Pat Benson

Peace please, our measures will be taken by our reactions to these events. Let's stop terrorism. It lives in all of us. We must act from our hearts. Hate is destroying us. Forgive and don't forget we can and will change. Breathe peace.

Amy M. DuBarada
Pawnee Tribe - New York

Dear America,

You are my home, my investment of family, friends and work place.

As my Parents and Grandparents stood beside you, so will I until the great spirit calls for me. I will protect your soil and help you heal your wounds. I am proud to be one of your many warriors who will stand ready to protect you. I pray deeply for our American people, for their pain to be lifted and their returning strength will rise within them.

We are all one people, let us meet each other on this path of courage strength and dignity. We are Americans!

Andrew Kahn
Staten Island, New York

Please send this message on to the President at president@whitehouse.gov

Dear Mr. President,

Deeply saddened by this tragedy and the loss of lives I write this plea to you. I beseech you to please weigh the pros and cons of massive retaliation before deciding on a plan of action. I hope greatly that we find those involved with the crashes, but we must not bomb blindly Arab nations to scare them into submission. It will first result in the deaths of innocent women, children, and yes, innocent men and will also further provoke anti-American sentiments in the area. To kill the innocent is against the wishes of our Creator, Jesus Christ. Once innocent babies, children, women and men are killed, their lives cannot be restarted. Death is permanent.

As an American I urge you and I pray to the Lord that you will show the world not America's military might, but rather that America is a country of peace, not of war. We must not look to take an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. We must look for a peace that will last not until another suicide mission culminates in death, but one that builds mutual trust amongst the world's nations so that a world of peace will reign. We must listen to why many in the Middle East are angry. Not until there is a unity among nations will there be peace and certainly we as a nation will not achieve peace through mere retaliation.

I ask for peace, not bombs.

Sincerely, Your Name

Carl Peters
NYC, NY

Now would be a good time to write letters to the White House, to our Senators and to newspapers asking that there be no "collateral damage" inflicted in any retaliatory attack. Personally, I believe justice should be found in the courts rather than in military action. But knowing our government it's inevitable. The US will retaliate, and when they do it will involve the killing of thousands more innocent and impoverished people.

Let us raise our voices against the pursuit of vengeance, and for the practice of law.

William Meyer

The incredible experiment of America continues. Do we become better and kinder world citizens, or do we allow the haters to drag America lower? Barbarists will always find justification. The terrorists found justification, now will those self described "good people" justify themselves by attacking "collateral villains"? Does America succeed and lead thru force or moral intelligence? Terrorism is like cancer, it is both a specific and systemic condition. GW personally has some good character traits, but his spiritual intelligence is limited. I guess that's why many in the country voted for him... not being formally religious, I will nevertheless follow my understanding of Jesus and sign off with
All praise to Allah

Nita Isherwood

AMERICA GRIEVES
I received this from a group newsletter I subscribe to;

General Omar Bradley wrote this several decades ago: "Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount." Today's attack on American civilians demonstrates again our world's intimate relationship with killing.

Good and decent people around the globe feel shocked and helpless in the face of such indiscriminate violence. We are in shock, but not completely helpless. Here are some suggestions on what you can do:

1. Remember, most persons of particular nationalities and religious or ethnic backgrounds are NOT in favor of attacks upon innocent men, women and children. Such atrocities come from extremist and radical groups. Our anger, though justified, should not broadly target innocent civilians of nation or persons who simply happen to represent a certain religion or ethnicity.

2. This is a time to stick together, as a nation and as a world. All nations must work together to ensure that such atrocities never be allowed to occur again. This incident should usher in an unprecedented time of cooperation as we fight side by side against a common evil. We can dedicate ourselves to the cause of ridding the world of terrorism.

3. We can turn our anger and helplessness into constructive action. Give blood at a donation center close to you. Generously support disaster response groups with material donations and money. Some churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious communities have disaster relief funds that are set up to receive donations for this emergency. Those of faith should also pray for those who lost loved ones, those who are missing and wounded and those who labor to rescue and comfort victims. Pray also for victims and perpetrators of violence throughout the world.

