Among the heroes, a few reprobates too

When terrorists struck New York City last year, thousands of people who lived near the World Trade Center were left without many of the essential services most of us take for granted, including access to cash at an ATM.

The Municipal Credit Union's computer system was unable to verify account balances of its ATM users but chose to keep the ATMs in operation because of the dire situation. As a result, hundreds of customers withdrew an estimated $15 million that they didn't have in their accounts.

Sadly, not all stories from the battered tip of Manhattan reflect the spirit of the heroes and volunteers who served selflessly for so long to restore order amid the chaos. Thank goodness, however, the stories of triumph far exceed those of some of us who sink to the lowest level.