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Can we, Bj, at least agree on the proper use of words? If we cannot there is no sane and sensible, no rational and reasonable communication; we may as well all be in a madhouse. A miracle is not "a change in perspective." A miracle is not "the ability to rise above circumstance to a higher awareness." What happened over Pennsylvania was a tremendous act of courage. Do you have the right the call anything you want a miracle? If so, the word or idea looses all meaning. But it does have a very specific meaning. Please look up miracle in any dictionary. And please let’s be honest with each other in using words.
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
USA - Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 22:06:28 (PDT)

Gene, I subscribe to the notion of miracles despite lacking a Christian or scriptural background. I'd refer you to Marrianne Williamson's book A Return to Love, wherein, she describes a miracle as a change in perspective. Not religious...not woowhooey...but choice. Or see Viktor Frankl's magnificent work, Man's Search for Meaning. Nothing has value but what we put on it. A miracle is the ability to rise above circumstance to a higher awareness. One's own awareness...not necessarily the intervention of a higher power. Personally, I rely on a higher purpose...it comforts me. Still, I believe that I co-create miracles with this power and with every other spirit who interacts in my existance. Including YOU! Possibly self-involved financial analysts stopping to help a wheelchair-bound woman down 68 flights of stairs. That's a miracle. A group of people giving their last moments of strength to ensure that an airplane didn't land in my neighborhood. If that isn't a miracle, what is?
Bj
Washington, DC USA - Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 17:59:27 (PDT)

As the world gets more interesting (guess you might say more crazy!) with each day, so our page here grows more absorbing with every post. Glad we gained an important new voice. But now that we have Kim with us, do not, Evan, let us lose you. It is hard to picture the Evan we knew on the March - so intensely down in the dirt with people and groups both large and small - now a Mount Olympus recluse. Please don’t forsake this community too. If it will help, I’ll censure TNH with you. My feelings, in fact, about his posts align right on with yours. I too cannot believe such a person was on the March. I’m sure the whole TNH thing is a big put on. But who would have the evil mind and great genius to pull this off? My guess is Sarah Seeds, and all who saw her at the Reunion will know why I say this. Only she has the imagination, the talent, the chutzpah, the... You should hear Sarah’s terrible tirades against the computer! She hates the whole idea of computers and swears she has no use for them. Ah, but I think the lady doth protest too much, and that clinches it for me. But wait! This whole TNH knavery I wouldn’t past Katea either, though she seemed strangely subdued at Reunion. Was it The Terror? I didn’t get to speak with her much at all. I did speak lots to her husband Brian, and he is pissed! He wants to kick bin Laden’s ass in a major way. And so does Don Wright. Yes Don Wright who brought us ice cream in the desert, who gave us a truck to suck out the porta potty shit, and who surprised us with so many more gifts across the country... the man who loved peace SO MUCH back then now says we should grab the wives, children, aunts, uncles, cousins - every last relative of every terrorist and kill them unmercifully. That’ll teach the terrorists and make them think twice about doing this again! Joe, the work you do in Colorado is magnificent. But do you really believe that miracle stuff or are you using a figure of speech? A miracle is “an event in the external world brought about by the immediate agency or the simple volition of God, operating without the use of means capable of being discerned by the senses, and designed to authenticate the divine commission of a religious teacher and the truth of his message (John 2:18; Matt. 12:38). It is an occurrence at once above nature and above man. It shows the intervention of a power that is not limited by the laws either of matter or of mind, a power interrupting the fixed laws which govern their movements, a supernatural power.” This, I say (Gene), sounds too much like bin Laden's madness for my taste, and I’m sure there are NATURAL reasons why our government has held off so far. Yesterday June and I attended one of the largest peace rallies in the history of San Francisco - over 10,000 strong.
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
USA - Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 17:10:40 (PDT)

For the last cupala weeks I've been hoping we'd hear from you, Evan. I almost requested it on 2 or 3 occassions. My 1st reaction to your post is to correct you about your heart, it is courageous and large. The hermit thing sounds cool, I'm sure your heart will let you know when to step back in to the mix. Our community is always enriched when you do. You even inspired Kim to speak here, wonderful! As for the tnh thing, I know as a fact you were not the only person dissuaded (sp?) from posting here. Hopefully that will work itself out so that this feels like a safe place to share thoughts, for one and all. Also, thanks Sonia, for sharing intelligence. Also, Joe rocks!
BIL COLBURN <bilcolburn@yahoo.com>
Los Angeles, YA USA - Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 15:01:02 (PDT)

Hi everyone! I've been a reader of this site on and off for years; especially on since the tragedies back east. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, intelligence, compassion and humour. It has been healing to experience the energy of this extended family/community. I have been intending to sign on, and am motivated, in this moment, to say, for the record, Evan you do have the heart!
Kim Salerno Hunter <yowbap@home.com>
Olympia, Wa USA - Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 12:49:57 (PDT)

Hi all. Evan,it's good to hear your rare, if frustrated, voice....Left to my own devices, I can't help but occasionally hear things that make me smirk, even in these times. Thought you all deserved to hear them too: On NPR, the commentator noted the ironic double meaning of the current slogan "Enduring Freedom," insofar as enduring can either mean "lasting" or it can mean "putting up with." Then I heard Bush's public presentation with the Japanese Prime Minister. Don't know if any of you were listenening but the prime minister promised to "share intelligence" with Mr. Bush. I'd have to say that would be a godsend and I'm waiting with bated breath. Let me know if you see any evidence that this has taken place. Love to you all, committed and sometimes controversial purveyors of non-violence.
Sonia Cota-Robles <sonia@u.arizona.edu>
Tucson, AZ USA - Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 12:14:22 (PDT)

The International Herald Tribune is a joint publication of the New York Times and the Washington Post. The only thing "International" about it is that it is sold to people (mostly Americans) around the world. If you read the Times and Post, there is nothing new in the Tribune. ... I've done it before, but I want to thank Joe, once again, for standing up to TNH. TNH nearly ruins this site for me. I've asked it to shut up before to no avail. Hard for me to believe that such an arrogant, vicious person was on the peace march. ... I don't usually say much personal on this site, but I will admit to being a regular "monitor" of the site, though not a frequent poster. Remarks like the ones I anticipate from TNH keep me silently reading. ... I will just say that the WTC tragedy's effect on me is to further fuel my withdrawal from most humans and communities. The more I live the hermit existence, the more I like it. ... A few of you may remember my sister. She was on the march four weeks in the midwest and her sleeping bag was stolen. Adelia was thirty blocks from the WTC and her email posts were both chilling and inspiring. She made me realize there's a great writer in her I'd never seen before. ... Julia, I wish you great success in your quest for health. The energy and optimism in your words is inspiring. ... Many thanks to those doing the work that needs to be done..I just don't have the heart, energy, time or money. Thanks again.
Evan Conroy <evanconroy@yahoo.com>
Olympia, WA USA - Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 09:28:57 (PDT)

Yesterday, here in the mountains outside of Boulder, we had our community forum. About 100 people in all came and participated including David Barsamian from Alternative Radio. The first couple hours consisted of speakers and and an audience question and answer session. Then we had a potluck with music and then several concurrent workshops including art for kids, letter writing, parenting in crisis and talking circle along with an information table. Then we had some more music. It was great and uplifting to help people come out of their isolation with the events of 9/11. It was heartening in so many ways. Our next steps will be to get our US Rep Mark Udall up here for a town meeting and also to create an inter-faith dialogue with the local religious and spiritual folks. I am also grateful that the US government has not yet launched a huge attack against anyone. I believe this is a miracle, plain and simple. Given the record of the folks in this administration and given their rhetoric, it amazes and thrills me that there has not yet been a mass slaughter in response to the horrors of 9/11. The corporate media has done everything to support a retaliatory slaughter and to keep the level of fear and anger quite high, yet there has not yet been a corresponding military action. It is simply a miracle.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 07:10:19 (PDT)

There is also a good, albeit way too late to do any good, opinion piece entitled, Let the Airlines Go Bankrupt at www.msnbc.com/news/635402.asp, or you can find it at the original source, slate.com. The author makes a good point that those who will benefit from the 5/10B bailout and loan guarantees are stockholders with risky portfolios and those who will lose are taxpayers forced to foot the bill. What I don't understand is, how can an industry that carries massive interruption of service insurance be so quickly gifted like this? Wouldn't it have made more sense to wait 3 months and see what happened before raiding the pantry?
Bj
Washington, DC USA - Saturday, September 29, 2001 at 03:25:41 (PDT)

In chatting with a friend recently about the paucity of alternatives to corporate media, I was directed to The Guardian, a British paper with a less jaundiced eye than, say, the International Herald Tribune. (which seems to be nothing but links to American magazines!) In an editorial at www.guardian.co.uk, I found this list of potential information sources: commondreams.org, laweekly.com, thenation.com, alternet.org, accuracy.org, nowarcollective.com, humanrightsnow.org,, iacentre.org. Some look great, others have potential. I offer it to my fellow news junkies looking for a more balanced voice.
Bj
Washington, DC USA - Saturday, September 29, 2001 at 02:24:53 (PDT)

James, where's the demonstration tomorrow ?
BIL COLBURN
USA - Friday, September 28, 2001 at 17:44:13 (PDT)

I'm glad you stuck, James. Don't forget the sunblock. Though that may be the least of our worries now. I had a vivid view of the stars at 5:00 this morning from Malibu and thought of you and your recent stargazing in Joshua Tree. May we all shine on...
BIL COLBURN <bilcolburn@yahoo.com>
Los Angeles, YA USA - Friday, September 28, 2001 at 17:38:45 (PDT)

These days I'm working on being humble and thankful for every moment of peaceful reflection and every mouthful of nourishing food that I receive in this luxurious life I was miraculously born into. My mother had five miscarriages in a row before me, five souls entering five fetuses only to go back to the sea of souls without ever feeling the sun on a physical face or solid earth under solid feet... but mine took, mine stuck, mine fought its way to the surface, and here I am 42 years old and still unable to figure out what to do with this precious gift that will be meaningful. Not a bad practice, I suppose, even when my world is not in crisis.
james knight <jknight@pacbell.net>
Lala, CA USA - Friday, September 28, 2001 at 12:38:31 (PDT)

The coiner of Hatriotism is a friend named Lee Stepansky who walked (and motorcycled) for a few weeks on the California Peace Walk in '88. Credit where credit's due. Tomorrow I'll be "going down to the demonstration, to get my fair share of abuse" as the Stones song goes, sharing a long-distance peace vibe with you all. Each day that passes without massive retaliation I breath a little easier. The special forces activities I find both encouraging (for their selective nature) and worrying (because we are not likely to know what toll they are taking on remote civilian populations for years). Keep the faith.
james knight <jknight@intelecom.org>
Lala, CA USA - Friday, September 28, 2001 at 12:07:14 (PDT)

Hello and good wishes, everyone. Darryl, I hope I wasn't too critical in my post concerning your Santa Monica concert. I wasn't there, and I've never known you to be a person who lectures, so I'm sure Bob Alei is right, that you did great. Lori Michael, welcome to the message board. I was on the Florida Peace walk after the GPM, as were many other GPMers, so it's good to hear from a Florida walker. Roberta, I don't know that much about HTML, but archiving the message board when Notepad says it's as big as it should be sounds like a good idea. I don't mind having two browser windows open at once. James, thank you for Hatriotism. I'm sorry it's so timely, but it really is... Thank you all, especially Roberta, for this place of sanity and welcome.
Lorien <yenooc@worldnet.att.net>
SF, CA USA - Friday, September 28, 2001 at 11:25:55 (PDT)

Last night was the first night of Yom Kippur, days of atonement, the most holy days of the Jewish year. We had a wonderful service at our house. The rabbi was not present but we said a prayer for him. The confrontation with the rabbi was creative. Several of us from the group have communicated with him and we are engaged in a dialogue with him that will hopefully reconcile our differences and make the group whole again. Listening and understanding are taking the place of ignorance and anger on all sides of our collective relationship with the rabbi. We are all apologizing to each other. I am very hopeful and grateful for the change. It gives me hope that this can happen also on a planetary level. If that comes to pass, then the horror of September 11th could act as a catalyst for creative and postive change. Blessings to all our relations. May mercy and compassion enfold us all.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Thursday, September 27, 2001 at 06:36:09 (PDT)

James, GOOD one. I'm so using that term. And BillO, you are just about my favorite hug of all time. Thank goodness y'all are here...without you, I'm afraid my confusion and disbelief about the state of our world would spin me right off the planet.
Bj
USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 17:36:13 (PDT)

New word for the dictionaries, and for Michael Kelley: Hatriotism.
james knight <jknight@intelecom.org>
Lala, CA USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 16:54:46 (PDT)

Bj -- I just read the Michael Kelly rant (www.msnbc.com/news/634264.asp) and I encourage others to read it, if only to gain insight on those who seek a path quite different from many of us. There are major flaws in the guy's arguments ... he sees everything in black and white terms, where you're either pro-war or pro-more terrorism. Methinks he writes this way to be provocative. So he provokes this response: I think he's a dangerous jerk. Bj, you're a big hug -- and so are the rest of you!
Bill O'Neill <boneill@cape.com>
Hyannis, MA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 16:44:27 (PDT)

Oh my STARS! I cannot believe what I just read on the nbcnews.com site. Under the headline "The Dark Side of Pacifism", Micheal Kelly states: Pacifism in this case is inescapably and profoundly immoral. It is on the side of the murderers, and it is on the side of letting them murder again. The "story" includes the ripe notions that pacifism is a bankrupt ideology (the new Communism?), pro-Fascist and pro-evil. To NOT cry for blood is not only unpartriotic but tantamount to reverse-terrorism. Ohmygawd. I have to go lie down.
Bj
USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 15:26:48 (PDT)

Hey Knarf, I'd ask you to buy me a glass wine and throw in a side of jeez, but I don't drink! And I'd sure like to have met all the fellas interested in sitting around the Franklin stove for a little chatteroo. Send 'em down here, now that the cold is snapping. I could use some company during the coming winter chill!
Bj
USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 15:12:20 (PDT)

Hey Bil! Yup! That was me! Glad my little quip was heard by friendly ears :) Wish I had known it was you. It was a fun night. I'm so happy for Darryl- he really has worked so hard to make his dreams come true.
Deanna <dconstab@hotmail.com>
Oakland, CA USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 12:42:00 (PDT)

I suppose that the latest Spider man film has had to be edited and so will the flight simulator video game that simulates flying into the WTC but now I hear that Mattel will need to remove directions from their toy model bomber that directs children to fly into the WTC. We have wondered where people have conceived of their ideas, could it be from toys that the media advertises and children play with? I wonder why our over budgeted FBI and CIA could never have conceived of these possibilities when many of our children are exposed to these ideas daily. Entering a toy store, a video store or watching a bit of tv is common place for the majority of our youth. I'm very confused about the current state of affairs, I swear something is smelling extremely fishy and when the truth comes out I'm sure I'll be either too old or too withered away in some prison somewhere where no one could ever find me.
Jonnie Dale Lieberman <JonnieDale@aol.com>
Ashland, OR USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 12:24:06 (PDT)

If anyone has any more info about jailed peace activists being put in "isolation" I'm dang interested to find out about this. In an early conversation about WTC 9-11 a friend and I were discussing what, if any ramifications were going to come of this towards grass roots non-violent activists, especially in regards to WTO protests etc and the "new" look at terrorism. Has anyone heard from Rebecca Kanner of late?
Jonnie Dale Lieberman <JonnieDale@aol.com>
Ashland, OR USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 12:08:37 (PDT)

Yah, shurre! Dere goes dat winey BeeChay agin, by golly! Wine, wine, wine... Wit all dat wining, you'd tink she wass one a dem French peacemarchurs! An, acourse, she drovf dat truck alla way across da country an neffer eeffen stopped in Minnesnowta ta warm her teensy weensy leetle feet an havf a leetle genteel convairsayshun aroun da ol' Franklin stovf wit me an Rudy an da boyz. Hoooowheee! Dere musta bin fifty-sevfen guyss in Minnesnowta who'da likedta bought her a cuppa coffee an a kringla! Ennywayss, it's gud ta see da groop emerchin' from da horror uff diss mess wee're all facin'. I tink we need ta jus' try ta keep in mind, don'tcha know, dat, no madder how bad da sitchuwayshun may seem right now, da fewtchur will allwayss emerch ess a synthesis uff all da current partissapants an verryus pointsa viewss. Enger, haytred, nashunalissm an desspair might disstrakt us for awhile, but inda end -- iff we are ta havf peace -- we needta wurrk towards inclewsshun an dat effenchewal but ineffitable synthesis. (8^>?
Knarf Nergmloh
Minneapolis, MN USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 11:00:06 (PDT)

Deanna, was that you that I bought "A Crooked Line" from? I'm the one who let you keep the change from my 10 and 5 dollar bills and you told me you would donate it to george w's re-selection campaign. Nice to sort of meet you. Thanks for posting that insightful and timely quote from Martin Luther King,Jr. Consider yourself hugs.
BIL COLBURN <bilcolburn@yahoo.com>
Los Angeles, YA USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 09:44:18 (PDT)

Ummm, that should have been "Consider yourselves hugged this morning"- not "consider yourselves hugs"- although if you'd like to think of yourself that way, please go right ahead. A hint for writting on a message board- never write with a fever... :(
Deanna "Cough Cough" Constable
USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 08:41:01 (PDT)

Good morning! I am so sorry that I didn't get a chance to stop at the Ventura Reunion- I literally was a few miles away but am suffering from a pretty bad cold and knew that I should continue my drive back up to the bay area. As it happened, my back right tire had a blow out on 880 so I was glad to have had that happen during daylight hours. Still, I wish that I could have put name to face of such wonderful people. Did anyone go to Darryl Purpose's amazing McCabe's concert? If so, did you see that short woman selling his CD's in the lobby? Well, that was me! I wish that I could have yelled out "All GPM people come over here!" and then I would have given you all a hug. Ah well, consider yourselves hugs this morning this way- then you can catch my cold either! "The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it... Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate.... Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace, dear friends.
Deanna "Cough Cough" Constable <dconstab@hotmail.com>
Oakland, CA USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 08:37:24 (PDT)

We had our second community meeting Sunday night and it did remind me of many GPM meetings, namely, hard. The first part of our meeting was a check-in for folks to put into words their feelings about Sep 11th and the aftermath. We had about 25 people so it took about an hour. Then we moved on to organizing for our Sep 29th event. It looks like we will have about 5 speakers each of whom will talk about 5-10 minutes and then open up to Q&A with the audience for an hour or so. We have a Pakistani woman and an Afghan woman and a scholar on feminism and a scholar on the Mid-East and an expert on air travel. Then we will have a potluck during which a local will play sufi music. After lunch we will offer several kiosks or groups for folks to visit where they can talk about their feelings, get a massage, write letter to the victims or to the government, pick up informational handouts, do art from the heart with kids or participate in a parenting during crisis group. After all that we will have some more live music. We have advertised locally and put up flyers and will call around to our local friends. We are keeping our fingers crossed that everything will work out. Several of the group participants practice sufism, which is an esoteric branch of Islam. One of them ended a recent email with a beautiful blessing that I want to share. May mercy and compassion enfold us all.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 07:50:06 (PDT)

