July 03, 2008

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Working at the Pentagon

"We call the area where the plane hit the Pentagon 'Ground Zero,' just like in New York."

Listen to this Commentary!

By Keith

I started working at the Pentagon in July, as an escort to visitors. We call the area where the plane hit the Pentagon “Ground Zero,” just like in New York.

I pay attention to the conversations I hear between the military people there. It fascinates me to see the benefits and the access they get. Police and other Pentagon workers look at my dredlocks and tattoos, and think I’m a delinquent. My girlfriend works for the Secret Service, and the cops look at her the same way until she pulls out that ID.

The government workers look at our generation, and judge us. If you look young, they stereotype you. With each other, they have conversations, say good morning. To us they just nod their heads.

I think we all feel the same about safety, though. We all put our lives on the line coming to work…but that’s probably one of the only things we have in common with them.


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