WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT TERRORISM
My brother's comments on today's events -- they speak better than I can at the moment, and I heartily second them. He makes me proud, as a brother and as a fellow American. (He wrote this on the fly today.)
- Mitch
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-----Original Message-----
From: Stewart Cobb [SMTP:stu@<deleted>.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 2:17 PM
To: Mitch Cobb
Subject: What YOU can do ...
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT TERRORISM
The United States has just been attacked. If you're in the military,
or law enforcement, or emergency services -- you already know what to
do, and you're too busy to read this. But what about the rest of us?
What can YOU do to fight back? Here are some simple steps. If they
sound like classic wartime advice, that's because we're at war.
Step 1) Give Blood.
They need a lot of it in New York. Even if you don't live near New
York, every pint of blood you give in your hometown frees up a pint to
move a little closer. If your blood type is O, it's especially needed
because it can be given to almost anyone. If you're a soldier, a cop,
or a rescue worker, don't give, because blood donors need to avoid
strenuous activity for 72 hours afterwards and you might not have that
option. The rest of us will make up for you.
Step 2) Give Money.
The American Red Cross looks after refugees and the families of
casualties. Obviously, they'll need help. A lot of American military
men and women are going to be working long hours on detached duty,
figuring out who did this and what we'll do in response. The United
Services Organization (USO) is there to help their families cope with
their absence. Other charities, too, look after the physical, mental,
and spiritual health of those in need. Give generously to the church
or charity of your choice.
Step 3) Stay Alert.
You know what's unusual in your neighborhood. If you see something
suspicious -- not just a stray cat, but something really wrong --
report it. Several suicide bombers have been foiled in Israel by
alert citizens who noticed, for example, someone wearing a bulky
jacket on a hot summer day. Use your judgement, and don't overload
the cops with trivia, but keep your head up and your eyes open.
Step 4) Save Your Strength.
Think about how suddenly the folks in the twin towers were attacked.
You might have to save your life, or your family's lives, with no more
warning than they had. So follow all that good advice you keep
hearing: eat right, exercise, try to get a good night's sleep. Now is
not the time for hangovers. Your family and your country need you
awake and alert.
Step 5) Be Kind.
We're all under a lot of stress right now; don't add to it. Be nice
to the overworked nurses at the blood center. Don't argue with a cop
who tells you the road's closed; there's a reason for it, and he's
just doing his job. Drive safely and courteously; don't make another
mess the rescue folks have to clean up.
Step 6) Keep Your Chin Up.
More Americans may have died today than at Pearl Harbor. But that day
of infamy didn't stop us, and this one won't either. We're playing
defense for the rest of the day, and it's working: one of those
hijacked planes crashed in Nowhere, Pennsylvania, which isn't on any
terrorist's target list. In a day or two we'll switch over to
offense. As any veteran of Normandy or Inchon or Kuwait City can tell
you, we play offense pretty well, too. Under international law,
whoever did this has committed an act of war against the United States
of America. They started this fight; together, we'll finish it.
----
I certify that I am the author of this text for the purposes of
copyright law. I hereby place this text in the public domain.
Please copy and distribute widely. |