Thanks Roberta. I hope I didn't come off as whiney. I guess, in these shifting times, I'm a little less open to change than say, 3 weeks ago. And more than anything, I'm grateful beyond measure to have this medium at all! So, many cheers to you! And I agree with the newspaper metaphor. This is my Sunday Times, my tv, my church...
Bj <innerstory.com>
Washington, DC USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 07:31:18 (PDT)

WOW! That chatroom thing is so cool! If anyone's interested, I'll check it out as many mornings as I can, around 8:30 (that's 5:30 AM West Coast Time - ouch!). Does anyone else have favorite times they want to chat?
Ben
USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 06:48:14 (PDT)

Last week, I organized the first vigil in our community to commemorate the victims of September 11th. It was named a "Vigil Against Violence," and one of the neat things is that *this* time, the folks waving all the flags weren't at the counter-demonstration, they were at ours.
Ben Atherton Zeman <benz@smoc.org>
Framingham, MA USA - Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at 06:16:40 (PDT)

Hi BJ--OK next time I'll leave a week's worth in. But see the archives on the main GPM home page for a link to the recent comments. For a variety of reasons it is hard to archive things. Our guestbook is too large for Notepad. Wordpad won't let me save it as a HTML, Frontpage wants my files as its own set of web files, etc. I'll be trying to find another solution in the coming weeks so that it doesn't take me so long to cut and paste into new files (thus I avoid doing it). (Maybe I just need to do it while Notepad agrees with the file size.) I agree that the BBS format is a pain. Besides we have our own on-line chat going if folks want to communicate in a more dynamic way--see Links. As Marek said, the Guestbook serves as our newspaper, and the chat allows us to converse real-time.
Roberta
USA - Tuesday, September 25, 2001 at 22:04:24 (PDT)

e-mailman, I'm guessing I have a pretty good idea who you are. Does 1/16 of a mile to Antelope Highway mean anything to you? If so, e-me directly.
Bj <bjkt@innerstory.com>
Washington, DC USA - Tuesday, September 25, 2001 at 18:06:48 (PDT)

Hey!! You know what? I didn't mind the loading time at all. I mean, thanks Roberta, for keeping us connected, but am I the only one who didn't mind seeing at least a week's worth of messages to respond to? And about the suggestion regarding the bbs format...please no. I dislike that interface intensely and would much rather scroll through things, being a very visual person. What I don't see doesn't exist! Hmph.
Bj
Washington, DC USA - Tuesday, September 25, 2001 at 18:01:02 (PDT)

Where have all the comments gone? Gone to the archives, every one. Look there, dear friends. It will now be easier to load the guest book. Post away!
Roberta <bertaw@bainbridge.net>
USA - Tuesday, September 25, 2001 at 15:46:22 (PDT)

much does it cost to have our military on the move, planes in the air, ships, and all, in the Middle East "readiness" pattern that keeps escalating? Anyone have a dollar figure? As people are near starvation on the ground.
Lynn Nadeau
WA USA - Tuesday, September 25, 2001 at 09:13:53 (PDT)

Hi folks. First, to Darryl, the concert in Santa Monica was fabulous. I thought your comments were very appropriate and you didn't shove them down anyone's throat. Closing with Traveller's Code in honor of the victims came from the purest source of what this whole human endeavor is about - love. If that ain't patriotic I don't know what is. I too *had* been heartened by a seemingly restrained and respectful attitude on the part of Dubya. But today I was listening to Pacifica and heard that Philip Berrigan and several other peace activists who are currently in jail were put in some sort of isolation (no, it was not solitary confinement) "for their own protection". Sounded fishy. Then it was Dubya himself responding to reports that a US spy plane has been shot down over Afghanistan and the Taliban government claimed responsibility. His comments were "we're not saying anything at this time." Hmmmmm...sound familiar? Like the gulf war? Home spun coverage? I'm having trouble fighting back my fear - not of terrorists or arabs but of all the power that is being amassed and centralized in the power of a few men. Yikes....
Bob Alei <BAleiHi@mediaone.net>
Fresno, CA USA - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 20:53:28 (PDT)

As far as I recall, I haven't ever posted before today, but every once in a great while, I lurk. I kinda dropped out of the GPM community after the Iowa reunion. Today the fire dept. was out on the street collecting for the NYC Police & Firefighter Windows & Orphans fund. Just thinking about all the individuals who have been hurt got me feeling pretty down. I'm at work, in a new job were I don't really know anybody well yet. I wanted some good company, so I thought I'd drop by and see what Peace City residents are up to. I ended up reading almost every post from January 1 to the present. Some of what I read was happy, some sad. Some disturbing, some comforting. Now that I've visited, I'm glad I came. I'm not ready to leave my anonimity just yet (but maybe later). Regards to you all. I miss you. (If you figure out who I am, please don't "out" me.) p.s. I do have a request for whomever maintains this site. Can the guestbook be re-worked so I don't have to load a 1 Meg file? Maybe it can be broken down by month, or have a more traditional bbs interface where individual messages are viewed one at a time.
Peace City e-Mailman
Confused USA - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 14:36:30 (PDT)

Hello All. I was so grateful last week that you all were here. Camille (my 14-year-old) and I were in Italy, my first time ever trip to Europe, vacationing in the country when these horrific event occured. We watched the footage on Italian TV in a tiny appliance shop in a small town while the owners tried to tell us what was happeneing despite the language barrier. And even as I was deeply saddened for the families and friends of those lost, I was simultaneously fearful for the lives of innocents that our government was likely to take in revenge. And to be so far away, from this grieving and angry country, it was such a relief to seek out this website from there and be connected instantly with this community that was thinking these thoughts with me and not heading straight for "revenge." We are home now. Tucson has gotten national coverage for making a giant human flag at the baseball stadium (which is in Sports Illustrated this week). I remember the giant human peace sign we made in Iowa. While mindless patriotism terrifies me, somehow I am not feeling as completely alienated by these American flags as I thought I would. Not that I am flying one, mind you, but I can hear Brenda singing "I am a patriot and I love my country because my county is all I know." I have been generally proud of the citizens of the United States in the face of this tragedy. It did not feel like their first cry was for revenge; it felt like it was for ....donations. They reached out from all over the country to help each other as their first instinct, as neighbors, as a really large community....not just as a country. Giving out of "patriotism" doesn't negate the genuineness of the generosity. If they are more able to give to "their own" it's because it's all they know. As marchers I think we are fortunate enough to recognize our community as beyond borders but at least for now, "patriotism" doesn't seem like a dirty word to me ....and the melody continues to run through my head .... Marek: Camille was completely convinced that she saw you giving blood on the TV coverage we received in Italy. I guess that makes you internationally famous. At least to Camille.
Sonia Cota-Robles <sonia@u.arizona.edu>
Tucson, AZ USA - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 11:38:45 (PDT)

Hey DP, too long, no chat. You must be reading my mind, though. I've had a very similar response and have not been shy (there's a shock) in expressing it. It is far from the case that I am not empathetic to the plight of Americans effected directly and indirectly by these events...in fact, I start volunteering to counsel Pentagon people next week...and I'm in it for the long haul. Treatment will be needed for years to come, not just the initial volunteerism that makes us all so proud until we tire of it and go back to our 'normal' lives. But back on the subject...I've been asking the same thing. Have we, as a nation, EVER stood for 3 minutes of silence over the pain of another country's loss? Bopol, earthquakes in Venezuela, gas attacks in the Tokyo subways? I can't recall if we have. And what about what we have perpetrated as a nation? It's an incredibly unpopular view at the moment...and perhaps we need more time to grieve before we address it, but I don't want that point to be lost. I'm glad you are putting it out there too.
Bj <bjkt@innerstory.com>
Washington, DC USA - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 11:01:33 (PDT)

Oops - Darryl said "blink", not "think". Sorry! :)
Lorien
SF, CA USA - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 10:13:46 (PDT)

Frank, thank you for that beautiful & touching photo website link! Darryl, well, first, hello! On the subject of addressing audiences: my personal opinion is that I would feel defensive if asked if I even thought, but would be glad to know statistics such as the one you presented about Panama. Perhaps you could say this horrific time personally gave you the opportunity to feel more empathetic towards people around the world. I know you already were feeling people around the worlds' pain, but a personal opinion might be easier to hear than a lecture... On the subject of earth flags: http://www.earthflag.net (the site Lynn already listed) also lists some local stores that might have the earth flag. In Tim's case, the Olympia stores listed are: Pacific Stage/Eco Logic 703 Cushing, SW Olympia, WA 98502-5112 360-786-8883 and Radiance Herbs & Message 113 East 5th Ave. Olympia, WA 98501 360-357-5250. Finally, on the subject of Dwarka Bonner: upon entering his name to the Google web search engine, I found one web page, an Ashram in Taos, New Mexico: http://www.nkbashram.org/publications/9909/update.html. I don't know if he's still there.
Lorien <yenooc@worldnet.att.net>
SF, CA USA - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 10:11:56 (PDT)

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As her contribution to the healing process, one of the other nurses I worked with this weekend brought in a beautiful book of photos she'd gathered from the following website. I thought you all might enjoy seeing them, too. Check them out!

http://spot.eroded.org/thankyou/

(8^>?

Frank <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 07:50:20 (PDT)

I've been thinking a lot about the best way to address the issues of the day at the shows i'm doing. Friday in Santa Monica i got a little political - inviting folks to remember how they felt in the wake of the recent attacks and then consider how they felt when the US invaded Panama and 5000 people died. I asked, "Did you even blink?". I hadn't planned to say those things and thought later that maybe i didn't give the audience room for their grief. As a performing songwriter I have an opportunty to affect the way people are thinking about these things and feel a responsibility to take advantage of that opportunity. I'm interested in feedback about that. Although a music audience tends to be left of center politically and socially, it's not only peaceniks that i'm singing/talking to. Darryl
Darryl Purpose <dp@darrylpurpose.com>
USA - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 00:04:25 (PDT)

Just left the Reunion a few hours ago after a closing circle and heartfelt farewells. A great reunion - different, of course, than all the previous ones. Sure the Cloud of Terror hung over us and we talked about almost nothing else. But it was not entirely somber. We still sang and laughed and walked the beach and even had a No Talent Talent show in which Sarah Seeds was a riot. We still had children with us and many dogs, still the same great potlucks. We're still Peace Marchers and we did briefly chant "We're still here!"
Gene <inLAnowatANNand DICK's>
USA - Sunday, September 23, 2001 at 17:43:44 (PDT)

Yesterday, while I was helping to coach Alexander's soccer team, Lori and Natasha went on a 4-mile peace walk along with Sawada who walked with us in 1986. They chanted the Heart Sutra the entire time and the walk ended at a rally for peace in downtown Boulder. It was very uplifting for Lori and indirectly for myself. Later we went to Irene Shonle's wedding, which was beautiful. Maybe some of you remember Irene from the GPM. She was about 18 on the walk. This evening we are having a second meeting in our community in response to September 11th. We will be planning the community forum which takes place on the 29th and also providing a space for folks to express their current feelings on the tragedies. I am heartened that our government has not yet attacked anyone. I am also heartened that peace activism seems to be breaking out all over the USA. I am also hearing more calls for restraint and wisdom. Tom Atlee is putting out some fantastic information on his email newsletter which has been daily recently. If you want his email address, please contact me. There is something very special and important about this autumnal equinox. It feels very important to express gratitude for all that we have and to try and embody hope for the future in very uncertain times. Blessings to all our relations. Blessings to our brothers and sisters at the reunion.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Sunday, September 23, 2001 at 11:20:20 (PDT)

Hi, everyone. I haven't read all the posts, so please forgive me if I'm repeating what someone else has written, but I received this petition today and I thought some might want to copy, paste, and send it. Also, I love the idea of a world flag. I had also been envisioning a flag for peace, maybe white with a blue outline of a dove and the word PEACE on it. I'm not much of a flagmaker, so if anyone wants to take this idea and run with it, be my guest, and I'll buy one! Here is the petition: Bomb them with butter, bribe them with hope. Last night on NBC it was reported that 81% of Americans want restraint. Perhaps this suggestion is what they have been waiting for! A military response, particularly an attack on Afghanistan, is exactly what the terrorists want. It will strengthen and swell their small but fanatical ranks. Instead, bomb Afghanistan with butter, with rice, bread, clothing and medicine. It will cost less than conventional arms, poses no threat of US casualties and just might get the populace thinking that maybe the Taliban don't have the answers. After three years of drought and with starvation looming, let's offer the Afghani people the vision of a new future. One that includes full stomachs. Bomb them with information. Video players and cassettes of world leaders, particularly Islamic leaders, condemning terrorism. Carpet the country with magazines and newspapers showing the horror of terrorism committed by their "guest". Blitz them with laptop computers and DVD players filled with a perspective that is denied them by their government. Saturation bombing with hope will mean that some of it gets through. Send so much that the Taliban can't collect and hide it all. The Taliban are telling their people to prepare for Jihad. Instead, let's give the Afghani people their first good meal in years. Seeing your family fully fed and the prospect of stability in terms of food and a future is a powerful deterrent to martyrdom. All we ask in return is that they, as a people, agree to enter the civilized world. That includes handing over terrorists in their midst. In responding to terrorism we need to do something different. Something unexpected .. something that addresses the root of the problem. We need to take away the well of despair, ignorance and brutality from which the Osama bin Ladens of the world water their gardens of terror. Kent Madin ************************************* Please lend your support to this petition. Copy the body of the message and all the names below into the text of a new message. Add your name to the list and forward to as many people as you know. If you are person 150 on the list, please forward the entire email to president@whitehouse.gov and then forward a new copy of the email to your friends with your name as number 1. Thanks Dear Mr. President, Dear Mr. Vice President, We the undersigned are writing to you at this moment to express our profound sadness at the events of September 11th, and to plead with you and those making the very difficult decisions which have to be made at this time for calm and a non-retaliatory stance. We have all been deeply affected by this tragedy and our hearts and sympathies go to all those who died and to the loved ones they left behind. In the wake of this event there is shock and sadness, and emotions run very high. It is human to want to respond quickly, to find those responsible and ensure that this cannot happen again anywhere. However, retaliating with more violence only breeds more violence and ensures that future generations will live in fear with mistrust and suffering. We urge you and our fellow citizens to remember that vengeance offers no relief, that retaliation can never guarantee healing and that to meet violence with violence breeds more rage and more senseless deaths. Only love leads to peace with justice. We believe it is our duty as a civilized nation to rise above the desire for retaliation and to find a way of dealing with this tragedy that is peaceful and good. We do not ask that we ignore that this happened or that those who are responsible not be held accountable. Rather we ask that we lead the world as an example of another way, a better way for all mankind. Further violence and the deaths of more innocent people will not resolve this situation or ensure the safety of future generations. This is truly an opportunity to show the world that leadership is earned, not imposed through violence and bullying tactics. Please Mr. President, give us all hope for a future where good will truly prevail over evil, and where violence has no place. Our goal should be to build bridges of love, respect and understanding among all people. This is the only way to ensure that the tragedy of September 11th and similar tragedies around the world do not happen again. > >1. Maura Duignan, San Francisco, CA 94110 >2. Sarah Ellison, San Francisco, CA 94110 >3. Katie Bonier, San Francisco, CA 94114 >4. Jane Cote, Somerville, MA 02144 >5. Cynthia Pratt, Wellesley, MA 02481 >6. Hermine Makman, Cambridge, MA 02138 >7. Dorothy Burlage, Newton, MA 02458 >8. Emmie Adams, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 >9. Joan C. Browning, Ronceverte WV 24970 >10. Jean Chalmers, Gainesville, FL 32607 >11. Joshua Dickinson III, Gainesville, FL 32608-2120 >12. Sarah Dickinson, Gainesville, Florida 32608-2120 >13. Beverly Thomas, Gainesville, Florida 32603 >14. Virginia Seacrist, Arlington, Virginia 22202 >15. John Webb, Branford, Florida, 32008 >16. Joni Ellis, Gainesville, FL 32605 >17. Will Ellis, Gainesville, FL 32605 >18. Cathy DeWitt, Gainesville, FL 32605 >19. Neill Vaughan, Bloomington, IN 47401 >20. Sarah E. Vaughan, Tallahassee, FL 32316 >21. Kathy Maxwell, Athens, GA 30606 >22. Margaret Freeman, Athens, GA 30606 23. Thomas G. Camp, Athens, GA 30606 24. Lawrence B. Camp, Morganton, NC 28655 25. Holly F. Camp, Morganton, NC 28655 26. Shannon Carswell, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 27. Barry Carswell, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 28. Eric Biggins, Granite Falls, NC 28630 29. Carolyn Deal, Marshall, NC 28753 30. Steve Andreas Boulder CO 80302 31. Connirae Andreas " 32. Mark Andreas " 33. Loren Andreas " 34. Darian Andreas " 35. Richard Shane, Boulder, CO 36. Bruce Nygren, Crestone, CO 8113137. 37. Steve Ellison, Atlanta, GA 30312 38. Lori Michael (Shulman), Atlanta, GA 30305
Lori Michael <lori.michael@onebox.com>
Atlanta, GA USA - Saturday, September 22, 2001 at 21:38:06 (PDT)

Hey Julia and Lynnm Thank you both for the directions to the various peace flags. I just ordered my flag so I'll be waving it proadly. Julia, Congrats and Hope all is well. I'll be thinking of you.
Marek <Marekp@juno.com>
Buffalo, NY USA - Saturday, September 22, 2001 at 17:28:45 (PDT)

Here's another place or two to get some nice flags: American Peace Flag International Peace Flag World Peace Flag One World Flag Earth Flag International

By the way, I came through my surgery pretty well and am home now, sore but on my way. I am already down 10 lbs. Here's the complete story if you're curious. Love to everyone.
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Saturday, September 22, 2001 at 11:51:46 (PDT)

Here in Eugene we have made paper "flags" with the earth, and "one planet, indivisible" underneath. I would send them to anyone who wants one. Let me know.
Jeanine <dsoper@clipper.net Working for peace -->
USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 21:34:58 (PDT)

I'd love to see production of flags, too, like the beautiful hand-painted one we had of the DNA double helix. I think it was Dwarka's. (Last I heard of him was many years ago, NM - anyone have more recent information?)
Lynn again
WA USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 21:30:14 (PDT)

One place earth flags are for sale is via www.earthflag.net. From $9 for 8x12 inch to $45/$57 for 2x3 ft or 3x5ft.
Lynn Nadeau
WA USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 21:27:47 (PDT)

