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2:00 p.m., Monday, October 1, 2001

I opened the drapes and peered into the courtyard of the Federal Building, the concrete mass lonely, with only a rain-drenched, wind-whipped flag marking its existence. Yet to my amazement, quite a different scene greeted me: hundreds of immigrants swarming through the metallic maze, around the block, and down the two connecting streets.

I watched the soaked and shivering hopefuls, huddled in sweaters and coats, wait patiently in lines, the length of which I have never witnessed until today. Typically, immigrants line up through the maze each morning, often as early as 7 a.m., endeavoring to paperwork, interview, and be judged into citizenship. It is often a long and frustrating process that is certainly bound to be even longer and more frustrating since September 11. They will wait for hours, then complete a form or two, and wait some more. An official will talk to them at some point, and then they will wait some more. If they're lucky, they will be given temporary permission to stay in the U.S., and then go home ... and wait some more. But they are all willing to pay that price. They all want to be Americans.

I half-expected that INS would either remain closed or would have very little business after the tragedy, but this morning proved me wrong. Despite the attacks and all that their perpetrators stand against, thousands of people still consider the United States to be the land of the free and of hope. The mob outside the Federal Building served as a heartwarming reminder of all those who come to this country for a better life.

The mass of humanity also served to help regain normalcy. With their hopes, they brought life, they brought activity. In addition, the barriers at Canal Street have now been cleared, and traffic pours into the area. Bumper-to-bumper, people-to-people crowds resume as local shops and restaurants reopen. Even the air has cleared in time for the barrage.

I pushed my way through the crowds as I dodged between standing cars, and inhaled the putrid vehicle fumes and scents of greasy fast food that I don't particularly like. It was my first breath of fresh air in weeks, and I relished every molecule of it. Ladies and gentlemen, Downtown New York City is back!