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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: 2MAR$ who wrote (27075)	9/14/2001 12:37:37 AM
From: average joe	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 82486

Never under estimate the power of a little do-re-me... news.excite.com What do you say???

To: 2MAR$ who wrote (27075)	9/14/2001 11:15:04 AM
From: Solon	Read Replies (4) \| Respond to of 82486

I have been unable to post due to two posts (to aj) being considered as "vulgar". I supppose one ought to be honored to be held to a higher standard of behaviour than is applied to others--so I am complimented by the distinction. However, it was a heartbreaking time to be sidelined... I posted to you, because much of what you have written between the lines regarding the probable aftermath of this tragic event is very sensible to me, and it parallels many of my own thoughts. Certainly, there is war coming. And it looks like it will begin in Afghanistan. But it will justify itself in every corner of the earth. It has become necessary for every country, state, or individual to choose the line they will stand in. There appears no longer to be a place for neutrality--whether pretended or intended. Civilization has reached a cusp in this new millennium. This hate crime against an entire nation; this Act of War against civilized humanity--this is not an indictment of religion. Religion itself is not evil. Religion reflects the maturity, the compassion, the common human elements of her adherents. For the selfish, the immature, the ignorant, the isolated and the barren, however--it becomes an albatross which smothers the humanity, and chokes the compassion which normally guides the human spirit. Civilized people must continue to demonstrate the values which earn the adjective: the values of compassion and respect for the innocent. Do not kill my children. I do not kill yours. Remain my enemy if you wish; hate me if you will; but fight me as a soldier or as a man. Do not kill innocent people. Whatever decent human beings may disagree on, there ought always to be a common principle that is shared beyond dispute--and that is practised without fail: that life is precious and valuable, regardless of the happenstance of religion or culture; that innocent and blameless life is equally deserving of protection, regardless of the community, culture, or religious affiliation in which it finds itself. This duty of care places a tremendous burden on the resources of civilized humanity. It is also a burden that restricts the effectiveness of the engagements of war. However, it is a challenge which must be willingly borne by those seeking to exist as human beings, and by those hopeful that their children, and the children of all nations-- will continue capable of civilized interaction. Talking about "nuking" the bastards is far too indiscriminate as an expression of rational human responses. However, one does understand the anguish and anger that needs to be verbally expressed by all Americans--and by all her friends in the world community--indeed, by all humans who are beyond a selfish, unconscionable, and isolated psychopathy. The quicker the response the more meaning is carried. The response must be in haste; but it must not be impetuous. It must be a "team" effort. Obviously, this is going to be an ongoing world, event, so it involves massive allied communication and co-ordination of resources. Nevertheless, I personally believe that it is a matter of days only, before tanks of more than one country are in Afghanistan with massive air support. It is beyond belief what these animals have perpetrated. It is a hate crime against a Nation and against a species. We must emphasize and epitomize those differences that separate we from them. We must not adopt any of their hatred, or any of their inhuman traits. However, one is reminded of Dryden: "Beware the fury of a patient man." I hope there will be no pictures of Westerners rejoicing before the injustice that always afflicts the innocent in war, and which I have no doubt will occur. I spoke to a Sikh last night, and he shared with me the pain that his family is going through in the community, and particularly his son in school. For some people, all turbans are alike. I have been in their temples and in their homes, and I have been treated with a wonderful generosity and respect. It is a wretched beginning to a new century as we search for our enemies. I hope we search beyond religion or dress or Nation or culture. I believe that our leaders may do so; but it is equally important that this be reflected in the public.