You're right, Marc. It wasn't a nice or even fair remark. [Sorry, TNH.] Truth is I was a little choked up by your comment about being "nearly moved to tears" by parts of Bush's speech. I've shed a lot of tears myself this past week and that's not something I'm accustomed to doing. This whole thing just hurts too much. Sometimes it feels like everything I value and want is slipping away. At others, it feels like the courage and creativity, born of this disaster, could actually move us all closer to accomplishing those things. Quo Vadis, my friends?
TEACH
USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 21:08:48 (PDT)

Thanks Marc. Tim Great to see ya here and If anyone does find out where to get those flags from please let me know because I would love to habg one on my house.
Marek <Marekp@juno.co>
Buffalo, NY USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 20:57:21 (PDT)

I'm seeing lots of American flags these these days. Remember the flag with the Earth on it from the march? I would like to fly one of those. Anybody know how to get a flag like that?
tim hunter <yowbap@home.com>
olympia, WA USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 20:21:03 (PDT)

thanks for the phone number, Marek. I passed it on to Dan. And I'm sorry about your virus. Teach, you're a peculiar one: a hateful dig at TNH for being hateful . . . hm. And I'm still not convinced you aren't the same person; seems to me that you admitted as much once long ago.
marc
USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 14:16:11 (PDT)

Lynn, thanks! After readining your post, I finally called my anti-war opinion into the white house.
Jeanine
USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 11:18:01 (PDT)

Hey all, I think this e-mail is safe to send to... : ). Ben, Fridays don't work for me. Monday or tuesday would be better. But we can also have several different times to chat.
Marek <Marekp@juno.com>
Buffalo, USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 10:59:21 (PDT)

I find this CNN tidbit to be vaguely heartening: Powell battles Pentagon over terrorism strategy (CNN) The Bush administration is engaged in an internal tug-of-war ... Secretary of State Colin Powell is pushing for a limited military component ... and instead wants to place more emphasis on less traditional "tools" in the United States arsenal -financial, political, diplomatic and legal, according to several senior State Department officials familiar with the department's planning. Sec. of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, his deputy Paul Wolfowitz and others... are pushing to broaden this campaign in the short term, to target so-called state sponsors of terrorism like Iraq...
Lynn Nadeau
WAA USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 10:52:37 (PDT)

Hello All: If anyone receives an e-mail from me in the next few days, and it has an attachment, please delete it right away. My computer has been infected with a virus and I'm having trouble getting rid of it. Sorry. Marc and Carol I sent you both an e-mail but there should be no attachment, better to just delete. My home phone number which I was sending both of you is 716-894-1014. Marc, if you could let Dan know that he could call me after 11:30 PM onight East coast time that would be fine. : ) Thanks. And Ben, Yes I feel much better! I knew you would be understanding and not quick to judge.
Marek
USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 10:28:05 (PDT)

One more thing - I've written two columns about a peaceful response in the face of what happened last week. I wrote the latest this morning after watching President Bush's speech last night - yecch! I'd be happy to send them to anyone who's interested. Take care and have a good weekend - hug your loved ones.
Ben Atherton Zeman <benz@smoc.org>
Framingham, MA USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 08:10:11 (PDT)

I love the idea of a weekly chatroom - during the work day would be better for me (sheepish grin) since I only have internet access at work. How about Fridays at one, 10 AM West Coast time?
Ben Atherton Zeman <benz@smoc.org>
Framingham, MA USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 08:07:07 (PDT)

Marek, I'm so glad you've finally come out of the closet. Don't you feel better? :)
Ben Atherton Zeman <benz@smoc.org>
Framingham, MA USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 08:07:00 (PDT)

TNH, I commit to an ongoing dialogue with the Rabbi. I also commit to an ongoing dialogue with you. I would prefer that our dialogue take place via email and I would not reveal your email identity. If not then the dialogue will have to continue on the guestbook. Peace. Blessings to you, TNH.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 07:37:38 (PDT)

Hey all, Roberta suggested that we have a weekly hour or so schedulded for when people know that there are others in the chat room. Any suggestions for when this might be a good idea? We can take turns monitoring it and welcoming others. E-mail or post yopur sugrgestions here. (Roberta's suggestion wa for Sunday's at 7 PM East time. Any thoughts on this?
Marek <m.p.parker@worldnet.att.net>
USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 00:31:17 (PDT)

Hey all,For the first few days all I seemed to be hearing is how good it was that the good Old US of A was gonna kick some ass, but the last two dyays or so I've heard more restrained and thoughful statments from people around me. Are others finding the same think true or is this just a bit of wishful thinking on my part. Poor Ben, I must admit, that I've not been very honest to all of you. Like Ben, I two avoid the long posts here, but I never offered a word of support and joined in others poking jest at him. Ben I am sorry and will no longer be silent. : ) Joe, the fact that you didn't feel heroic only shows that you truly arr. I want to call you an asset, with out any toungue in check meaning. Thanks for reminding me and I'm sure many others of what we can do and say to help make a difference. P.S. Sorry gang, I hadn't realized that my copmmunity was partly responsible for the attack. Asama Bin Ladin (SP?), Fallwell and Robertson all give truly loving, spritual people a bad name.
Marek <m.p.parker@worldnet.att.net>
Buffalo, NY USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 00:24:29 (PDT)

Yeah, that's true. I don't think they're all followers of Satan over there in DC. The world is a-bubble and we're in for some big big changes. Everybody's looking for a place to stand. Gotta go to bed, now. It's getting late. See ya in the webpages!
TEACH
USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 00:06:12 (PDT)

HA! Only if TNH means 'TEACH No "Hatred!"'. What a loser! BTW... Sorry to see your brainstorm ended up on the cutting room floor. What are they calling it now? Something like: "Operation One Small Step On The Way To Everlasting Justice?"
TEACH
USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 00:02:02 (PDT)

Confession: I was moved near to tears tonight when George W. Bush talked about Islam with such reverence and respect, and at such length. Seriously, whoever wrote that speech chose some good words.
marc
USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 23:49:50 (PDT)

Hey TNH. Hey Teach. Are you the same person? Me, I'm the wordsmith who made up "Operation Infinite Justice." Aren't I clever? See, that's why they pay me the big bucks.
Marc
USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 23:47:16 (PDT)

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Hmmm ... Not to ignore these fascinating little intra-group squabbles, but this announcement appears to be of significant importance. There's a war brewing out there, folks. (Sorry for taking up so much space.)

Come to DC on September 29!!!
WAR AND RACISM ARE NOT THE ANSWER
Sat., Sep. 29, 12 noon, Lafayette Park

International A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) - a new
anti-war coalition - has secured permits for Lafayette Park, the
White House sidewalk and for a mass march to the Capitol for
Saturday, September 29. Please see the Call and signers below. Email
back to sign on and get involved!

Join a New Anti-War Coalition:
International A.N.S.W.E.R.
[Act Now to Stop War & End Racism]

Please join us in signing this call:

We join with people all over the world in condemning the horrific
killings of thousands of persons in the September 11th attacks on the
World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Our most heartfelt sympathies
and condolences are with those whose loved ones were lost or injured
on September 11, 2001. At this moment, we would all like to take time
to reflect, to grieve, to extend sympathy and condolences to all. But
we believe that we must do more. We must act now.

We are assembling International A.N.S.W.E.R. to call for worldwide
rallies against war and racism. On September 29, there will be a
national march and rally at the White House in Washington DC, as well
as marches on the West Coast of the U.S. and around the world. We
call on all people of conscience and progressive organizations to
take up this call and organize rallies around the world.

Unless we stop President Bush and NATO from carrying out a new, wider
war in the Middle East, the number of innocent victims will grow from
the thousands to the tens of thousands and possibly more. A new,
wider U.S. and NATO war in the Middle East can only lead to an
escalating cycle of violence. War is not the answer.

We must also act against racism. Arab American and Muslim people in
the United States, in Europe and elsewhere, as well as other
communities of color, are facing racist attacks and harassment in
their communities, on their jobs and at mosques. Anti-Arab and anti-
Muslim racism is a poison that should be repudiated.

The U.S. government is attempting to curb civil liberties and to
create a climate in which it is impossible for progressive people to
speak their mind. The Bush administration is attempting to take
advantage of this crisis to militarize U.S. society with a vast
expansion of police powers that is intended to severely restrict
basic democratic rights.

On September 29, tens of thousands of people had planned to
demonstrate against the Bush administration's reactionary foreign and
domestic policy and the IMF and World Bank. In light of the current
crisis, with its tragic consequences for so many thousands of people,
we have refocused the call for our demonstration to address the
immediate danger posed by increased racism and the grave threat of a
new war. We call on people to demonstrate around the world on that
day.

Now is the time for all people of conscience, all people who oppose
racism and war to come together. If you believe in civil liberties
and oppose racism and war, demonstrate on September 29 in front of
the White House and around the world. October 12-13 will be
International Days of Action Against War and Racism. We urge all
organizations internationally to join together at this critical time
and take action.

Initial Signers:
-Ramsey Clark, former U.S. Attorney General
-Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, Auxiliary Bishop, Catholic Archdiocese of
Detroit
-Al-Awda, New York and New Jersey
-Barbara Lubin, Exec. Director, Middle East Children's Alliance
-Jews Against the Occupation
-Rev. Lucius Walker, Pastors for Peace
-Nania Kaur Dhingra, Sikh Student Organization, George Washington
University
-Chuck Kaufman, National Co-Coordinator, Nicaragua Network
-Karen Talbot, International Center for Peace & Justice
-Committee for a Democratic Palestine
-Michel Chossudovsky, Professor of Economics, University of Ottawa
-Howard Zinn, Author
-Michael Parenti Ph.D., author of Against Empire
-Ben DuPuy, former Deputy Ambassador-at-Large, Haiti
-Teresa Gutierrez, Co-Director, International Action Center
-Martin Espada, Poet
-Sakhi for South Asian Women
-Women for Afghan Women
-Michele Naar-Obed, Plowshares activist, Jonah House, Baltimore
-Pam Africa, International Family & Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal
-Tom Hansen, Mexico Solidarity Network
-Michel Collon, author and journalist, Belgium
-Heidelberg Forum Against Militarism and War, Germany
-Italian Tribunal on NATO Crimes in Yugoslavia
-Maryland Green Party
-Heidi Boghosian, Executive Director, National Lawyers Guild
-Helena Papadopoulos, Center for Comparative Study of Law and
Society, Lebanon
-Elmar Schmaehling, Retired Admiral, German Navy
-Wolfgang Richter, President, European Peace Forum
-Nino Pasti Foundation, Rome, Italy
-Information-Post on Militarism, Tobias Pflueger & Claudia Haydt
(Germany)
-Ricardo Juarez, Pasamontañas
-New Communist Party of the Netherlands
-African Immigrant and Refugee Coalition of N. America
-Dominican Workers Party, NY
-Ray LaForest, Labor Organizer, 1707 AFSCME
-Kriss Worthington, Berkeley City Council
-Leonora Foerstal, Women for Mutual Security
-Asha A. Samad, Human Rights Center
-April 25 Movement of the Dominican Republic, NY
-Njeri Shakur, Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement
-Michel Shehadeh, Los Angeles 8 Case Respondent
-Muslim Student & Faculty Association
-Marco Frucht, Editor and Publisher, Activist Times
-Leslie Feinberg, Transgendered author, Co-Founder, Rainbow Flags for
Mumia
-Kadouri Al Kaysi, Committee in Support of Iraqi People, NY
-Minnie Bruce Pratt, writer and ant-racist activist
-Vieques Support Campaign
-Mitchel Cohen, Green Party USA, Brooklyn Greens
-Milos Raickovich, College of Staten Island, CUNY
-Carlos Eden, Raweshrar Project for Indigenous People--Chile
-Jamie York, Cuba Advocate Newsletter, MT
-Brian Barraza, Association of Mexican American Workers (AMAT)
-Justin Vitiello, Professor, Temple University, Philadelphia
-John Kim, Veterans for Peace, NYC Chapter
-Mahtowin Munro & Moonanum James, United American Indians of New
England
-SAFRAD Somali Association
-Arab Cause Solidarity Committee, Madrid, Spain
-Korea Truth Commission
-Congress for Korean Reunification
-Struggle Against War Coalition, Italy
-Trades Union International of Building and Wood Workers, Finland
-LEF Foundation, St. Helena, CA
-SEIU Local 1877, Bay Area, CA
-Vanguard Public Foundation, San Francisco
-Consuela Lee, musician
-Bohemian Grove Action Network, Sonoma County, CA
-Sonoma County Free Press (CA)
-Susan E. Davis, co-chair, NY Local, National Writers Union, UAW
Local 1981
-James Lafferty, National Lawyers Guild, Los Angeles
-Campaign Against Racism & War, Oberlin, Ohio
-Vietnam Veterans Against the War Anti-Imperialist
-Dr. Pol De Vos, President, Anti-Imperialist League, Belgium
-Refuse and Resist
-Klaus von Raussendorff, Anti-Imperialist Correspondence, Germany
-Dr. Bert De Belder, Coordinator, Third World Medical Aid, Belgium
-Dr. Jean Pestieau, Professor, Catholic University of Louvain,
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
-Tri-Valley Communities Against a Radioactive Environment, California
-Klaus Hartmann, President of World Union of Freethinkers, Germany
-California Prison Focus
-Sally Davis, President, AFSCME 1072
-Anuradha Mittal, Executive Director, Food First/Institute for Food
and Development Policy
-Sandra Robertson, Georgia Citizens Coalition on Hunger
-Freedom Road Socialist Organization
-Al-Awda Massachusetts (Palestinian Right to Return Coalition)
-Radio Arabiyat, Boston, Mass
-Vanessa Marques, Portuguese-American Relief for Palestine
-Rima Anabtawi, Al-Awda Coordinating Committee
-Committee to Defend Amer Jubran and Palestinian Free Speech Rights
-Steven Gillis, Executive Board, USWA Local 8751, Boston School Bus
Drivers
-Falco Accame, former president, Defense Commission, Chamber of
Deputies, Italy
-Gerry Scoppettuolo, Director of Education, So NH HIV/AIDS Task Force

International A.N.S.W.E.R.
(Act Now to Stop War & End Racism)

National Office: 39 W. 14 St. #206, NY, NY 10011
(212) 633-6646·iacenter@iacenter.org·www.iacenter.org
Washington DC Office: 1247 E St. SE, Washington, DC 20003·(202) 543-
2777

TEACH
USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 23:26:18 (PDT)

Hatred? Joe, do you plan to go through life now accusing anyone, who might challenge or question your ideas or actions, of being 'filled with hatred'? What on earth or in this guestbook can you quote that shows I have ever demonstrated 'hatred' for other human beings? "Mixed up", in the wake of these disasters, is likely to be the most widespread psychological state for quite sometime to come. Few, including me and you, are likely to escape going through periods of it. My belief is that we will be better off struggling together to keep one another on the path to truth, than dismissing one another's input without consideration. You, on the other hand, do appear to have 'taken pride' in silencing those you believe to be your opponents. Blessings to all our relations, including those who happen to see the world differently than we do.
TNH <yeahyou@judgenotlestyebejudged.org>
Bliss Falls, CO USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 22:05:45 (PDT)

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Nuclear Plants Could Be Next Targets of Terrorists by Rear Admiral (RET) Eugene Carroll

In the wake of the attacks that destroyed the World Trade Towers in New York and damaged the Pentagon, American security officials have begun to think in earnest about some of the other targets that future terrorists might attack.

Among those that come to mind are America's huge oil refineries, which could be set aflame with catastrophic economic and environmental consequences. Also in the crosshairs of terrorists saboteurs are the country's communication centers and banking systems, which are essential to domestic and international commerce. But by far, the most dangerous, vulnerable and significant targets are the 104 nuclear power plants in the United States.

While these plants are said to be secure, too much evidence suggests otherwise.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission administers a number of supervisory programs to ensure security, chief among them being an Operational Safeguards Response Evaluation inspection program.

Under the OSRE routine, a nuclear plant is warned that a simulated sabotage effort will be made against their installation by a team of would-be saboteurs in a force-on-force exercise. These teams are composed of both NRC and private contractor personnel under the direction of a David Orrik, a retired Navy SEAL.

In approximately half of recent tests, the intruders succeeded in defeating the security measures, even reaching the central control room on occasion. The NRC downplays these security failures by claiming that they always lead to positive improvements and overall security is adequate. Indeed, so sanguine are NRC officials that they are starting a pilot program to allow private reactor operators to conduct their own security evaluations. Since when have private companies voluntarily disclosed security shortcomings and made costly improvements to their security systems and personnel training?

Compare this gentlemanly security program with the fierce determination of a trained team of terrorists attacking a reactor without warning and taking it over long enough to disable the safety controls. At that point, a major Chernoble-syle disaster would be all but assured.

Now that the initial shock and sadness of Tuesday's horror have given way to anger, many members of Congress are calling for aggressive military action directed against not only the responsible terrorist organization but against the nation providing them shelter and support. Though popular here at home, such action will not provide any protection against further terrorist actions. If anything, it may well intensify the cycle of attack and reprisal.

Whatever action is finally taken, the first objective should be to protect American citizens in the United States. But terrorists are not single minded nor stupid. Seeing a major security effort in process at the airports, they will simply look elsewhere for vulnerable targets -- like the country's nuclear power plants. These need protection -- not by their owners but by government forces.

The sad truth is we cannot guard everything in America all the time against terrorist attack. The only realistic hope to reduce the danger of future attacks lies not in violent reprisals by American forces, but in positive preventive programs, taken in concert with other nations to attack the root causes of terrorism by political and economic means.

Only by alleviating abject poverty and hopelessness in the poorest nations in the world can we eliminate the spirit that breeds terrorists -- that sense that even death is preferable to life under unbearable conditions. This will not be an easy or inexpensive challenge. But it is far less costly than the perpetual cycle of attack and reprisal and with targets like nuclear reactors to aim at.

Carroll, a retired rear admiral, served as director of U. S. military operations in Europe and the Middle East.