4. All Americans (and others) who are stunned by today's attack should find time to grieve. Consider attending a service at your community of faith to help put the day's events and aftermath in perspective as you grieve for and with families and friends of victims.

5. War, whether it be a conventional war or act of terrorism, is abhorrent to the human family. In the long term, you can channel your anger and concern into constructive support of organizations dedicated to global peace, including the eradication of terrorism, and to groups that give aid to victims of violence and war.

6. Rededicate yourself to loving others. Life is short -- cherish every moment of it.

America will never be the same again. September 11, 2001 will forever be remembered as a defining moment in our history. But let the history books record it also as a time of unparalleled cohesiveness as nations unite to comfort a country in grief and to commit together to rid our planet of the scourge of terrorism. May God grant us wisdom this pivotal day, comfort as we grieve and healing as we move ahead together.

Steve Goodier, September 11, 2001

Khrysso Heart LeFey
Columbus, Ohio

I have just discovered this site and this forum, in a dogged attempt to find voices that resonate with my own as I rail against the TV... It is good to feel less alone with this reality-check of other progressives.

Those who have complained that we are saying here that we deserved this are missing the point (and I'd like to know how many Nazis Shane Hanson of Pocatello really knows). I have seen many messages here--messages with which I agree--that have said that we had this coming; I have seen none that have said that we, or any of the people killed, deserved it. There's a difference.

The fact that these detractors don't get the difference points out how little they have to add to a progressive forum.

Steve Gorney
Ithaca, NY

Certainly US policy, our war machine, and our corporate power and wealth have angered others. The tragedies of September 11th are on a different scale than any misdeeds from our end. The lust for and achievement of financial power is an easy target for those with different ideologies.

I will try my best defend my family and myself from any terrorists or acts of terror. This country should do the same. We should not lay down or panic in fear. This exactly what terror expects. The USA can not go into a period of self pity and shame over past events. It must do its best to eradicate the networks that will otherwise continue to achieve successful terror campaigns.

We are not dealing with "a country" or a specific enemy other than terrorism itself. Diplomacy and apologies with be useless. Weakness will beget more terror and tragedy. Its not pretty, but it is where we are. My children didn't ask for this.

Rachel Stewart
Denver, CO

I don't need to repeat that the attacks in New York and Washington D.C. were horrendous and terrifying acts of terrorism. I am outraged and angered. My thoughts are with those impacted by these terrible events -- my fears and concerns extend beyond these particular incidents to the future of our nation.

While some people are buying and flying the American flag in their homes and businesses, others are attacking our fellow Americans. The acts of racism against Arab and Muslim-Americans are disgraceful to the freedom that we are protecting.

This act of terrorism has been likened to Pearl Harbor. If we choose to follow this analogy, let's remember the internment camps where we put innocent Japanese-Americans behind barbed wire because of fear and hatred.

Hate crimes against fellow Americans are not patriotic and certainly not in the spirit of unity that will heal this nation -- a nation of immigrants. We are home to people from all over the world. We are all Americans.

Times like this are when I am reminded of what is truly important. I am reminded of the kind of person I want to be and how I want to treat others. What is beautiful about this country and our freedom is the ability to differ, to dissent, and to hold different beliefs and follow different religions. Please advocate for love, unity and peace. Do not allow the individuals responsible for this to taint what our freedom fundamentally stands for with the same kind of hatred that drove them to these acts.

