection in Terre Haute, Ind. The execution was the first federal execution since 1963.

First cloning of human embryos: On Sunday, Nov. 25, Michael West, chief executive of Advance Cell Technology, announced they had succeeded in creating the world’s first cloned human embryos. Many have come out against it, including the president, who has pushed for legislation banning human cloning.

Middle East conflict: There have been many developments in the Middle East conflict this year. The most relevant would be Israel cutting all ties and communication with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat.

Stem-cell research: This year, there has been much pressure from the scientific community to create federal funding for stem-cell research. On Aug. 9, President George Bush made a decision to fund human embryonic stem-cell research with $250 million. Reaction on this matter has been vast, but greatly divided.

President Bush sworn in: On Saturday, Jan. 20, George W. Bush, after a long election, was sworn in as the 43rd president of the United States, along with the swearing in of Richard Cheney as vice president.

Chandra Levy investigation: One of the most overblown stories of the year would be the Chandra Levy investigation, which some are now calling “the summer of Chandra.” The media didn’t focus on the story until rumors floated around that Rep. Gary Condit, D-Calif., had a “romantic relationship” with the intern.

Destruction of the Taliban and al-Qaida in Afghanistan: I had just gotten out of church when I learned the U.S. and British forces had begun bombing in Afghanistan. U.S. Forces have not let up since Oct. 7 and have taken over every stronghold of the Taliban and al-Qaida network in Afghanistan.

All airplanes grounded: For the first time in history, the FAA grounded planes for nearly two weeks. The decision hit the airline industry hard, but the move was necessary to prevent further attacks.

Military tribunals: For the first time since World War II, President Bush issued an executive order allowing military tribunals for terrorists and al-Qaida members.

Space tourism: Russia won the “space tourism race” by allowing Dennis Tito aboard the International Space Station for $40 million. Tito took the trip along with two Russian cosmonauts.

Missile defense: This year, President Bush withdrew from the ABM Treaty of 1972. With the move, he fulfilled a campaign promise to move forward with a more effective missile defense program.

Many things have happened this year, some good and some bad. However, I look forward to all the possibilities of the next year.

Kyle Williams

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Kyle Williams is 16 years old and a high school student living in central Oklahoma. Read more of Kyle Williams's articles here.