TEACH
USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 21:18:36 (PDT)

TNH, I feel sorry for you just as I do for the Rabbi. Both of you are very mixed up. Taking pride in one's hatred for others is neither a sign of intelligence as you seem to think nor a sign of spirituality as the Rabbi seems to feel.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 20:27:30 (PDT)

Congratulations, Joe. The "teach-in" is a great idea, as these were very effective back in the 60's and 70's. It also clearly took guts to stand up to that Rabbi and his hateful opinions. Sounds like you effectively stifled him, for the moment anyway. Possibly, if we can just keep people from hearing these anti-peaceful attitudes expressed in any public forum, we can put an end to this war-frenzy. Right? Ironic though, isn't it, that it took a Buddhist ideologue to silence an outspoken Jew? Or, do you, as Gandhi did in his study of comparative theology, actually wear more than a single yarmelke? Blessings to you and all our relations, guided and misguided as they may be in their pursuit of truth.
TNH <yeahyou@holierthanjustaboutanybodyelseinmyorg.con>
Bliss Falls, CO USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 18:42:15 (PDT)

Seattle, Sept 19: A candlelight procession of what I'd estimate to be about 4000 people down Broadway in Seattle --blocks and blocks, a full traffic lane wide, solid-- moving from St Mark's church to St James gigantic Cathedral, where the overflow crowd was addressed by leaders of Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Bahai, and other faiths. VERY impressive. Hardly any news cameras in sight, though. Handsome bearded turbaned Sikh men (often Seattle taxi drivers, among other things) carrying flags, and getting hugged and blessed and hands shaken with person after person as they joined the demonstration (there's been violence against them this week). I'm glad I joined a dozen others from here for the 3 hr trip to Seattle to participate.
Lynn Nadeau
WA USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 14:59:32 (PDT)

A friend led me to a great website today. You can add a prayer for peace to thousands of others. www.ulc.org/peace
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 12:58:00 (PDT)

Thanks for your support. I felt like a plumber(and I love plumbers) cleaning out a stopped toilet. I did not feel heroic.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 08:52:54 (PDT)

As I ponder my response to this, I feel a similar sense of urgency to that which I felt in late 1985. At that time, I stumbled upon a convergence of like spirit that has since matured into us. I am open again, looking for a larger convergence, knowing that "our" being, while magnificent and my deepest blessing, is not enough. How do we hook up with a larger consciousness (soul, energy, spirit call it what you want - and Gene, you can call it a scientific committee :) ) to move that hundredth monkey. This is the question I am pondering deep inside. Do we walk again? Through the Middle East? Do we do a global "walk" via the net, sending messages of tolerance to any we can? Use the net to work globally? Or do we trust that our individual, local efforts will add up to what is needed? Thank you all for sharing your deepest sense of right action on this page. And for doing what you all are doing. I trust that our collective wisdom will surface and be felt.
Bob Alei <BAleiHi@mediaone.net>
Fresno, CA USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 20:58:55 (PDT)

We're in Paso Robles now reading this page in the town library. Incredible messages that wring our heart and move us to tears. We printed one message to read to folks later, and so Joe's heroic deed will be known at the Peace March Reunion.
Gene <ontheroad@pasorobles>
USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 20:22:50 (PDT)

Joe .... agree with the words about your deeds the other night...your my hero too! In the spirit that unites us...bless you.
Daniel Chavez
Herndon, VA USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 14:29:15 (PDT)

Wow, Joe! You, Marc and Jeanine have given me much needed heart this morning- actually you all have. I wanted to share a poem that came to me this morning. It sounds like it was written concerning the recent events but look at the author of the poem : Zero Circle:/Be helpless, dumbfounded,/Unable to say yes or no./Then a stretcher will come from grace to gather us up./We are too dull-eyed to see that beauty./If we say we can, we're lying./If we say No, we don't see it, That No will behead us/And shut tight our window onto spirit./So let us rather not be sure of anything, Beside ourselves, and only that, so/Miraculous beings come running to help./ Crazed, lying in a zero circle, mute, We shall be saying finally,/With tremendous eloquence, Lead us./When we have totally surrendered to that beauty, We shall be a mighty kindness./Author: Rumi. Peace and love to all of you amazing people.
Deanna <dconstab@hotmail.com>
Oakland, CA USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 11:44:51 (PDT)

Oh, and Lori M, welcome! We are stonger together.
J9
USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 10:49:50 (PDT)

Good morning, dear Tribe! Oh, Deanna, I am so sorry about your fear for your sister! I too am working and hoping (ETC) that there will be no need for her to go to war. A group has formed here in Eugene. There are daily peace vigils (from 5 - 6 PM at our federal building). A teach-in is being planned for early Oct. $$$ is being raised for an ad in our local newspaper, and to widely distrbute world flags. At this point, folks are gaining strength from each other. Joe, you are awesome!! How hard that must have been, and I am so glad you were able to do it. I hope I can do something similar when it is needed. Tonight is our Jobs with Justice steering committee meeting, and I'll admit to being a bit scared. You all will give me strength. love and peace
J9
USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 10:47:59 (PDT)

Well, yesterday I wrote an email to Rep. Lee telling her she was my hero. Today, Joe, its you. I also wrote her that I had been asking "where are the Gandhis? Where are the Kings?" They are all around me. They are us.
james knight <jknight@intelecom.org>
Lala, CA USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 08:35:12 (PDT)

Joe, What you did took courage. It also is an example of creating an infertile ground for the seeds of hate and terrorism to grow. If more people would stop other's hateful talk instead of politely ignoring it in a group, the power of peer pressure could be felt in a positive way. That rabbi was right--you did exclude him, at least you excluded him while he's behaving in such a hateful manner, but you said you're willing to talk with him outside the group. Bannishment used to be a potent force when the individual had only one community in which to live. These days, bannishment has few consequences, except when a person wants to be part of a particular group. I commend you for your actions.
Ejlizabeth
Dallas, USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 08:05:57 (PDT)

Bless your heart Joe. What a painful task that must have been. I have so purposely isolated myself from any chance of being confronted by such hatred spewing that it shocks me to hear that you had to endure it. Somehow, it seems less threatening when you hear such vitriol on tv or read about it in the papers, but when those close to you let loose...wow. I can't imagine it.
Bj
Washington, DC USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 07:19:15 (PDT)

On a less encouraging note, our Rosh Hashanah was marred by comments our local Rabbi made about Arabs, Muslims and Palestinians. He basically said that all Palestinians supported terror against Israel and the US and that all Muslims consider Osama bin Laden to be a hero. Further he said that the Arab world has been conducting Jihad against the US and Israel for 25 years and the horror of last week finally woke the US up to that fact. We were all in shock at what the Rabbi said and stopped him from continuing. The task fell to me to actually confront him on his hateful and racist comments. He stood by his ideas and maintained that he knew "what Arabs are really like" having lived in Israel. I told him that he had forfeited his position as the Rabbi for our little group and that he could not expect to lead services on Yom Kippur. He accused me of being an exclusionary. I admitted that I was excluding him from Yom Kippur and would try to have a further dialogue with him at a later date. Maybe I will invite him to the Sep 29 inter-faith dialogue. Blessings to all our relations especially those stewing in hatred.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 06:42:44 (PDT)

Yesterday, we had a meeting in our local Teen Center attended by 15 people. We are organizing a larger community gathering for Sep 29. That gathering will include a 2-hour seminar by University of Colorado scholars on a variety of subjects associated with last week's horror. We will then break into smaller groups for 1 hour or so. The smaller groups will center around political action, work with children, inter-faith dialogue, guerilla theater, and getting voices for peace heard in the media. Our meeting yesterday consisted of a variety of locals including a shaman, a Christian fundamentalist, Jews, Buddhists and the granddaughter of a German Nazi Storm Trooper. We are trying to bring as many disparate voices together as possible to reach consensus on how to act in ways that will promote peace and love. Three GPMers particpated. It was very encouraging. Blessings to all our relations.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 06:27:39 (PDT)

Some good news, from CNN.com. Forgive me, I'll stop hogging the page, but I just wanted to post this: GAZA CITY, Gaza (CNN) -- The Israeli Defense Ministry said Tuesday it is canceling all offensive operations against the Palestinians after Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat reaffirmed his determination to honor a cease-fire. In a statement earlier in the day, Arafat ordered his security commanders not to fire on Israeli targets even when under fire from Israeli forces -- the first time he had told his police officers not to shoot back in self-defense if attacked.
marc polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 00:35:20 (PDT)

Deanna, take heart. If your sister is on the medical team, she will not be in the line of firen in the event of a conflict. And there may not be an invasion anyway. Our international allies are advising against it. Does anybody out there know of active peacework going on now, in the Bay Area or even CA? Dave Pettee, are you still checking in? Lori, welcome to the march. Please "hang out" any time. Everybody, I received an email from Dan Cohen-Peltier, in which he wrote something that I feel should be shared on this page (and he gave me his permission to share it): "may all tears bring healing, all sobbing freedom, every act of violence a lesson, smoldering mountian of terror an incomprehensible blessing, one degree turn of heart, critical mass of something finally learned, fresh air updraft, souls unite from every side...peace."
marc polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 00:28:38 (PDT)

I am so grateful to have found this website, and to read some of the posts. I was not on the Great Peace March, but my cousin Lewis was. I did walk to Cape Canaveral on a later, smaller march to protest the testing of the Trident II nuclear submarine. For the last few years my desire for peace has had me searching for my own inner peace, as I've worked to grow and develop spiritually. But tonight I got into a lengthy debate with my dad about the options for the U.S. response to Tuesdays' tragedy. I can't get over the number of intelligent people who don't even consider nonviolent responses valid, or who don't even consider them at all. That's when it occurred to me to go online and try to find out if there was any kind of website for some of the groups I remembered -- Seeds of Peace in Vermont, and the Great Peace March. I was so glad to find you all here! I feel so much less alone with my feelings and views on this situation. I wasn't on the March, but I still want to join the Great Peace March, in the larger sense. So I hope it's cool that I come "hang" with you guys online, at least until there's another event I can come to in person. Thank you all for being here. When I think of how many people worldwide are working for peace, meditating on peace, thinking peace, I have hope even now.
Lori Michael <lori.michael@onebox.com>
Atlanta, GA USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 23:53:29 (PDT)

Dear Friends, I just found out this morning that my little sister, Heather, a beautiful strawberry-blonde, blue-eyed happy girl, who is a YOUNG 24 and in the Air Force, has VOLUNTEERED to go over to the Middle East. She has been accepted based on her medical training and is set to leave with the first group within 3 hours of being called up. To say that I am upset about her volunteering is beyond mere words. I have already lost my mother and brother far too early. Heather is much too soft hearted and gentle to last long if she were to go to war. It's a sort of suicide decision. Her job in the Middle East would probably be to decontaminate soldiers and her boss has already ordered her a state-of-the-art gas mask. How can I express my fear and terror?? I never wanted her to go into the Air Force in the first place but she wanted to get her education paid through them. I understand that she made her commitment and received benefits which she has enjoyed- but does it have to cost her life?? Her decision cannot be undone so the only thing I can do is to stop her from going in the first place. I plan to do ALL in my power- whatever that can be done to be part of the solution to peace NOW. Marc and anyone who is in the Bay Area- actually anyone- please give me ideas on what I can do- where I can go to do more than just write letters to my representatives (I’ve already done that). I can’t tell you how I am feeling- I see her death surely will come if there is even a short act of revenge. It’s only been a week! What has happened took us all by surprise last Tuesday- now I see death coming and I don’t know if I can stop it. I am crying as I write this. Thanks for being there and for reading.
Deanna <dconstab@hotmail.com>
Oakland, CA USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 13:18:08 (PDT)

Frank, I meant that the CIA put nightmares into Bin Laden, when they trained him to fight the Russians in the early '80s. Can you imagine what it might have been like to be trained by the CIA? That's what I meant. Joe, as always, thank you for your unstintingly heart-inspired thoughts and words. I would aspire to have all my own words and actions informed by that level of clarity. And BJ, thank you for sharing the brave and generous vision that came out of your grief group. I will try and aspire to that as well. It's nice to get camaraderie, nurturance, and homework all on one web page.
Marc
USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 11:13:10 (PDT)

There is an incredibly poignant and informative letter to the editor in today's New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/17/national/17WEB-LETT.html. Written by an Afgan living in London, it offers real perspective on what war with Afganistan would accomplish. I highly recommend it.
Bj
Washington, DC USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 10:59:13 (PDT)

We're off! First, to soak in a hot spring - two full days -in the hope of washing away some of this ugliness. Then to bask in the beauty of our Peace March friends. Love to all, we're out the door...
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 08:14:49 (PDT)

Feeling our feelings and talking about them with others is a crucial step in this necessary healing. Returning daily to a spiritual place of nourishment is also a crucial step in this healing process. Please reach out to others in our lives especially those in NYC and DC. Love, love, love all beings. Act. Go out on the street with a sign that says "I love you." or "I love NY" or any message of love. Blessings to all, each and every one of our relations.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA -

Thanks for your reply, Marc. I am inspired to hear that you, Carol, BJ and others are making headway towards healing these wounds. Every tragedy does provide opportunities for improvement. I just think it's important for every person to find and speak what's in his or her heart now, as healing and growth cannot take place without an honest assessment of what it is that compels the correction. Beaming good vibes to the heart of Bin Laden and his crew can't hurt, and doing so will probably help the folks who do it to reconceptualize and accept the events of this past week. I think we will need plans and strategies of a more concrete nature to end terrorism, but good vibes are a start and will serve to reinforce our belief that we are part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. I also think working with the sick and suffering tends to shape my view of such events, and I'm sure you understand that like everyone else, I'm searching for a way out of this mess for humanity. I'm not sure who it is you believe put the bad dreams into Osama Bin Laden and Crew's heads, though I expect your comment is introspective and self-critical. I have, personally, believed for the past thirty years that our primary problem, as a nation, is that we blythely take too much and give too little. Perhaps we will come to understand this now and assume a more equitable position in this world. Meantime, however, I think we will be best served to stay in touch with our honest feelings, remembering as we do that we are part of a peace-oriented movement. As none of us knows what's coming next, there's really nothing more important at this point. Experience tells me that time and additional information do heal most wounds. Peace.
Frank Holmgren <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 07:22:15 (PDT)

One thing that came out of the two grief groups I've run this week is a pretty unpopular, but unabashedly peaceful notion. What would happen if quote-good people-unquote were to reach down inside themselves and pull out the strength of conviction and personal determination the hijackers exhibited? What would it be like if we lived fully our commitments to our faith and ideology? Could we, in fact, overcome our cynicism and shift the world energy to love rather than greed, compassion rather than hate, fulfillment rather than deprivation? A converse question is, what has kept us from doing so up until now? Is complacency a disease of which we can be cured? This entire experience has inspired the ultimate opposite in me than I have seen in my kin. I haven't had a single moment of hate or revenge seeking. I have had shame that I have not lived my life as the fully loving person I like to pretend I am. I've been telling everyone that I beieve the best answer to global terroristm is for the US to become a better world citizen. I guess that begins with me. Whether living next to the Capital means I am at 'ground zero' or not, I refuse to give into the fear. I will...at least until I forget...seek to embrace everyone I can with the compassion and understanding I would hope that might foster for me. I credit my growth from and connection to all of you with helping me to find peace in these moments of uncertainty. God(dess) bless you all.
Bj
Washington, DC USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 03:13:40 (PDT)

I don't know just what nightmares fill the hearts of bin Laden and his men. But I'm pretty sure I know who put them there.
marc
USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 00:21:33 (PDT)

Alta, I remember you from both reunions. I love what you posted, and I agree with you entirely. Your logic is flawless. By the way, ask your mom about me: She and I sang Incredible String Band songs together all the way across the country in '86. Frank, as I think I've acknowledged before, I am not above feeling hatred when I've been hurt, and I have been hurt this week, and I have hated those hijackers, just hated them. But you know, I think Carol Littlebrandt is on to something. I think if we have a future, the wave of the future is going to look something like what she suggested. The way to win the war is to send loving vibes into the heart of bin Laden and convert him. What a way to wage peace, huh? Talk about "rooting out terrorism." What if it were possible? I wonder . . . I mean, it sounds like a fairy tale now but, I just think there is SO much we don't really understand, so much we don't know.
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 00:16:43 (PDT)

Well thank you Marc, I wish I had received your post. It astonishes me no end, this love and respect we steadfastly accord each other. Looks like we shared something so incredible on the GPM that for the rest of our lives – no matter how we disagree – we will remain a devoted band of sisters and brothers. I was not a red diaper baby – June was. Both her parents were members of the Communist Party. And the book we are writing is about a children’s camp, Wo-Chi-Ca, the attendees of which were all red diaper babies. I was an orthodox Jewish baby and my parents took me to Hebrew school, “yeshiva,” full-time rabbinical school for eight years. I never saw a public school but wore a “yalmukah” and had long sideburns and studied the Old Testament with its cruel and vengeful god. I rebelled against it a thirteen and have been an atheist for fifty years now. June and I maintain an egroup of about seventy-five people for the Wo-Chi-Cans, now in their Seventies. Their posts on this crisis are in marked contrast to ours on the GPM page – theirs are hawkish as hell! Our Peace Marchers, perhaps because most of us are much younger, are a joy to read in comparison. Will I see you at the Reunion?
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 15:46:16 (PDT)

Gene, the other night, I addressed you in a post, but somehow my post never got posted. Hmm. Anyway, I don't remember exactly what I wrote at the time, but I teased you a little about the fact that you're a red diaper baby and therefore must have known your entire life that the Soviet Union was a militantly atheist state. I also said that I hoped that you, unlike Iago, would speak again. Dan Chavez, I didn't know you lived and worked in D.C., but I'm thankful that you and your family are safe and sound, and your thoughtful honest posts are always refreshing to read. (And what kind of a peace community would we be anyway if we would "hate" people with different points of view?) One small thing that I did, which made feel a little better for what it's worth, was that I sent Rep. Barbara Lee a thank-you email for her vote the other night--she was the one member of Congress who did NOT vote to give Bush & Co. carte blanche support for whatever they deemed appropriate retaliatory action. Her e-address is barbara.lee@mail.house.gov
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 14:56:54 (PDT)

Gene, Isn't it amazing how a poet's name can sound so threatening these days!
Elizabeth
Dallas, USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 14:40:45 (PDT)

