We Hurt But Houseguests Need Help to Hurt: Big Brother 2's Kent Shares His Thoughts

Let me say that there is no question that the events of the past week are the most devastating ever on our soil and in the minds of all of us. The horror has profoundly affected us all. And it will deeply affect Will Kirby, Monica Bailey and Nicole Nilson. So should they be told? Why? Right now they are very isolated and depressed because all of their interaction with people has been in a shallow and manipulative manner. So, they are mentally fragile already. That is why I believe the houseguests should not be told of the severity of the evil that was visited upon our country on Sept. 11th.

It is hard to imagine what the emotions are when you have been stripped of EVERYTHING that is dear to you. You lose your family, your friends, the comfort of your home, possessions, EVERYTHING, and it is emotionally devastating. You are very fragile emotionally and that is why you see so many of the houseguests crying and showing deep feelings on a variety of subjects and situations. I am normally a pretty stalwart guy, but just the mention of my family would bring a flood of tears.

To tell the houseguests about the devastation wrought by terrorists, the thousands brutally murdered, and the horror our country is feeling without finding an equitable way for all of them to leave the house together is inhumane.

They must then sit day after day in stunned silence within their own thoughts as they process the almost unimaginable visions of what they have been told or shown. They must do this without the love and support of their family and friends. They would not be able to receive the comfort from those close to them to help them process this horrible event and it's effect on their own lives and others. If Monica or anyone else has a family member or friend who has been affected by this event, they should be told. They should be made aware and given the chance to walk out of that door if that's what they feel they must do. But, they should also have the chance to finish the game. They've endured much to get to where they are right now and deserve the opportunity to win. It should be their individual decision to make, not a collective decision by others to stop the game. And, anyone who thinks that CBS and Arnold Shapiro care more about ratings than the folks involved in this, simply do not know the truth. I know Arnold Shapiro and the people that work with him and I can tell you that there is absolutely nothing more important than the health and welfare of those who are still in and those already out of that house. I've spoken with him since my eviction on August 9th and his concern is for me, how I'm doing and how my family is doing. He is an honorable man and will always do the right thing. And it's his decision as to what happens with Big Brother 2, not CBS.

When we leave the house, one of the first things we are required to do is speak with a staff psychologist. She talks with us about any issues we might have or any thoughts or emotions with which we are having problems dealing. It is a valuable few moments to allow us to gather our thoughts as we go crashing out of "controlled reality" to our normal lives. Unless you have been in that house, it's very difficult for anyone to imagine the profound effect it has on you and your family.

When we signed up for Big Brother, we understood that we would be isolated from society and would not be informed of current events or news happenings. It's true there is no way anyone could imagine that anything would occur that would shake our country to its foundation the way the events of Sept. 11 have. Big Brother is now not important, major league baseball is now not important, the NFL is now not important, primetime television is now not important, or is it?

I am having problems deciding what my feelings are on a variety of issues relating to this event, but one thing I know is true. I do not want the things that we do in this country, who we are, or what we hold dear to be affected or dictated by a small group of fanatical thugs who have absolutely no regard for the sanctity of human life. I do not want us to change. I do not want us to change who we are. I don't want them to be able to affect us in any way. Some say they have already affected us profoundly, but I don't believe so. Yes, we'll sadly dig to recover the remains of our loved ones, we will mourn collectively as a nation and we will dust ourselves off. And, we will begin again with a determination unmatched in the history of man to search out and punish those who have brought this cowardly act to our shores. But, we will not be changed. We will still be the most compassionate and loving peoples on the face of this earth. We will gather together to help those in need where ever we find them.

We will weep for those lost, but also cast a steely eye towards making sure this does not happen again. Does that mean armed guards at McDonalds? No, it means wiping those who did this and those who sponsored this evil off the face of the earth by whatever means necessary. Then and only then, can we breathe a sigh of relief and continue as the greatest land of freedom in the world. Then and only then will those who died, not have died in vain.

Many compare this act to Pearl Harbor. It is not even close to that dark day in our history. That was military attacking military. That was not cowards lurking in shadows killing innocent people, including women and children. Make no mistake about it. Those who perpetrated this act of horror against us are the most vile and evil presence on this planet and must be stopped now or we forever live in the fear that this type of terror is a moment away.

Yes, maybe Big Brother 2 should be ended. But, will that bring back the thousands of our loved ones that perished? Yes, we should mourn and be respectful of what has happened. But, we too must move forward in a way that lets those who seek to do harm to this great nation know that we will not be cowed by terror. We are too great of a nation to let this veer us from our course. We will allow our citizens to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness no matter the cost. We always have and always will.

I spoke of heroes in the Big Brother house. We saw who they are in the courageous men and women who lost their lives trying to save others. This nation's heroes are also those continuing to risk their lives to bring comfort to families as they find and return to them their loved ones.

That is the price of freedom and it is a price we've always been willing to pay, and today, at a terrible cost, are still paying.

I wish to extend my family's heartfelt condolences and sympathies to those with loved ones still missing, and to those who have paid the terrible price of lost loved ones. We want you to know, we stand together with you in sorrow, and deeply share your pain.

Regards,
Kent Blackwelder
Kathy, Alex & Maddy
Big Brother 2