Patrick Barrett
Madison, Wisconsin

I am more than a little disturbed to read the comments of Shane Hanson of Pocatello, Idaho, who interprets the letters of the other contributors to this forum as meaning that "we deserved" Tuesday's attacks and "should get more of them." I read through most of those letters and I didn't encounter any that made this argument. Instead, what they argued was that this was a truly tragic event. Part of the tragedy was the tremendous loss of life and human suffering it caused. But another part of the tragedy was the role that our government has played in laying the foundation for it by pursuing an undemocratic and anti-humanitarian foreign policy. This is objectionable not only because it is immoral and a source of shame for all citizens of the US, but also because it leaves us vulnerable to the kinds of attacks we witnessed on Tuesday. If we can't be motivated by a concern for others (whatever we may think of their religious beliefs) to engage the world in a humanitarian and democratic fashion, then we at least owe it to ourselves to do so because it will make us less the target of terrorist attacks. My only hope in the wake of Tuesday's events is that we can engage in some deep inner reflection about what our role in the world should be. This forum, however, is one of the few places where that kind of reflection is taking place. It certainly is not taking place in the mainstream media or among our elected officials, who instead give every indication that the US will respond in a way that will only increase the likelihood that such events will recur, and with greater frequency.

Liz Flory

Psycological Warfare. I agree that this is not a time for criticizing people, we have enough negative thoughts to contend with. Here is an alternative approach: we should not try to seek revenge by destroying the terrorists, attempts would be futile anyway since those people go to ground and become invisible targets, but we can destroy some of the power they yield over us. They deliberately plan the most terrifying scenario they can think of and know it will be replayed on tv to millions, traumatizing and filling us with fear in a psychological war. This is the way they planned it. But we can choose not to feel the way they want us to. We can still feel tremendous sympathy for the victims and their families who will need much support. Watching the tv pictures over and over does not help us. Go out and talk to a friend or neighbor and offer your support to those in shock. This is a time for compassion, not anger and fear.

Robert Hess

Thank you for stating so eloquently what I have been thinking. As an American citizen I hope our president and other officials will work through other countries and seek the wisdom of other leaders in pursuing a civil course of action that demonstrates integrity and respect for people everywhere. The world is small and we must be neighbors and friends to other countries. I hope we will engage in dialogue and act as a result of decision acceptable to the world. I hope no suffering is caused to innocent people anywhere in the world. Thank you for your very intelligent and friendly editorial.

Marina Tretton

I was listening to the radio last night and was appalled by the callers demanding we nuke the entire Middle East and turn it into a parking lot. So this is what it takes, I thought, to create our side of the pond "fanatic". The sorrow is thoroughly shared, and everyone vents their anger and frustrations in many different ways.

Let's take a deep breath, and imagine for just a brief moment, that the tables are turned. "Our country has been through decades of political manipulations by a foreign leading nation, let's call it "X", our governments have been toppled, and instead replaced with dictatorial puppets, trained by country X in the arts of war and terrorism, country X has bombed us, gassed us, exiled us of our own land, sanctioned us, destroyed our water supplies and power plants, our children are dying by the thousands of curable diseases, because the hospitals don't have access to basic supplies... we live under constant siege. And all this, because country X wants to control prices and production of our national product" Now let's replace country X for "USA", and "Our country" for the Middle East, and you have real life for Arabs in the Middle East. This analogy maybe overly simplistic, but you get my point.

This by no means, justifies the actions of September 11, but it sheds some light as to why could this happen. The same way those demanding we blow the entire thing up, don't represent all of us as a nation (I hope), those who were part of Tuesday's terrorist attack, do not represent the entire Middle East. So let's use some judgment and restrain, and show the world that we are truly a democracy, let's bring those responsible to justice (like we have done with McVeigh, Hassam, etc), but let's not make the mistake of acting like terrorists ourselves... revenge walks in a very thin line.

Our society has been taught to sit back and enjoy the ride, let the government do the driving without questioning where are we headed, we simply assume that they represent us in a pure and noble way, and so they make us believe. Complacency has been at an all time high in American society, our foreign policy is as corrupt as ever, yet we don't discuss it, we don't confront it, we don't demand integrity and accountability from our leaders, after all everything is fine, ain't it? This waiting for the "appropriate" time (if there is such a thing) to discuss our foreign policy, is what led to September 11. We all want to believe that our beloved country could not do such a thing, our denial is such, that any accusations against our government's actions is condemned as Anti-American. Democracy requires the involvement of all citizens, not just the bureaucrats, we all must demand justice, when our tax dollars are financing those operations abroad. Not simply hope that because it's far away it won't affect us. As Tuesday's events proved, you cannot treat the rest of the world like crap, and expect the sh!t will never hit the fan. Because it does...