Me, too, James. Sad and worried. At work, this past weekend, the first thing I noticed was a colorful poster, with a picture of a Zebra, posted on the wall of our breakroom, where we receive report on the patients on our unit, just prior to our beginning the night's shift. (I work 12-hour nights on the Surgical ICU.) It was my first night back, since the hijacking/suicide attacks. I've been doing this for a little more than twenty years, now, and though I'm feeling quite depressed I knew it would be good to be back on the job, where I could focus on the immediate problems and needs of my patients and, temporarily anyway, forget about world 'outside'. Of course, nothing was the same. Patients and staff, alike, had all been watching the news and feeling the same intractable pain and weariness I have been feeling this past week. The grieving process is universal now, as we try to prepare for the future. The poster was one of those informative ones from the Minnesota Department of Health, made specifically for healthcare folks to update them on various new infections and epidemics, etc., and it had nice large print at the top that read something like: "Do you recognize the hoofbeats of these Zebras?" (The way they had it layed out kind of reminded me of Guy Colwell's artful renderings of the peace march.) I moved closer to read the small print. It went on to describe the early symptoms of anthrax, brucellosis, hemorrhagic fever, smallpox, and three or four other diseases anticipated to be the ones we will see used by bio-terrorists. Naturally, as healthcare workers, we will be the most likely to recognize those symptoms, if or when they begin to appear in our communities and/or hospitals. Over these past twenty years, I have seen the effects of diseases and physical damage that most people never even realize they don't know about. I have looked inside the human body and seen hearts pumping and lungs expanding. I have cleaned up and been exposed to and treated and fought with profoundly disgusting bacteria and purulent secretions, all the while trying simultaneously to comfort and soothe the suffering psyches and bodies of the patients I was working with. So, as you can probably guess, I'm pretty hardcore. Not much shocks or disturbs me so deeply, anymore, that I cannot carry on with normal functions like eating and sleeping. But, as Joe pointed out earlier, "Everything has changed, now." I couldn't eat my usual 3-AM lunch, that night, and I keep waking up with these dreams of burning skyscrapers collapsing on unsuspecting people, airline passengers crying and screaming, and hospitals filled beyond all capacity with sick and injured patients writhing and groaning for relief and comfort. Today, after a full three hours sleep, I woke up dreaming about the VA hospital I did about half my clinical experiences in -- back there in nursing school, five or six years before the GPM. I "saw" hallways full of wounded, maimed, dying, and dead young military women and men. My son, Eric, just got married this past June and, along with tears of happiness, I breathed a sigh of relief at the wedding, as he and his bride were beautiful, and his life looked as if it would never have to wander through some of the causitive, meaner streets of the 60's and 70's that we rarely talk about, when we're reminiscing about how great those days were for the country and the world. "Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n Roll, Baby!" Ahhh, sweet rebellion and righteousness! Those were the days! Except ... of course ... for the concommitant death and destruction and the hatred and pain. We didn't have to worry about widespread outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever, in those days. Or even very much about massive areas of the US being taken out by nuclear terrorists. Those worries came along, a little later. The genie's out of the bottle, now, though. Bin Laden has demonstrated clearly to the terrorists and lunatics of this world that all that is required to wreak widespread havoc in the lives of any nation or people, no matter how great or small, is a few poorly armed madmen willing to sacrifice their own meaningless existences to accomplish some megalomanic, self-aggrandizing end. They don't even need a strategy or plan for the future. They don't have to think and formulate and present demands for changes they believe would lead to a better world. They are Nihilist's. All they need is to spill the blood of their enemies... and their enemies children. Sadness and weariness is mostly what I expect to feel for a long time to come, assuming of course that I don't succumb to some unanticipated outbreak of brucellosis or hemorrhagic fever... or, the odd nerve gas attack... along the way. Dan, I understand that quandry you say you have always felt about nonviolence. I have felt it, myself, since the first time I learned about "revolutionary nonviolent direct action" from a wonderful group of people in Philadelphia, back in 1976. I, too, grew up in a violent neighborhood, where parents abused their kids and those kids, in turn, abused other kids. My first few years of nursing were spent at LA County General, though, so I do have a pretty good idea of just how much more intense your experience may have been. The problems of "self-defense" and "home-defense" troubled me greatly when I got involved with those nonviolent revolutionaries, back then, but I soon learned that it was not inconsistent with what they were promoting. Survival and the survival of one's family is instinctive. Most of us will never approximate Gandhi's example, and no matter how inconsistent it might sound that seems perfectly reasonable to me. I choose survival over philosophy. Those hijackers didn't. As I am certainly not "pro-suffering", I do prefer to work things out nonviolently whenever possible, but I also do choose survival and I can live with the moral and emotional fallout that may accrue from harboring that inconsistency in my character. My emotions rarely rise to the level of "hatred", but I do hate the pain and suffering this guy and his cohorts have already sown. As a nurse, a father, a son and an almost always peaceful nonviolent activist, I really despise the impact they have had on our world. I want them stopped, now. And, until someone comes up with a workable nonviolent solution, I am personally willing to accept and deal with the moral and emotional consequences of my intellectual ambiguity. I'm looking forward to the day, when only terrorists and their ignorant sycophants will know terror at the thought of what a united humanity would do, should they ever get the idea that they might get away with hurting people again. I know these feelings set me apart from many of my fellow GPMers, and I do love you all for what we have dreamed and accomplished together, but we are who we are and there's not much chance of personal change in the short run. Peace. (8^>?
Frank Holmgren <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 13:52:58 (PDT)

JOE said it ALTA MAY JEFFERS TRACY - "Now is a good time to be loving toward everyone else." Love is still the Answer to All of the Questions ... Tell your friends and try it for a few days and see what hapens ... You were a little girl in Iowa. I remember you. ... and, thanks, Joe, ... and that fits in with my notion of everybody sending massive love vibes to the heart and mind of a guy named bin Laden because he is a brother, whether or not we don't like his behavior or the appearance of things, and the least that can happen is he'll feel confused ... That's a start ... and the same for the nutzy "war dreams" of the brothers on the ABC news special ... and at the same time the zealot part of me and others who like to solve problems and go out there and choose to do something about them in a non-violent way is the lovely passion field that grows enough good collective energy to make shadows disappear and coalesce into a forever family on a GPM Board. See ya' Bye for now Alta May and Joe. Love, Carol
Carol K. Littlebrant
USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 13:24:33 (PDT)

I don’t know just where you’re coming from, James, but I hope to find out at the Reunion. I do remember many of your previous posts in which you called Clinton the worst mass murderer in the world, or something to that effect. Shall I assume you feel our country just got what is coming to us? Then again, you seem also to despise the onetime mighty opposite of the United States – the former Soviet Union. With whom do you sympathize; where DO your loyalties lie? I’ll see you at the Reunion and, by the way, I’m bringing with me Ghiyath al-Din Abul Fateh Omar Ibn Ibrahim al-Khayyam!
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 12:31:36 (PDT)

Alta May, I remember you from the reunions along with your Mom. I agree with you that our country should be careful how we respond. Now is a good time to be loving towards everyone else. Peace.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 11:46:15 (PDT)

I'm hoping that they don't bomb Iraq or anywhere else because that's where they THINK the terrorists could have come from. And there are people over in those countries that like America but if we bomb them we'll have even more people that hate us. I'm 11yrs old, and I was at the Iowa and the Colorado reunions, remember me? I'm Karen's kid.
ALTA MAY JEFFERS TRACY <ktracy@dnaco.net>
USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 11:37:02 (PDT)

Random thoughts this morning as I re-enter "the horror"...Tracy Bartlett and I hiked out deep into the desert Saturday night, moonless and star lit. The deep stillness of the desert was marred by the steady, earth shaking practice bombs at the 29 Palms military base...Its a done deal that we're going to war. Kill a thousand Bin Laden's and 2000 more will spring up. An eye for and eye and the whole world will be blind. Which "religious slaves" said that? Jesus, Gandhi. Which "Moslem maniacs" guide my life daily? Rumi, Hafiz...And when the Imperialist Soviet Union (those noble, selfless athiests) invaded Afganistan for its strategic position, they, with the U.S., created the Taliban, created Bin Laden. And the goat herder in the mountains of Afganistan wished then the same thing his sons wish now- to be left alone, to love and feed his family. But they will be the first to fall. The Gulf War was described as a "surgical strike", and this will be the same. How many children were murdered? How many will be killed now, in my name, to "protect my way of life"? I am unspeakably sad today, and thank you for being here to recieve this. I love you all.
james knight <jknight@intelecom.org>
Lala, CA USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 09:56:06 (PDT)

Hi - all familiar names (well most). Haven't been here for a while, but the devastating event of Tuesday and the aftermath of War Fever has been quite enough to commit to organizing and changing what seems to be a quick route to an Apocalypse. I've been glued to my television set, and it first reminded me of the first time the nation gathered as a family for JfK, Jackie, Caroline, John, Teddy, Bobby et al. By Friday, I realized that the mega-corporate-owned traditional networks (I don't have cable) were now doing the intense conditioning to create the fervor and support for war. Canned patriotic music was inserted wherever possible. On Sunday night on ABC, with Ted Koeppel moderating, I heard total insanity. My response to ABC's special news program follows. I rejoined Grandmothers for Peace International today, and my intention is to contact every network I am associated with to mobilize whatever it takes to change the energies, public opinion, and the course of war, described as lasting at least a decade, probably more, with body bags coming sooner, not later. I post my e-mail here. Some of you may not agree. But I've been around since the Depression, and along the way I've learned a thing or two, plus my intuitive senses are extremely well honed and fed with heavy-duty scholarly information and varied and intense life experiences of many, many kinds. I know we are in more danger now than we were in 1984-85-86 and on a few years. It is time already, unless Pakistan or the Taliban actually hands over bin Laden, which I doubt is possible or that they will, the gates of hell will open and everything everywhere is in for it. The posting: Re the ABC News Special at 10 p.m. tonight (9/16/01) with the former general with the bright, eager eyes; the former secretary of state who wanted "to cut [his] wrists" because we were sounding like impotent wimps who could do nothing NOW; the former C.I.A. director embittered by slashed budgets and a "cut-to-ribbons" agency et al. and etcetera. I have never in my life heard such far-and-away, off-the-charts insanity of this "war-time planning board." This testesterone-driven, money /military/power/ego-driven government and society of ours has just opened up the gates of hell and the beginning of the Apocalypse. And they really don't get they are unleashing a potential holocaust. I am not religious, but I take my spirituality very seriously. And that is very different. I don't think these "gentle"men have a clue about what they are going to let loose.. "Hunt them down. Smoke them out of their holes." "These people hate freedom." "We are a country of law." Hello. "This is a CRUSADE"! Guess who? ...And Scowcroft or the general on the all rightness of going after Iraq ... even though there seems be no connection with Bin Laden. "It doesn't matter." Bombs are justified anyway. Saddam Hussein is a bad guy. Hello. Oil.Oil.Oil. or Ole Ole Ole .. ... But don't use the word Crusade, George, because we need the Muslims on our side. (Scowcroft) I keep hearing that everyone supports the President on his decision that "It's WAR." There are thousands upon thousands upon thousands of us who do not. The majority of us are women, but there are considerable numbers of men also. I never see or hear the women (not the C. Rice Thatcher variety, thank you) asked how they would go about solving this terrorist problem and what they think. Rarely does anyone consult the ordinary women. Yes, we have been walloped with a great tragedy. But so was more than a decade of Vietnam and the 17,000 "collateral damage" dead of men, women, children and babies in Beirut and so many other places, even here at home. Was the WTT demolition just a little old-fashioned karma comin down? Aw(e)ful, but it would seem so. My grandsons are now 11 and 8. "Decades" of this insanity with them coming home in body bags? No way. Regular terrorism predicted: maybe a little anthrax from their side and our side (the Pentagon is growing the stuff), and let's now also distrust our neighbor next door and give a free ride for wire tapping and search and seizure. I personally will be reuniting with many from the Peace Movement/Civil Rights/Human Rights, etc., and The Great Peace March of 1986/L.A. to D.C. and the spiritual networks on the Internet encircling the globe to solicit their help. This is going to be stopped! Non-violently and lovingly ... but massively. There are other ways to solve this problem than unleashing a holocaust of global warfare. I ask you, please, to have regular programs, and certainly one now (an hour or two), with women... and maybe ordinary, unknown women who are still extra-ordinary people. We/they are never asked about war plans. We are the mothers/ grandmothers who are asked to turn over our sons with a tear and a smile, and damn it, this will not be done this way this time. Enough killing and violence. If we spent all this military-might money and energy to help all those poor mid-eastern countries and others in various ways (not hand-outs, but hand-ups), we would be a lot further along than obliterating a town such as Koble with just a turn of phrase and wink of an eye. Tony Blair stated angrily that the terrorists had no regard for human life. Well, he comes from a natiion that doesn't have a very good record as a colonial power, and the U.S.A., generous as it may be sometimes, has lost its moorings for quite some time. Regard for human life? Check out the homeless in the park and the hungry kids in the Bronx, and the ongoing, predominantly Black tragedies in our ever-more prisons. I'm venting. I can't help it. I was screaming with thick tears in my eyes, and then listened to clergy at a Buffalo rally talking about GOD IS ON OUR SIDE, and reading scriptures about love and then talking and reading about God/Him helping to destroy our enemies. Good Grief. Poor God. When will people grow up? I will be watching tomorrow at 10 p.m. and the hour Nightline. I expect to hear more insanity. I hope to be watching a Nightline and special someday on a regular basis...with the viewpoint of the other side...and with women. We do use both sides of our brains and usually have gestaltish visions and abilities to act on many tracks at once in a variety of sequential ways. Not linear ... thump, thump, 1.2.3. bang. bang. You're dead. *** I liked the parallel of the War against Drugs and the War against Terrorism. Last I knew, the U.S. is still the biggest client for illegal drugs. How much did those ads cost and how much money and military might are we dumping into Columbia? Since our success story on this is miserable, I assume that's why we don't hear much about it on the news. But ... over-all, it's the economy, stupid. And Bush the younger knows that his daddy didn't do so well after just an eight-day war and so he has commmited to focus ONLY on a war that will take a very, very long time to "win." Too cynical in the face of the WTT tragedy? I think that's a realistic assessment, which does not mean I think Mr. Bush is not moved and is not righteously angry. But there is no question that what can be exploited from this tragedy politically and economically will be part of the "war games" by him, the Veep, the Cabinet, and by most members of Congress. The U.S. government and economy is based, in large part, on the exploitation of others here at home and globally And that, I don't think, is a secret. Hence, acts of terrorism. It's that simple and that complicated. Whoever gets to read this, thank you for listening. Many of us are deeply hurting with the spectres of once and future tragedies. At the risk of raising the wrath of the mega-corporation that owns ABC, please help anyway by allowing the exploring of other remedies to terrorism than global warfare. Corporate wrath may be a moot point if there is no station and no building for the station and Times Square is out of time. Carol Littlebrant ******** Hey, Nancy ... You got married! How nice. Of course I stillyou in my mind's eye dancing in a filmy harem-type skirt from 1986 so maybe it's been almost forever already that you added a name. Just IM-ed with Marek. Saw him last when Daryl Purpose was in Buffalo on a gig in March. ... But I'd better stop here because I'll pick up on everyone. Time for that next time. I welcome your diverse thoughts, but whatever, I am already committed. (Just listening to the news the Taliban will consult the clergy now. A little time, and if the bombing which will happen in 2 l/2 days is not "necessary," I will be happy to eat crow (cardboard...I love my crows) with tabasco sauce. Best ... Carol
Carol K. Littlebrant <Miracleyes1SD@aol.com>
USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 09:46:52 (PDT)

After the trauma of last week, I feel as if I am approaching my center again, though the center now has a new occupant sharing the space. Today is the first day of Rosh Hashanah and we are having about 20 friends and neighbors over to celebrate peace and the Jewish New Year. I organized a meeting for tomorrow morning at a local community center to strategize about what we can do in our local community to promote love and peace and lessen the feelings of fear/hate and the government's push toward war. I feel as impelled to act now as I did before and during the GPM. We are now in a new time and the horror of the hijackings and subsequent bombings present huge risks and opportunities to all of us. Now is a time to act for Lori and I. As always I love and deeply appreciate all of the voices on this page. We are all coming from such deeply held beliefs and such deeply felt pain. We honor each other and those who died by our honest and respectful dialogue. I believe in personal responsibility and as such do want the criminals who are behind the bombings brought to justice. I also believe that everyone and everything is holy and sacred and as such do not want to see more wanton destruction and slaughter. I am going to try and prevent such wanton destruction and indiscriminate slaughter by peaceful means. If I cannot prevent it, then I will bear witness and protest and work for peace and reconciliation. There is no other way for me. I wish we could come to the reunion this weekend. We will be attending Irene Shonle's wedding here in the mountains. I would appreciate any suggestions for local action. Blessings to all our relations.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 07:18:50 (PDT)

the local paper here in santa fe ran a petition calling for restraint, with letters for folks to sign and send to their congresspeople. not sure if other parts of the country have started similar petitions. i'll share this one here for anyone who wants to start one in their area, or to amend it to first person, to send to your representatives " We, the undersigned, extend our deepest sympathy to the victims of last week's terrorist attacks. We call on our elected leaders to respond with the utmost wisdom - and restraint - to these acts. We must bring the guilty to justice, but we cannot kill innocent men, women, and children. To do so would betray our deepest values. Such a course of action could very easily draw us into a spiral of violence that would truly destroy our security, undercut our humanity, and damage our democracy far more than could any terrorist act. To lure us into a vengeful response may well have been a goal of the attackers. We must resist this temptation. No terrorist attack from the outside, however severe, can destroy America. Only a betrayal of our core values could do so. For this reason we must also be especially careful to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans - especially Arab-Americans, who are now vulnerable to unwarranted accusation, discrimination, or worse. We need to strengthen civil liberties, not abridge them. If we wish to be a truly great democracy, secure from fear, we must have the courage to lead the world in the paths of justice, not those of violence. " i am frustrated that all i can do is sign a pettion, or send a letter to my congressperson. doesnt feel like nearly enough. peace to everyone- and thanks for all of the new baby love that people sent my way. having this beautiful, innocent little babe in our home has certainly helped us to balance the shock and sorrow of this weeks events. nancy/kiwi
nancy mcmanus miller <nemmiller@yahoo.com>
USA - Sunday, September 16, 2001 at 17:46:55 (PDT)

Dan, I was just explaining to someone today that the GPM included many gradations of peace work Everyone was against the production, stockpiling and use of nuclear arms. But beyone that opinions and choices varied from support of a non-nuclear military to complete non violence. There was and is room for more than one point of view.
Elizabeth
Dallas, USA - Sunday, September 16, 2001 at 16:20:13 (PDT)

Gene, Thanks for coming back and speaking again. As you said, we need all voices.
Elizabeth
Dallas, USA - Sunday, September 16, 2001 at 16:12:03 (PDT)

I feel I must clarify my position, and I hope I can do so with the same honesty Daniel just demonstrated. I do not wish to impose my thinking on everyone. I know my fanatic personality and dogmatic manner turn people off. In my own way I am just as intolerant as bin Laden. But it would be unfortunate if people, because of the stridency of my tone, do not hear me. The time calls for revolutionary rhetoric. Bin Laden is attempting to impose on the whole world – through the most despicable terrorist violence - a radical extremist fundamentalist religious tyranny. It now becomes a worldwide struggle to resist such absolutism and totalitarianism, such slavery. I believe that atheism will lead the way in this struggle. But every liberal person on the planet, every skeptic, freethinker, progressive, secular humanist, every science minded person – every CHURCHGOER who still respects the right of others to think and yes even worship as they will – ALL will participate in this fight. And therefore let us gather at our Reunion next week – under the shadow of bombers and with the cries of Afghani women and children in our ears – let us be together in this terrible crisis. Please everyone – come to Ventura if it’s at all possible. I just got a call this morning from Sarah Seeds. She wants to join us in the worst way (she needs a ride: her number is 510-582-7020). Sarah has much to say about this terrible crisis, as I’m sure we all have. If only we had ten days as we did last year in Colorado! Maybe some will stay longer in Ventura. But we MUST get together.
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
USA - Sunday, September 16, 2001 at 16:00:56 (PDT)

Just wanted to let folks know I'm OK here in DC Land. I drive by the Pentagon every day on the way to work...was driving by there 30 before the plane hit it. Heard the explosion from my office. My wife works for Veteran's Med Center..so she was on emergency status for the expected many injured to flood the hospitals. Unfortunately, far too many deaths and too few injuries. It's times like these when I know I've never been fully part of this great peace march family. Always felt it during the march and feel it again. I'm not a pacifist...have been aganist nuclear weapons and seek peace, conduct myself in a peaceful way for the most part, but my life experiences in protecting my family has always involved force. Ideally the force of ideas, words and good deeds...but also physical force to protect my family. I was in too many gang fights living in Watts, our family would have to fight off gang attacks on our home by having to physically fight. Even after the peace march the gang element in my neighborhood respected my presence both because I was fair to them and treated them like individuals...but also because if one of them attacked my kids (one pulled a knife on Christina)I would "call them out - parlance of the gang -and they would spend time in jail, or punished in some other way (hopefully by their parent, although too many in my neighborhood had parents who would just as soon best the shit out of me then spend time nurturing their kids). At times I would work with neighbors to build coalitions to target the worse gang members and with the police would coordinate court sentences with them to get the gang members off the streets at key times in our neighborhood. I've learned to use force to generate some increased security. I submit that force by the U.S. will be used and I admit I will support it. I hope you will not all hate me..and I don't believe you will...but expect criticism of it. I just need to voice it, my fear, my respect for force when it seeks to pursue justice..and yes I know the contradictions. But I've known terrorists all my life..first as gang members...then as a adult with cruel initiatives like Prop. 187 to deny children health care, and Prop. 209 to kill affirmative action. And this week, with my dark skin...I've been cursed by white people thinking I'm Arab. I get stopped every single time I travel on an airplane! It's been like this since the Oklahoma bombing. My personal response...first to return to my church..I've not been going to church on sundays for several years now..(though I go to church by myself every day to light a candle for my grandmother, and now my dad). I had started going to sunday church two weeks ago...glad I did...and find it more meaningful today...And the next thing I sought to do...was find the GPM message Board. Though I do not have your natural instincts for being peaceful, I find your goals so honorable. And Yet...I feel so contradicted. Peace to you all.
Daniel Chavez
Herndon, va USA - Sunday, September 16, 2001 at 14:34:35 (PDT)

Yes, Marc. Stalin WAS an atheist, as were the 100,000 Russian troops who died fighting the Taliban and Osama bin Laden in Afganistan. There is nothing magic about being an atheist, anymore than there is anthing magic about being Muslim or any other religion in this world. None of us knows the answers to the questions these belief systems attempt to address. And, in and of themselves, they are harmless, as they provide a sense of comfort to people in the face of unanswerable questions. Atheists just avoid asking the questions and pride themselves on not being troubled by them -- as if not asking was the same as answering. Some scientific paradigm that, eh? Fanaticism is quite another thing altogether. Leftists, rightists, and centrists of all shades and sizes can be just as fanatical and just as dangerous as any religious zealot. Their motivations are always the same. Fearing their own obvious powerlessness in the face of the unanswerable questions, they seek power over everything and everyone around them in order to at least be able to provide themselves with the illusion of control and continuity in this uncontrollable and enigmatic existence we all share. Even the most evidently altruistic, peaceloving, and well-intentioned fanatic can endanger the security and happiness of everyone else, as he or she is committed to forcing others to walk the same path and think the same thoughts he or she does. World peace will come when people no longer feel the need to control and direct the thoughts and beliefs of their fellow human beings. For now, all we can generally count on hearing from religious, political, and other zealots are better and better formulated arguments as to why their particular brand of "belief" is superior to and more satisfying to partake of than any other. And, like the ultra macho Marlboro Man, another icon of unabashed zealotry, each new fanatic will be looking at you as either a particularly interesting marketing target, or the Great Satan who will not buy his or her product. Personally, I can do without cigarettes, but many people, including ones I love very much, are really hooked on the damned things. ;)
TNH <yeahyou@everybody'sgottaservesomebody.web>
Bliss Falls, CA USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 23:16:48 (PDT)

Well Marc, you got me there! I cannot respond; I'm struck dumb. Cite Stalin and all discussion ceases. We can perhaps understand Hitler or justify even bin Laden, but throw Stalin into an opponent’s face and all argument’s over. Forget everything I said. Like Iago, "from this forward time I never shall speak more."
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
Terra Linda , CA USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 22:43:05 (PDT)

I'm reading a book called "Sleeping, dreaming, and dying: An exploration of consciousness with the Dalai Lama." It's an edited transcript of 5-day ross-cultural dialogue between the Dalai Lama and five westerners: a philosphher, a psychoanalyst, a psychologist, a cultural ecologist and a neuroscientist. What I'm learning from this is how differently we approach the same subject, e.g., how "the self" has little relevance in the Tibetan Buddhist culture. They share common experiences, but the meaning of those expereiences is first filtered through the lens of the culture. I would like to see similasr dialogues take place around the world on the problem of terrorism. In our own country, I would like to see brain storming sessions that include the military, historians, philosophers, peace makers, artists, social psychologists, anthropologists, union leaders, educators, religious leaders, . . you get the idea. Then I would hope that the more dialogues would take place across cultures. If everyone would brainstorm about one thing they could do towards ending terrorism, the world would be a better place in which to live. The first thing I'm going to volunteer to accompany Muslim women to the grocery store in Dallas (isn't it a shame that this is necessary!). Thanks the invitation to the reunion in California, but I'm already scheduled to work. Have a great time. In peace and love, Elizabeth
Elizabeth <elizabirth@aya.yale.edu>
Dallas, TX USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 20:47:22 (PDT)

Hey Gene, two things: 1. Pakistan's government has already announced that it WILL cooperate with the U.S. So set your mind at ease about that at least: we are not going to have to invade Pakistan to get to Afghanistan. (I'm also praying that we don't invade Afghanistan at all.) 2. If I'm not mistaken, Stalin was an atheist.
Marc
USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 19:00:37 (PDT)

I hope you know that I love you Elizabeth, and have since first I beheld you on your birthday in Barstow. I admire no end your media work on the Peace March. And I have no words for your midwifery – did you say you helped deliver 700 babies? You are a tremendous HUMANIST, whatever motivates you. I only ask that you hear me without prejudice. I say the madman bin Laden has precipitated the gravest crisis of our lives. We all agree that he has altered all our lives, and I think it not too much to say that he has changed the planet radically and permanently. He has raised the stakes to an enormous degree – both militarily and ideologically. Frank seems to advocate military strikes and he may be right. But do you realize what it will take to overcome bin Laden? Let me quote from a letter I just received from an Afghani living in this country for thirty-five years: "Let me now speak with true fear and trembling. The only way to get Bin Laden is to go in there with ground troops. I think that when people speak of 'having the belly to do what needs to be done' many of them are thinking in terms of having the belly to kill as many as needed. They are thinking about overcoming moral qualms about killing innocent people. But it's the belly to DIE, not kill, that's actually on the table. Americans will die in a land war to get Bin Laden. And not just because some Americans would die fighting their way through Afghanistan to Bin Laden's hideout. It's much bigger than that, folks. To get any troops to Afghanistan, we'd have to go through Pakistan. Would they let us? Not likely. The conquest of Pakistan would have to be first. Will other Muslim nations just stand by? You see where I'm going. The invasion approach is a flirtation with global war between Islam and the West. And that is Bin Laden's program. That's exactly what he wants and why he did this thing. Read his speeches and statements. It's all right there. He figures if he can polarize the world into Islam and the West, he's got a billion soldiers. If the West wreaks a holocaust in Muslim lands, that's a billion people with nothing left to lose, even better from Bin Laden's point of view. He's probably wrong about winning; in the end the west would probably overcome - whatever that would mean in such a war. But the war would last for years and millions would die - not just theirs but ours. Who has the belly for that? Bin Laden yes, but anyone else?" That’s the military aspect of this crisis, Elizabeth. I address myself to the ideological. I say humanity is in a terrible fork in the road and that to survive as a species we must take the next evolutionary step - forsake the fallacy of god once and for all. I say science and secular humanism must prevail over superstition and fanaticism. In killing humans for god bin Laden is killing god for humans. God worship has now a gaping wound, a MORTAL wound. God worship is now drenched in blood; it will not, it CANNOT live through this crisis if humanity is to survive. I say god worship is slavery and I will maintain that with my dying breath. The very word "Islam" means submission to god or surrender to god’s will. You have seen that Falwell, Robertson, and the New York priest are, in this respect, one with bin Laden. The more they speak they more they discredit the idea of god. And so let the pernicious notion perish. God worship must die if humanity is to live – THAT'S what I say! This is my last message for some time as June and I leave in a few days for the Peace March Reunion. Won’t you please come, Elizabeth? Get a ride with Hank and Ria if they will be driving. Already we’ve heard from Timothy and Lenise, from Ann and Dick: they will be there. Coleen, of course. Marian and Madonna? Mordechai and Lenore? Please. We need each other so much now. Love, GENE
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
Terra Linda, CA USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 18:41:58 (PDT)

This talk of war has me so spooked. If I were a terrorist, I think I'd be hoping for the U.S. to do some heavy handed crazy thing, like invade Afghanistan, which would cost many thousands more innocent lives, and would serve to make a lot more people hate the U.S. If someone was harboring a terrorist in your town, and the military said, "Well, we can't take any chances; somebody in your town is harboring the criminal." and proceeded to carpet bomb your town . . . chances are you might conceive some hatred of your own. Yet I just read a transcript of Bush's address today, and I have some hope from these words. "Victory against terrorism will not take place in a single battle but in a series of decisive actions against terrorist organizations and those who harbor and support them. We are planning a broad and sustained campaign to secure our country and eradicate the evil of terrorism, and we are determined to see this conflict through." It seems to me that (am I being ridiculously hopeful?) this may be a roundabout way of asking the American people to have patience, and that a series of "surgical strikes" may take place over several months, as intelligence gathers more information, and the U.S. keeps applying pressure on other governments (such as Pakistan, and perhaps even Afghanistan) to assist in the investigation. But then why call up 50,000 reservists and tell them to "get ready"? I'd welcome some clearheaded prognostigation by anyone who has been paying attention to the news and may understand more than I do. I don't understand much.
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 18:14:29 (PDT)

Hi again- Just got back from watching Darryl Purpose and Daryl S (his friend and sometime violinist). They were wonderful and sang about love and peace (Traveller's Code). Thank goodness for the power and solace of music! Anyway, last night I had a wonderful "chat" with Coleen in the GPM chat room (Thank you Marek!). Before we found each other in the chat room, I answered an email that she had written me in which she shared how frustrated and lost she felt. I, too, feel scared that by calling for peace and tolerance that those I care about and respect will rise up against me and attack my beliefs- here is what I wrote to her last night and I hope it gives you comfort- it did for just to be able to recommit myself and focus on what we've been doing all along: "I think I understand what you're feeling. I remember very well when I protested and tried to talk about a non-violent resolution in the Persion Gulf War. People treated what I said as though I was un-American and well, crazy. Everything was off-center for what seemed to me to be so obvious, my feelings about peace for so many Americans didn't seem rational or even worth repsect back then. It feels like that now although it's just beginning. The only thing I can think we can do is to ban together and speak out. I'm lost and you are lost- if we call to each other and speak the truth, we will find our way. The truth never changes. We can respect someone's opinion based on their experience (they are acting from fear or pain or they've actually lost someone)- it still doesn't change the fact that we are interconnected- what hurts you- hurts me- whether we know it or are conscious of it. Does that make sense? I can only imagine how bad things will get- for all of us- those that are for war and those that want peace- in this week we have come to a place where we will all lose. Actually we already have lost- those dear people in NY, DC and PA, our feelings of security and our innocence. I will never be the same. I can't say how I've changed but I feel older. Please be gentle with yourself. Respect your feelings even when others choose to disrespect your beliefs. You know it just occurred to me- all of us who have lived our lives working for peace are just continuing our journey- we are settled into attaining and working for it. Working for peace is part of our blood- our routine perhaps. Right now there are thousands of people who are reacting to and from their pain and they want to move from those scary feelings of powerlessness to action. Revenge seems so easy, so fast, so holy, so romantic. They are emotional and loud in their new path towards war. No matter- we know more about keeping the path of peace- Coleen- walk on. Hold your head up high and walk on- soon you'll find others and you won't be lost. And neither will I." Peace to you all-
Deanna <dconstab@hotmail.com>
Oakland, CA USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 14:22:33 (PDT)

Barbara and I and everyone we know are fine. Went to a candlelight vigil last night. Thank you for thinking of us. Love and Peace, Barbara and Judy Ross
judy and barbara ross <judyross@rcn.com>
ny, ny USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 11:40:59 (PDT)

Gene, A belief in God or a universal power or source does not make one a slave, nor does it equate with agreeing with Jerry Falwell. Your statement, "Now only rationalism, scientific atheism, can save civilization," is saying, "my way is the only way." In my opinion, your way is one of the ways and your views should be included in the discussion, but how to deal with and eradicate terrorism is a discussion very much in need of many viewpoints. Terrorism is the result of people justifying their actions by believing they express the truth. Truth is different to different people. To me, being told I am a slave because I believe in a universal source is no different that being told that I'm in the clutches of Satan because I haven't accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior. Personally, I believe in the power of prayer and I believe dealing with terrorism isa place where prayer is very useful and necessary. (But, I understand that prayer isn't for everyone.) I also agree with Frank and I think it's going to take more than prayer to deal with a wealthy, charismatic, religious fanatic madman. I don't know the answer to terrorism, but I do know that many good ideas and good minds will be shut out of the discussion if only those with particular beliefs are invited to participate.
Elizabeth
Dallas, TX USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 07:11:13 (PDT)

My RANT: CNN said, yesterday, that the United Nations has evacuated all of its personnel from Afganistan and they have taken with them all important equipment and documents. All 'in-country' Afgani personnel have, evidently, been 'paid off' for the work they've done for the UN. These actions are highly unusual for the UN, as they, in times of extreme crisis, normally do evacuate their staff for safety purposes, but they rarely pay off their temporary employees, pack up, and move out completely. The world is preparing for war. As in dozens of countries all over the world today -- in Teheran, a soccer match with 60,000 spectators in the stands was paused for a deafening minute of silence to demonstrate their sympathy and support for the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. The entire world has been vulnerable to and is affected by terrorism, which only a few madmen and madwomen perpetrate against anyone they decide is an appropriate "target". Osama bin Laden is such a madman. He is not a 'spiritual leader', as has been pointed out by Muslims around the world. He uses the Koran to justify his brutality. He is not a revolutionary, a devoted peasant leader, or some brilliant social change theoretician. He is a charismatic, wealthy, power-hungry, delusional sociopath who, through the spread of hatred, has used his wealth to murder thousands of innocent people around the globe and, if he is not stopped, he will attack again and again with weapons far more destructive than the four jumbo jets he hijacked this week. The nuclear power plant you and your loved ones live next to, the trains and subways you ride on, the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the water you drink, etc., are all eligible 'targets' in his mind. He doesn't really give a damn if you or your family, your city, your state, or your nation are injured or destroyed, when he does his deadly deeds. He doesn't care if you support him, or hate him. Liberal apology and the desire to avoid directly engaging such an individual has historically proven to be extremely bad social and political policy. At this moment, the world is closer to unity of purpose, than it has ever been in the past -- precisely because of this terrible crime bin Laden has perpetrated against us (and them). The over-riding sense of fear and disgust that every reasonable person feels about wanton murder and mayhem has been focused by these actions of his. People cannot be effectively organized and unified in the 'war against drugs' because there are huge incentives to make and sell them, and far too many people have tried and like them. People cannot be effectively organized and unified around the issue of abortion because far too many refuse to give up control over their own destinies. But people can be effectively organized and unified around the issue of terrorism because no one wants it, other than a few demented or delusional individuals who see it as their only possible means of making a mark on this world. Maya Angelou summed it up tonight on a segment of Nightline, when she said that it is only natural that the world must pursue justice for the victims of these acts. Our challenge, she says, will be to maintain our perspective in this pursuit, to keep in mind that some 6,000 I-N-D-I-V-I-D-U-A-L human beings were viciously ripped from the arms of their familie's and our lives, while we come to fully realize, at the same time, the difference between 'justice' and 'revenge' in the process of righting this horrible wrong. I did not start out this year liking George Bush, or accepting his selection by the Five Supremes, but I do think that the Universe may have dealt him a role, here, that he can fulfill. In my opinion, it was Bill and Hiliary Clinton's vision of 'the global community' that began the real process of our country's outreach to the rest of the world. Bush set about destroying that connectivity. But these tragic events have now drawn Bush away from his initial isolationist decisions and behavior and may well lead him, and us all, closer to the inescapable awareness that we are all part of the same interdependent family. Make no mistake. Having been both inside the war machine and outside of it, back during the Vietnam War, I do not want to see pain and suffering of that magnitude ever again in my lifetime. But I also do not want to see madmen and madwomen gain control over the lives of every living human being through the callously effective manipulation of terror. The future is scary, but I do believe our best energies would be best spent building the bonds of friendship, understanding, and security between individuals, as Marc and Lorien have begun to do with their outreach to their Muslim and non-Muslim Arab neighbors. Attempting to defend the actions and/or delusions of madmen will only drain us and compromise our effectiveness in raising the important issues of consciousness that Maya Angelou has outlined. (That's my position -- this week, anyway -- and I'm sticking to it ... until someone manages to convince me I'm totally wrong.) (8^>?
Frank Holmgren <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 00:42:05 (PDT)

James, we would love to join you in the desert along with the coyotes and rabbits, and - with Walt Whitman - dream of lying among the animals so peaceful and self-contained. They do not bow down on their knees to a god. Instead, June and I took an hour’s walk to the market today. We both dressed like Hamlet all in black, but we have that within which passeth show - these but the trappings and the suits of woe. Look at the statements of our leaders: "Now that war has been declared on us, we will lead the world to victory, to victory," Bush declares. "We're tough and resolute; now’s an opportunity to do generations a favor by whipping terrorism," says our president. His Secretary of State wants to "go after that group, that network, and those who have harbored, supported and aided that network, to rip the network up." But at the same time Colin Powell warns us "not to think that one single counter-attack will rid the world of terrorism of the kind we saw." He acknowledges that terrorist groups are much harder to find and destroy than conventional states and their armies. "The kind of organizations that conduct these terrorist activities make for difficult targets," Powell said. "It is not as if you're going after an army in the field or you're trying to destroy cities or fixed installations. They're also a thinking enemy." So what do the "thinking enemy" think? "They view the United States," Daniel Benjamin reports, "as being ungodly, an evil presence in the universe. They believe that their violence is divinely mandated." And yet the U.S. was not the first target of this madman’s hatred – it was the Soviet Union. We cannot for a moment forget that bin Laden is an anti-Communist, one of the most vicious ever. This served the United States very well, for the rulers of our country hate Communism even more than bin Laden. The U.S. created this monster that now, in supreme irony, turns on its creator. And this is far from over. I think we’re going to see chemical, biological, and even nuclear onslaughts, for these are apocalyptic madmen who will destroy themselves and every last person on earth for their crazed fanaticism. Bin Laden is not doing this for money. Basically, Bin Laden is an insane theist – criminally insane. Only one force can vanquish his insane theism and that is militant atheism. Bin Laden hates SECULARISM; separation of church and state is detestable to him. With his god’s blessing he will kill every last "infidel" on the planet. TIME Magazine states that "it is intelligence, rather than air power or armor, that wins the war on terrorism." What kind of "intelligence" can defeat the insane theist? What does our president propose? Air power and armor on the one hand, prayer to god on the other! No. To defeat bin Laden we must once and for all GIVE UP THE FALLACY OF GOD. We must make that supreme sacrifice. ONLY SCIENTIFIC ATHEISM CAN DEFEAT BIN LADEN. Here’s what a priest said today in New York: "The human heart only finds god when it is humbled and broken." Can there be a clearer confession that RELIGION IS SLAVERY? Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson say the United States was vulnerable to the terrorist attacks because the nation has insulted God and lost divine protection. "God Almighty is lifting his protection from us," Robertson said. Falwell is blaming the federal courts and others who he said are "throwing God out of the public square." He added: "The abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked. And when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad. I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way - all of them who have tried to secularize America - I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen.’" So it seems we have bin Ladens here in our own country too! Only a mass movement for secular humanism can defeat them. Did you ever shrink at the mention of the word atheism? Forget it! Learn to LOVE the word and understand deeply the worldview it designates, for the only force that can defeat Bin Laden is atheism. Now only rationalism, scientific atheism, can save civilization.
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
Terra Linda, CA USA - Friday, September 14, 2001 at 23:23:58 (PDT)