Marlene Zaretsky
Canada

War doesn't work. This we know. Another thing we know, is that people who blame others do not take responsibility for their own actions. The 'scapegoating' of the State of Israel, and it's major supporter, the United States of America, is tired. It's time for us to stop buying the oil that provides the money that fuels the hatred so, cancel the order, close the border and let the people of those Countries put their focus where it needs to be - on their own governments.

Aron
The Netherlands

Violence breeds violence breeds violence breeds violence breeds violence and will eventually end the world.

Gary McCammon

At a time like this, we are all told to rally 'round the flag and pull together, not to question and not to object. I think this is exactly the time we should be questioning and objecting, when not only the government but a vocal percentage of the public are calling for "retaliation". Will the deaths of more people bring those who've died back to life? Is this being treated as a cheesy TV-movie where the bad guys get wiped out in the end and freedom reigns, whereas in real life the acts of retaliation will just inspire yet more attacks in an endless cycle? Once again, typically American, we dash for the easy answer and refuse to stop and think and reflect. As Gandalf puts it to Frodo in Lord of the Rings:
"...Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise can not see all ends."

Sam Emers
Sullivan, Missouri

The shock and grief I feel about the events of Sept. 11 are indescribable. The loss of life, the horrendous injuries, the terror of the airline passengers and those trapped and waiting to die in the rubble of the once mighty towers and the Pentagon is simply unfathomable. I’m just so very sorry! Sorry for the dead and injured, sorry for the thousands who have lost loved ones, sorry for my country.

I’m proud of our citizens who came forth to help. The firefighters, police, and volunteers at the scene….and folks all over the country who rushed to donate blood and money, who went to airports to offer help to travelers who found themselves stuck in strange towns with no hotel rooms available, who prayed and lit candles and flew our flag in solidarity with NY and DC.

But I’m appalled at the profiteers who immediately raised gas prices. Their’s is the mind set of those who have earned us the title of "Devils" and made us the object of hatred the world over. I’m appalled at the cynicism of a Congress who could gather together to sing "America the Beautiful" to assure us that our government is still functioning….politicians who are bought and paid for by those who actually do run our government. It is not reassuring to know they are still functioning.

I’m surprised at those Americans who now say they no longer feel safe. Are outside terrorists any more frightening than street gangs, home-grown militias, neighbors with hair trigger nerves and guns? How safe is anyone in a country like ours with so much brain numbing, grinding poverty? With downsizing and job insecurity and the fact that so many of us are just a few paychecks away from homelessness? Where medicine, law, and education are consumer products, available only to those who can pay? Where serial killers and rapists roam our streets and our TV screens? Where teachers need food stamps and shoe peddlers make millions? Where jeans manufacturers sell their wares with kiddie porn and pedophiles stalk our kids online? Have we become so used to this American way of life that we can’t see terrorism unless a TV anchor names it?

None of this is to diminish what happened Sept. 11, but it should be a wake-up call to look at where we are on all fronts. Finding and punishing the latest terrorists is just the first step.

Curtis Grindahl

I'm saddened and shaken by the events of Tuesday morning. It is comforting to have this bulletin board to express these feelings, confident that others visiting the site are not wrapping themselves in the flag as they demonize others without considering the roots of this tragedy.

As President Bush spoke about this "attack on innocents," the image of the naked Vietnamese girl running down the road following a napalm attack came to mind. I found myself thinking about our successful efforts to overthrow an elected government in Chile and to install a right-wing military clique that proceeded to kill its political opponents. I thought about all the right-wing regimes propped up by our government, regimes whose death squads killed innocent citizens in Nicaragua and El Salvador, both young and old, simply because they aspired to personal security and economic well-being for their families. How many children have died in Iraq because of the embargo inspired and sustained by our government? Do we ignore the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have spent decades in refugee camps in Gaza and Jordan? Of course we do, our sycophantic attachment to Israel's policies of subjugation permits our politicians to do nothing but decry justifiably frustrated, essentially impotent Palestinians as terrorists.