Can somebody please explain to me the role/ or un-role of the United Nations in all this? It seems to me that this is the TIME for the UN to step forward, to show leadership. What's going on?
Karen Tracy <ktracy@dnaco.net>
OH USA - Friday, September 14, 2001 at 21:35:27 (PDT)

Please write your congresspersons. I saw a report today that said our Congressional Representatives and Senators are getting flooded with calls and letters supporting military mobilization. Once that war machine begins to roll it is so hard to call it back. I'm urging everyone to tell other people, email your friends, to write, call and email your state and federal reps. Let them know that you do NOT support a war. A war to "wipe out" terrorism is futile because terrorism is a symptom not a cause. The root causes must be addressed. Instead of military action, let our country mobilize a committed, persistent, self-disciplined, well-trained, courageous "army" of nonviolent strategists, who coordinate with others throughout the world. Love to all, Karen
Karen Jeffers Tracy <ktracy@dnaco.net>
OH USA - Friday, September 14, 2001 at 21:32:42 (PDT)

Hello all- I'm sorry for writing a lot here especially since I'm a non-marcher- I just don't have a lot of connections with like-minded peace-loving people. I am getting really, REALLY freaked out. I just received an email from management cancelling all travel due to military action- not POTENTIAL military action, mind you... What the hell happened??!! I want to wake up and not have any of this! I do not want to look into the future as in the present and see death and destruction- but this time with our collective hands bloody. I've had several come up to me in whispers at work and say "You know, I really don't want vengence. I just want an end to the violence." Why is this something that needs to be whispered??!! Why are we being bullied and swept into a war and especially being "lead" by a man who didn't even get elected?? I have a lot more to say- is anyone else feeling very, very scared right now or am I just over-reacting to the hype? Thanks for your feedback- and again- thank you for being out there.
Deanna <dconstab@hotmail.com>
Oakland, CA USA - Friday, September 14, 2001 at 14:46:14 (PDT)

Hello everyone. I love you so much. I love you, I love you; what else is there to say? Spoke to Darryl Purpose briefly this morning. He had just received an email from Judy Ross. She and her sisters are okay.
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Friday, September 14, 2001 at 14:02:00 (PDT)

I don't intend any disrepect, but I can't take the moment of silence stuff. Except for a real-life conversation or two, and my rantings here, I've been largely silent about the events of this week.

Instead, I am listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's Deja Vu. Teach Your Children, Almost Cut My Hair, Woodstock, and the other songs on this CD are what it's about to me... human interaction and interdependency.
Peace to all my extended family in this horrible time. XOXOX
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Friday, September 14, 2001 at 13:12:34 (PDT)

My dear peaceful family, I miss each and all of you. It is so comforting to come here and read your words at this time of great sorrow. A woman at work last night spoke of hateing. I like many of you just could not find that hate in my being. I went on The Great Peace March because I needed to find PEACE. I knew Peace was plausible. I knew I could have it in my life and in my world. The price I payed was VERY high. However, today I am grateful. I do have PEACE in my being, PEACE in my home. You made it possible. We now have 15 years of sister/brotherhood, experience, love and respect. What are we going to do with it? War is unthinkable. My children do not have my permission to go kill another mother children. PRAYING FOR PEACE,
Judith Brosius <HeyJudB@Yahoo.com>
Ojai , Ca USA - Friday, September 14, 2001 at 03:46:12 (PDT)

Sorry, it took me a couple of hours here to try to recreate the guestbook using files from my temp directory. Everything might not be there--esp. any posts you tried to make just recently. Also it is loading very slowly. I'll make another archive of our posts very soon to speed things up. I did not make the requested change to de-italicize everything in this recreated file, as trying to fix it is what I think caused the corruption of my original guestbook. Or it was somebody else putting in HTML code in their message. Can we NOT DO THIS!? HTML is a lot of fun, but it takes a lot of troubleshooting, and the guestbook is not the place to be experimenting with it. If you please....
Roberta
USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 22:25:21 (PDT)

Yes, I do think we need an overpowering offensive – an all-out assault with no holds barred. Not, of course, with troops and bombs, but with words and ideas. Against their “holy war” of hatred we need a mighty crusade for love, light, and truth. The enemy is ignorance and superstition. Although astrology runs a close second, the ultimate superstition is god. Did you see Deepak Chopra’s letter, “The Deeper Wound,” making the rounds of the Internet? “All this hatred,” he writes, “seems to have religion at its basis. Isn't something terribly wrong when jihads and wars develop in the name of God? Isn't God invoked with hatred in Ireland, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Israel, Palestine, and even among the intolerant sects of America?” Yes Deepak - Muslims and Jews, Muslims and Hindus, Muslims and Christians, even Catholics and Protestants are killing each other at this very moment, all murdering for god! “I am fighting,” says Osama bin Laden, “so I can die a martyr and go to heaven to meet God.” I think we have to fight even harder for rationalism, for science and for humanism. Can we give our lives in that struggle, as do the religious fanatics? I’m not much known for physical bravery but how I wish I could be a GIORDANO BRUNO who even when he was dragged to the stake by the Inquisition refused to recant. They tore out his tongue and burned him alive because he would not stop. Right there in front of the hooded bigots he asserted over and over that the infinite material universe goes on and on forever and ever with no beginning and no end; it was not “created” by a spook in the sky! Einstein said sixty years ago, with the explosion of the atomic bomb, that everything has changed but our thinking. Now, more than half a century later, our thinking has still not changed: it remains a vile and hateful SUPERSTITION. But the problem is twofold. Why is it against America that the “religious” zealots direct their hatred? (bin Laden, it says in the papers, is a “deeply religious man.”) June and I will be going to a vigil on Saturday inspired by a guy here in Fairfax, a carpenter who calls himself Peace Man. He (Stephen McGuire) blames “global corporate tyranny and multinational corporations using our government as a tool to create dividends for their stockholders at any cost.” Once again Roberta, we get back to Marx. He put his finger on both problems: the inverse relationship of rich and poor, and religious delusions that keep the few rich and the many poor. And back to anti-Communism. Thanks Dominique, for pointing out that bin Laden is a creature of the USA: the CIA armed and trained him to kill Communists in Afghanistan. (See Michael Moore’s letter, also making the Internet rounds now, for more on this.) No. Nora, I am not damning “organized religion.” The churches in New York and D.C. are doing magnificent work now in this unspeakable crisis. And who can forget what the church people did for us on the GPM? But religious fundamentalism, fanaticism has to go; it’s a war of “good against evil.” It is either rationalism, humanism, science, compassion art, love, and life, or superstition, fanaticism, barbarism, hatred, and death...
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
Terra Linda, CA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 19:18:01 (PDT)

Today was World Day of Prayer. Divinely coincidental, if there is such a thing. I ran a drop-in/grief group all day at the church where I do my clinical hours. It was a wonderful experience...sad, but deeply moved by spirit. One person who came worked in the WTC. Her train was 10 minutes late...and she is alive. Hard to know what to say to her. I've prepared a piece on coping with stress in difficult times and helping kids through trauma for all the church orders of service my agency reaches. If you'd like a copy, email me. It is a simple list of things we already know but tend to forget in times of trouble. The mood around town, here in DC, is getting quieter and quieter, except for the raised fists. The real impact is just now setting in. I love you all, and feel like hugging everyone I ever met. Consider yourself embraced.
Bj <bjkt@innerstory.com>
USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 17:44:35 (PDT)

Hello there- I have been trying and for the most part succeeding in trying to not let fear change my attitude or way of meeting and dealing with the world with love and compassion. Working as I do in finance (mutual funds), it's been a weird perspective that I've had in the last three days. I have never really had to think in terms of "business" or "economics"- both terms are not usually in my frame of reference especially in times of human tragedy. Now, I truly have had to worry and work towards doing all that I can to make the current crisis not far worse by making the funds I work on more flexible so none of the shareholders get financially destroyed from knee-jerk reactions from other investors. Very strange for me to think in terms of money and yet, I think of my parents and my grandmother and know that they could be effected if the stock markets dumps itself even further (human faces on finance what a concept Deanna!). The ripples from this tragedy are more far reaching than I can grasp right now. We are all so interconnected! To read today's polls that says 86% of Americans support military action against the perpetrators- don't those "86%" realize that "they" are really "we" and "us"??? I hope this didn't sound too preachy- it's been a long, long day and it's not even 5pm.:(
Deanna <dconstab@hotmail.com>
Oakland, CA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 17:02:48 (PDT)

I finally figured out the root of what's making me so uneasy about the barely-contained violent urges most Americans seem to have these days. It goes counter to some of the most basic things we were taught as children, "just because others hit you doesn't mean you should hit them". I spend so much time with my 20 month old teaching her not to bite and hit, and I don't think it would be very effective to show her how much it hurts by biting or hitting her. Most people would think I was a terrible parent if I did those things to Joanne.

Yet so many people are calling for us to strike right back at whoever it was that organized the hijacking of the planes. I heard a woman say, "We need to show them exactly how much it hurts!" but is that what she teaches her little boy? I doubt it.

As they say at Joanne's daycare, "I can't understand you unless you use your words". Did we never learn this lesson, or have we just forgotten?
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 16:37:50 (PDT)

Another link, for anyone interested, concerning "The United Nations and the Taliban: An Unholy Alliance in the Name of Drug Control." This article was written in '98. Again, note that Julia's info seems pretty accurate--the US is implicated, but not specifically indicted here: http://www.lindesmith.org/library/taliban.html
Marc (last time)
USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 16:20:33 (PDT)

So, just to recap: Yes, the US did provide $43 million to Afghanistan this year. BUT, it was apparently earmarked for humanitarian relief, not a "reward" for banning opium.
Marc (again)
USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 16:17:00 (PDT)

OUCH! Sorry for my last confusing post, everyone. Here's how it should have read: Thank you, Julia. Looks like I might have screwed up. I based my post on a couple of sources, mainly Robert Scheer writing for the L.A. Times in May. However, Australian Age newspaper reported it like this: "Last week, US Secretary of State Colin Powell announced a $43million grant for drought relief in Afghanistan. His statement mentioned "those farmers who have felt the ban on poppy cultivation, a decision by the Taliban that we welcome". But most of that money is likely to be directed to emergency food and shelter. Torn by war hunger, Afghanistan is a bottomless well of need, and poppy farmers will become poppy refugees unless they find something else to plant that will feed their families." . . . So that's not exactly a reward for fighting the war on drugs. It's all in the interpretation. I was willing to go with Scheer's but it just goes to show, everyone needs to check their sources before they spread information. So . . . apologies, everyone, and thank you again, Julia.
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 16:14:21 (PDT)

Thank you, Julia. Looks like I might have screwed up. I based my post on a couple of sources, mainly Robert Scheer writing for the L.A. Times in May. However, Australian Age newspaper reported it like this: "Last week, US Secretary of State Colin Powell announced a $43million grant for drought relief in Afghanistan. His statement mentioned "those farmers who have felt the ban on poppy cultivation, a decision by the Taliban that we welcome". So that's not exactly a reward for fighting the war on drugs. It's all in the interpretation. I was willing to go with Scheer's but it just goes to show, everyone needs to check their sources before they spread information. So . . . apologies, everyone, and thank you again, Julia. But most of that money is likely to be directed to emergency food and shelter. Torn by war hunger, Afghanistan is a bottomless well of need, and poppy farmers will become poppy refugees unless they find something else to plant that will feed their families
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 16:12:03 (PDT)

Oh my, I seem to have accidentally made the entirety of the guestbook italic! :-) Roberta, can you please fix this with the magic of a "" code just before the dashed line in my last post? Thanks! Life's problems should always be so little, and so repairable.
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 16:01:43 (PDT)