Sadly, we seem intent as a nation to seek villains, failing completely to acknowledge our self-righteousness, the hubris that keeps us eternally overlooking ANY interest that does not serve our economic monolith. We support attack of Colombian drug lords, refusing to acknowledge that demand for drugs in this country, which is surely the strongest indictment of the monumental despair underlying our materialistic country, is what keeps the drug trade profitable. For all our bellicose jingoism, our boast of being the greatest country on earth is empty. Renewal is called for, but it won't be the return to family values espoused by those on the right, values which are closer to those of the Taliban than to those of our founding fathers. I wish us well as we navigate these treacherous waters. And my heart goes out to all who suffer along the way, whether they live in America or elsewhere on spaceship Earth. I pray we learn humility and empathy before its too late.

John Anthony La Pietra
Marshall, Michigan

I'm relieved to see many others here taking notice in so many words that NMD/GPS/M-O-U-S-E wouldn't have done anything to prevent this violence. But then what *might* help prevent future incidents?

Well, how about arms control? Conventional weapons, and nuclear weapons; small-arms treaties; a strong arms-transfer code of conduct with everyone on board (including US!); non- and anti-proliferation work . . . and then there's the kind of control that comes from helping people control themselves, and ceasing to give them reasons (or at least plausible rationalizations) for fear or loathing of US. Start, say, with foreign policy as if people mattered (and not just US!); add fair trade that rises to the best human practices in lieu of descending to the lowest common denominator; throw in other ingredients to taste; and go from there.

When the Cold War ended, we expected a peace dividend. A lot of it may have been squandered in riotous warring, on our own and by proxy, around the world. Before we throw away the rest on an all-but- declared "Dark War", let's make a wiser investment -- in peace.

Comments planted in the past few days by various public officials that we have seen the start of a new war call to my mind the perennial wisdom of that wild sage, Bob Dylan:

The words fill my head, and they fall to the floor,
That if God's on our side, he'll stop the next war.

On the other hand, it's also true that God helps those who help themselves. Let's help ourselves -- and each other -- and our neighbors, however distant -- to a happier, healthier, peaceful planet.

Matthew White
Madison, WI

Thank you for this forum. It seems that every pundit and politician is calling for justice, when what they are really calling for is vengeance. I hear the harsh language of unilateralism and ultimatum being bandied about.

I hear talk of temporarily suspending rights, attacking without mercy, and eschewing domestic and international courts. Remember, please, that we are, above all, a nation and a people of laws. To suspend the rights of citizens, to kill indiscriminately, or to declare war on criminals is a capitulation. It is a surrender to precisely what these fanatics want: recognition. Instead, we should strive to rise above the petty desire for revenge and attempt, through diplomacy and appropriate use of military force, to bring rogue nations and state sponsors of terrorism into line and to bring terrorists and their organizers to trial. Anything else means that we have already lost.

Lucy Phillips

The full-page photograph in the newspaper today put tears in my eyes & a lump in my throat. It showed three weary firefighters that had come across a fallen American flag during their hot afternoon work in the rubble of the towers of the World Trade Center. They stopped to lift the pole and to raise the flag again. Such waves of patriotism happen when citizens are down, but never out.

I am so grateful for these message boards at commondreams.org. While everyone else seems to want to "nuke 'em 'till they glow", I feel camaraderie with like minded people who are also shocked, horrified, ashamed and saddened by man's inhumanity against man. Would I support retaliation? As the flags waved at half-mast all over the city, and the unspoken connectedness is felt between American citizens, its hard not to show a united front. But the idea of bombing innocent citizens in other countries suspected of harboring terrorists is shocking, horrific, shameful and sad. We each have to account for the desires in our hearts. May God have mercy on us all.

Scott Havis
Austin, TX

I had been searching desperately for voices of reason in the aftermath of Tuesday's events, and I found so many of them here. Thank you for an excellent site!

P.S. My small but heartfelt contribution will be mailed tomorrow.