Marc, Do you have a citation for the US providing money to the Taliban? We have been discussing this at length on a list I'm on... these are the facts as I understand them: THE UNITED NATIONS, NOT the UNITED STATES, voted to give the Taliban $11m in food and $ 28m in medical supplies. The charter basically was a trade-off because many Afghanistanian farmers made their livings selling poppy seeds for opium. The Taliban is strictly against this. The aid was ONLY meant to be humanitarian, and the UNITED STATED voted AGAINST it altogether. 14 European countries, including Holland and France (go figure) pledged $200m in aid to the Taliban, but they've gotten nothing so far. And, Bin Laden doesn't need it anyway--sources say he is worth well over $300m by himself. (Not to mention there are many other figures within the Taliban worth multi-millions of dollars by themselves).
=======================
I would really like to see a clarification and/or citation so that I can refute this information if it is not correct. If it is correct, then it seems that for once, the US has NOT been directly funding the people who cause us these monstrous problems. Thanks
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 15:59:29 (PDT)
Fear does underly much anger and needs to be addressed. Yet many people who are angry get angrier when their fear is pointed out to them. Anger becomes a way to deny fear or to obtain control over helplessness. Perhaps addressing the concept of safety can be an effective way to approach both fear and anger. Still, we have a need for input on local activities that we can organize to promote peace and safety and would appreciate any ideas.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 15:29:45 (PDT)
Marc and Lorien have already begun to address the real problem we face. Outrage is a natural response to the pain and injustice inflicted upon us without warning. Unbridled rage and the lust for vengeance, however, is driven by FEAR. Fear for the safety and security of all we love; fear of further pain and suffering that might be inflicted upon us; fear of unanticipated outcomes to whatever response we might make to these violent assaults; fear of what might happen if we do not respond with sufficient force to discourage any other future would-be attackers. As long as the international dialogue and our attempted peace-building interventions cling to the idea that the driving force behind our actions is ANGER alone, we will be a juggernaut of destructive violence, completely out of control. To move the world in the direction of peace, we must find ways to address and decrease everyone's FEAR.
TNH <yeahyou@whatdrivesthewarmachine.com>
Bliss Falls, CO USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 15:19:30 (PDT)
Thank you Marc for that clarification. As one of the primary supporters of the Talaban and therefore of Bin Laden, and since W has been saying that we are at war not only with the terrorist but with those who have supported them... I finally understand who it is we are at war with. We have met the enemy...
James Knight <jknight@intelecom.org>
Lala, CA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 15:14:13 (PDT)
Last night my Men's Group met. We have been together meeting for over 6 years every Wednesday night for 2 hours. The guys in my group are wonderful and heartful and politically progressive. Last night was for me one of the most intense meetings ever. We spoke about the tragedies in NYC and DC and PA. I was holding out for a peaceful US response that does not involve further slaughter. Some of the other guys were talking about the need to destroy enemies of the USA and comparing it to WWII and the fight against Hitler. Some of them were talking about their rage and desire for bloody vengeance. I kept talking about Ghandhi and MLK and the possibility for a non-violent response that does not express and create more hatred. Over the course of two hours several guys opened up to the possibility that the US could respond non-violently. One or two guys seemed unwilling to consider a non-violent response. I was pleased that several guys came to a more peaceful and loving place. I was shocked that initially they were so willing to go along with the common response of an eye for an eye. I am afraid that the US will slaughter many thousands in response to the tragedy and sad that a seeming majority of Americans would support such a slaughter. Lori and I are talking with other local people to strategize on ways to promote peace at this time when so many Americans are thirsting for vengeance. Does anyone have any ideas for local peace activism that can be used right now in our current situation? I believe that our personal resources can be of immense value in the US during this dark time. Blessings to all our relations.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 14:38:08 (PDT)
The United States government gave 43 million dollars to the Taliban government of Afghanistan last May, as a reward for the Talibans announcing that the act of growing opium was against the will of God. So--never mind the systematic brutalization of women, never mind the fact that Afghanistan has been the home base of Bin Laden and other terrorists, never mind that brutal police beatings for even the most minor infractions are par for the course there--they had declared themselves an ally in the DRUG WAR. Thus the United States became the primary international sponsor of the Taliban government. This occurred just a few months ago; this is not old history. And this little factoid, along with the name "Dick Cheney", has been curiously absent from any mention in the network news, as far as I know. (It's just one of those things that could be worth reflecting on before we begin bombing.)
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 14:14:23 (PDT)
A correction of my earlier post: The relative strangers at my corner store were not my first thought after my mother-in-law. They were my first thought after my mother-in-law AND after all of my family and friends in Washington and New York and who might have been on airplanes at that time AND after all of the people I didn't know who were killed and wounded in these horrific acts AND after all of the families and friends of those people.
Lorien <yenooc@worldnet.att.net>
SF, CA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 11:46:50 (PDT)
Mr.Baumgarten, have you sent your letter to our government and/or our media? To your local newspaper? It looks like we have a brief moment in history now where such eloquent statements could be influential in how our large populace allows itself as a whole to be swayed and represented. We will go to war against something soon, no doubt, but now is the time for those articulate voices of this family to step off this web site and into the mainstream information highway. Thanks for the inspiration, GPMers, let's spread it, through telephone lines or on telephone poles.
BIL COLBURN <bilcolburn@yahoo.com>
Los Angeles, YA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 11:37:12 (PDT)
i love and miss you all-whatever happens,please know that.yes,folks are freakin out here,too.and praying...even so, many of us are not totally surprised-how long could the evil regime continue,unchallenged(violently)and unscathed?we need another march..,
kathy poobah <krpoobah2>
coral bay,st. john, vi USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 11:31:47 (PDT)
I'm going to take this list of Tom's and print it up and post it around town. He suggests questions such as these for discussion in groups everywhere. **What could lead someone to do something like this? What might we do differently so that fewer people hate Americans? What response would move us to a world in which this kind of thing wouldn't occur? How well do revenge and punishment serve us? How can the media be most helpful in these times? What constitutes real safety and security? What is the worst response we could have in this crisis? How do we deal with personal and communal suffering? What ways of dealing with our emotions serve us or make things worse?What can we learn from this? What are the most important lessons? What is the place of anger in this situation? What are you feeling in your body right now? What could have prevented this?...what else?...what else?...What consequences would result from each of those actions? What good could come of all this? What are you most scared of right now?What is most important to you right now? What would be the advantages or disadvantages of waiting until all the evidence was in before deciding who did it and how to respond? How should we relate to people who applaud this act -- what difference would it make? How does our society deal with trauma? What would help our society deal better with trauma? What do we need our leaders to do? To what extent are they doing that? How can we effectively communicate with our leaders What would we be feeling if it were proven that this was done by a white US citizen? What would we be feeling if this were done to another country by an allyof ours? Has anything like that ever happened? What would have to change for there to be no terrorism? To what extent are we responding in automatic ways or in conscious,creative ways? How do we feel about that? What outcomes of this could make you feel it has been worth it? To what extent do you trust what the government and/or media has been saying about this? Who do you know that was directly effected by this? What is your relationship to those people? How has their story affected you? * What is the relationship between business as usual and crises like this? If you were the ruler of the world, how would you handle this problem? What does this mean for our everyday lives? What can one person do about this? What can people do together? What changes in the system would help us? How should we talk with children about this? What responses to this have you heard that upset you or inspired you?--Where do you think those perspectives come from? What does all this mean about our future? What does this mean about who we are as human beings? What other questions need to be asked? What would have to happen for people's responses to these questions to make a real difference in the world?
Lynn Nadeau
USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 10:41:53 (PDT)
I was in an Indian Restaurant yesterday and on my way out I noticed two buff 20 something guys looking in the windows, taking note of the images of camels and the men in turbans. As I walked out the door they leaned in and screamed "fuck you". Then they walked next door to the Lebanese restaurant and did the same thing. Inconceivable stupidity. They were laughing, not even angry, just taking advantage of the safety of the moment, knowing they could get away with it. I think if they had been white I would have confronted them. But because they were black I got stuck, figuring that I didn't have the right to judge yesterday's scapegoats for exploiting today's. Anyway, these are sad sad days. I still find myself weeping during the day over what I've seen. And I'm worried about what is yet to come. Tonight I'm going to Joshua Tree to be with the sane ones, the coyotes and jack rabbits. Tracy Bartlett went into the Joshua Tree Tuesday night to experience the night desert sky for the first and possibly (hopefully?) last time without the sight and sound of jets. I love you all.
James Knight <jameskni@pacbell.net>
Lala, CA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 10:18:45 (PDT)
On Tuesday, after making sure my husband's mother (who lives in Manhattan) was okay, my first thought was to go to the corner store that morning. I hadn't been planning to go, but I sometimes do on my way to work, and I'm pretty sure the proprietors are Middle Eastern. So I went in to buy some juice, just to connect on a human level. Last night I went to buy coffee from the Palestinian proprietors of the local coffee store, and had a really good talk with the owner. They happen to be Christian Palestinians (which in and of itself is a concept I think too many Americans can't even conceive of), but even if they were Muslim they would be some of the many rational human beings that would not condone such horrific acts. I think it's nice in a time like this to just check in on a human level with the people around me who might be feeling a little nervous because they live in such a knee-jerk, bigoted country.
Lorien <yenooc@worldnet.att.net>
SF, CA USA - Thursday, September 13, 2001 at 10:17:22 (PDT)
Yes. Beautiful letter, David.
Roberta
USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 22:11:10 (PDT)
David, Great letter! Sounds perect the way it is!
Marek <m.p.parker@worldnet.att.net>
USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 22:05:06 (PDT)
TO OUR GOVERNMENT LEADERS: I urgently ask you to please consider the following. What our humanity most needs is a sane response to this catastrophe. There is great potential for further immense suffering and violence in this situation. If we embark on a course of revenge through war, it could cost our country countless more lives and perhaps total human destruction. Please don't send our sons, brothers, fathers and husbands to lose their lives. Nonviolence requires something far more difficult than merely turning the other cheek; it requires empathizing with the fears and feelings that provide that impetus for people to attack us. Being aware of these feelings we have no desire to attack back because we can see the human ignorance leading others to attack us; instead, our goal becomes to provide the education for our attackers which will enable them to transcend their violence and engage in cooperative relationships with us where possible. Sure it is high-minded and unrealistic, but when did being realistic ever accomplish truly great human feats? Please pray for clarity, sanity and for your compassion for all of humanity to guide you towards the highest resolution. The enemy here is not just another nation or a group of fanatics. The enemy is ignorance and fear and hatred. The enemy is the desire for war and territory; for vengeance. Contemplate that perhaps these attacks show us America has gone too far in support of its own agenda and self-interest and that America has forgotten we're part of a global community and can no longer act out of arrogance with impunity. I urge you not to seek revenge through war as a long-term solution. Please find those individuals responsible and bring them to justice while simultaneously showing the world that America can lead the way in exemplifying compassionate, sane, yet just action. Our hearts are all broken with grief at the suffering this catastrophe has caused. Please lead our nation in a movement towards long-lasting, mutually agreed global peace and acceptance of all nations and cultures where violence, hatred and war are seen as mere ideas or words that are no longer acted upon. Sincerely, David Baumgarten
david baumgarten <david@baumgartens.com>
atl, ga USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 21:54:05 (PDT)
Hey Guys, Glad that I could be f service! But Please In all seriousness, it sounds silly to call it Marek's Chat room. I named it Peace City Chat and that's it Proper name. Too many thank you's make me blush! Besides I did this for purely Selfish reasons, I felt so alone when this all happened and I needed to hear or atleast read the words of love, kindness and understanding from our family. So see, I'm really pretty selfish. : ) I'm happy to read of our NYC family coming through in good physical if not emotional health. Well My love and thoughts are with you all.
Marek <m.p.parker@worldnet.att.net>
Buffalo, USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 21:12:59 (PDT)
Hello, my beloved chosen family -- Today I received a bulk mailing from the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation. The fund-raising letter was part of VVAF's anti-landmine campaign. It included a prayer written on rice paper. The blessing was meant for different circumstances, but it applies to these difficult times: Once we revered the earth / Now our land explodes with death / O Lord Buddha / Restore our peace and harmony / Bring safety to our ground / That our families may till the soil / And reap the harvest / Let our ancestors lie blanketed by the kind earth / In peace.
Bill O'Neill <boneill@cape.com>
Hyannis, MA USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 20:32:17 (PDT)
Gordon!! Great to hear from you!! I was wondering if you were still based in NY. Thanks for the uplifting and encouraging words. Best news I've read all day. Are the Ross sisters all right too, do you know?
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 20:02:34 (PDT)
You'd never believe how well NY is doing in spite of this devistation. I'm really proud of my city. The shock is starting to wear off and everyone is doing what they can to help, or get out of the way of those who are doing their best to deal with everything. "We're still here" keeps ringing in my ears. I have great hope that NY will set an example of tolerance toward Muslims and Arabs that will ripple around the world. We do have the potential of great tolerance, and so far we have stayed the course. My family and small circle of friends are safe and sound, and I want to thank everyone who tried to call and write to check in on us. Peace and love,
Gordon Polatnick <gordon@bigapplejazz.com>
New York, NY USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 19:58:01 (PDT)
Two wildly different perspectives - youthful radio show bunch suggesting we nuke the Middle East and repopulate it with Americans. [My visitor who heard this swears it wasn't a parody.] Meanwhile, the clerk at the post office looked tragic and solemnly pronounced, "We lost TWO ZIPCODES!!" I pray that the aftermath of this does not remove many many "zipcodes" from the world. Tom Atlee has sent around some as-usual-cogent commentary from him at cii@igc.org.
Lynn Nadeau
USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 16:36:53 (PDT)
Just anather thing I can't explain; During the "war" with USSR, in Afghanistan, American government helped the Talibans to fight the red army. In fact, the talibans have learner to fight with the american army. Now, Talibans want destroy the americans; Well, maybe if the politicals men, in this world, think a little more before to help people, it will be a good think. Bye
dominique
Paris, France - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 15:26:09 (PDT)
Hello Just to tell you I am schoked, like all frenchs people. I think in the people living in NYC and Washington, and all the American people. It's a tragedy. I think about you.
Dominique <domirose@yahoo.fr>
Paris, France - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 15:18:40 (PDT)
The chat is easy and fun. Why don't we set up some regular times, or agree to check in on the hour if we're interested in chat, or something? It will be self-sustaining soon, I'm sure, as there are a lot of us! Take care, folks. XOX
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 14:33:06 (PDT)
THE LINK WORKS! We had five hits, within seconds to minutes, of the time I posted it (which also gives us an informal indication of just how many folks may be out there observing this website, at times like this.) Thanks for setting up the site, Marek! I hope it becomes a regular stop-off for marchers. (8^>?
Frank <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 14:28:42 (PDT)
Trudy Mason, great friend of the GPM, and New York City PR person for us in 86', sent me this e-mail and asked me to forward it to all who are worried about her. I assured her I would post it to our page. Here it is: Thank you for those beautiful words. It was impossible to get calls in or out of NYC for most of yesterday--you know I tried! And of course that also meant no e-mail and cell phones were not working either. Yesterday was Primary Day (the election seemed so important until 9:00am) and so I was uptown in my district when the horror happened. Right after taking care of some polling places and literature drops here, I was supposed to go downtown to help Alan Gerson who was (is?) running for City Council in District 1--lower Manhattan where the WTC was (I almost wrote "is"--it is inconceivable that it is gone.) Obviously I never got there. Alan is okay, I'm okay--physically. Emotionally, I'm a basketcase. It is all too awful to describe. There were alot of people I know who worked in the WTC--some of them for the Port Authority located on the floors that plane #2 crashed into. I can't think about that right now. And 8 years ago when I went to Israel on an interfaith solidarity mission right after the horrible bus bombings, Father Judge--the Fire Department Chaplain who was killed yesterday when the WTC building collapsed --went with us, even tho we were all warned not to go because of the danger of more terrorism! What irony, what sorrow,,,I'm babbling. My love to you all. Shalom, Trudy
Coleen Ashly <Nukebuster@aol.com>
Earth - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 14:06:01 (PDT)
Untitled Normal Page
Just wanted to say that I love your posts, Nora. They always bring an element of thoughtfulness and wisdom to these pages. For all who would like to check it out, this should be an active link to the ongoing chat room that Marek has set up for us:

Marek's GPM chatroom

Hope it works! I got into the room easily, but there was no one else there at the time I entered.

Give it a try. It only takes a second and you might meet someone you're really wanting to talk to.

Peace. (8^>?

____________________________________________________________________
***** Nationalism is the ultimate enemy of Democracy *****

Frank <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 13:28:43 (PDT)
Dear Family, I first want to thank all who have reached out to us and checked up on us. Besides the black smoke that reached our neighborhood, we are far enough from lower Manhattan to have been out of physical danger. Close enough so that every family we know is either waiting to hear or personally grieving the loss of a loved one. I am thankful for all of you and I am thankful for my yoga classes. Staying centered in this insanity, staying connected to love and calm, feels important and useful. As a human being and as a Jew I understand the physical and emotional reactions to the images of Palestinians dancing. Yet I encourage everyone to remember that they do not represent all Arabs, nor even a majority. Just as a parade of KluKluxKlansman marching down Fifth Avenue do not represent you or me. More constructively, I believe, is the attempt to understand how even those few, can be desparate enough about their lives and the future of their families and culture, to have an atrocity such as this make any sense. I must admit I am also somewhat taken aback by the vitriol expressed here toward religion. I grew up a red diaper baby and am accustomed to anti-religious vehemence from my genetic family, but am suprised by it here. Simply because awful things have been done in the name of religion doesn't make the whole notion of organized religion evil. Much good has also been done in the name of organized religion. Violence and destruction will soon be done in our names as Americans. Any comfort and service offered in these difficult times deserves to be embraced. Love and Peace to all of you. Om Shanthi, Shanthi, SHanthi
Nora <Nirmala@attglobal.net>
NY USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 09:04:35 (PDT)
Many thanks to Julia and Marc. You see, Julia's posting of the GPM song finally got me to cry over this, and then I found the tape Marc sent me of other GPM songs which I am now listening to. Good morning to you all! I am so glad you are all here. Yes, let us carry these voices for peace and sanity out into our larger communities! much love
Jeanine
USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 08:34:37 (PDT)
Oh, I am just *so* tired. Tired of bloodshed, tired of the blame immediately piled onto everyone who is Islamic or looks Middle-Eastern, tired of mothers and fathers burying children. What the hell is the point of all this violence? Yes, American politicians are very much guilty in meddling in the affairs of others when perhaps they should not, but this attack will just make things much worse.

I feel sick because I know that they are all ready to declare war, as soon as they can figure out who to declare war ON. And thousands more than died yesterday will die to make them "pay". But unless they kill everyone who has ever been involved in the terrorist attacks, they will just escalate. What's next, the Sears tower? The Flatiron?

I am not a prayerful person, so I am taking action. My surgery is Monday but I've already emailed a letter to the editor in Seattle asking for tolerance of others, religious and otherwise, and for an end to violence. And as soon as I am recovered well enough, I will donate blood again (demand will actually be higher in 3-4 weeks anyway). And if anyone figures out anything that can be done from a hospital bed, I'll try to do it.

Right now, I have mixed feelings about being American. I don't think that anyone who was working in bombed buildings or on those airplanes did anything wrong today, but I do think that Americans should not feel surprised when people who are angry with us choose to rain down terror on our soil. We seem to have no qualms about doing it ourselves (witness Iraq), and feel every bit as righteous about it as the people who hijacked those planes surely felt. Like I said, I just feel sick about what happened today, and I feel tired about the almost-inevitable aftermath.

I am grateful to hear that our GPM family is safe and sound. But I don't feel relieved that this is so, not yet. Just like we lost Liz on flight 103, surely there are casualties that we haven't discovered.

We will have peace/we will because we must/we must because we cherish life/and believe it or not/as daring as it may seem/it is not an empty dream/to walk the powerful path/great peace march/life is a great and mighty march/forever for love and for life/on the great peace march
Relearn the words, just like you learned them for the first time in California and let them hold you tight. Love and peace.
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 06:12:41 (PDT)
Oh, I am just *so* tired. Tired of bloodshed, tired of the blame immediately piled onto everyone who is Islamic or looks Middle-Eastern, tired of mothers and fathers burying children. What the hell is the point of all this violence? Yes, American politicians are very much guilty in meddling in the affairs of others when perhaps they should not, but this attack will just make things much worse.

I feel sick because I know that they are all ready to declare war, as soon as they can figure out who to declare war ON. And thousands more than died yesterday will die to make them "pay". But unless they kill everyone who has ever been involved in the terrorist attacks, they will just escalate. What's next, the Sears tower? The Flatiron?

I am not a prayerful person, so I am taking action. My surgery is Monday but I've already emailed a letter to the editor in Seattle asking for tolerance of others, religious and otherwise, and for an end to violence. And as soon as I am recovered well enough, I will donate blood again (demand will actually be higher in 3-4 weeks anyway). And if anyone figures out anything that can be done from a hospital bed, I'll try to do it.

Right now, I have mixed feelings about being American. I don't think that anyone who was working in bombed buildings or on those airplanes did anything wrong today, but I do think that Americans should not feel surprised when people who are angry with us choose to rain down terror on our soil. We seem to have no qualms about doing it ourselves (witness Iraq), and feel every bit as righteous about it as the people who hijacked those planes surely felt. Like I said, I just feel sick about what happened today, and I feel tired about the almost-inevitable aftermath.

I am grateful to hear that our GPM family is safe and sound. But I don't feel relieved that this is so, not yet. Just like we lost Liz on flight 103, surely there are casualties that we haven't discovered.

We will have peace/we will because we must/we must because we cherish life/and believe it or not/as daring as it may seem/it is not an empty dream/to walk the powerful path/great peace march/life is a great and mighty march/forever for love and for life/on the great peace march
Relearn the words, just like you learned them for the first time in California and let them hold you tight. Love and peace.
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 06:12:33 (PDT)
I woke up this morning and realized that I was not having a nightmare. Well, I was and am having a nightmare, but it is not mine alone. We are all having a nightmare. I am going to meditate and try and wake up. I am going to hug my wife and kids and tell them that I love them. I am going to stay very close to home, including this page. I am going to cry and cry and cry and let this horror creep out of my heart. I love you all. Blessings to all our relations.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 05:49:10 (PDT)
Thanks for the leeway you've allowed me, Marc. My quip about Marx was intended as a simple jest, though I can see clearly that the timing is not good for humor, either dark or light, in these painful first moments after these attacks. My remarks on fanaticism, however, were entirely and completely intentional and, I believe, reasonably consistent with Gene's own thoughts on religions. Ranting in self-righteous indignation is one of the sweetest and most seductive sins we will indulge in and be witness to in the aftermath of these ugly ugly acts of violence. They will be used to justify outrageous behavior by many who feel the terror that has been sown, but have no sense that compassion, proportion, and understanding are the only guides that can lead us out of this quagmire. I probably am too inscrutable at times. (Sorry, I think it's probably genetic.) But my belief is simply that we are all susceptible to these same excessive emotional responses to our fears and rage. We have been traumatized. And irony, I believe, is a tool that can sometimes help us bear up under impossible pressures, enhance our sense of common purpose, and awaken our awareness of issues and idiosyncracies we cannot otherwise see. The problem inherent in this approach, of course, is that sometimes the jests are too inscrutable, or too poorly constructed, for some who hear them.
TNH <yeahyou@geezismyfacered.con>
Bliss Falls, CA USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 04:43:44 (PDT)
Hmm. TNH, I feel you put me in a slightly awkward position. On the one hand, I'm sure you understand that Gene was calling Marx a (social) scientist and Shakespeare a poet, so maybe your comment to Gene was a friendly, harmless jest. On the other hand, I don't feel altogether sure whether or not you were actually making a little dig at Gene, in which case, naturally, I do not wish to be implicated or perceived as "concurring." So am I being slightly dense, or are you slightly inscrutable? I'm not sure about that either. At any rate, welcome back to the page; it's been a while. And I confess, somewhat abashedly, I've never even read anything by Groucho Marx. (Is it too soon for levity? I'm just not sure of anything here at almost 2 a.m. Wish there was somebody in the peace march chat room.)
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 02:10:47 (PDT)
Like many of you I feel I need to say something, but all of you have spoken so eloquently for me already. I will use your words as well tomorrow when the shock of the day subsides, and anger is likely to be much more prevalent. We share the responsibility to quell hysteria, and defuse hatred and blame. I will add that I am also thinking about all those families in Los Angeles that were expecting loved ones on 3 of those planes. Live aloha.
Lynn R. <lynnotr@hotmail.com>
Honolulu, HI USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 00:19:08 (PDT)
tnh, I don't care who you are, I do care who you hurt. I would remind you to keep in mind the last sentence of your post the next time you feel like personally attacking someone on this sight. Is it surrendering your "power" that you are afraid of?
BIL COLBURN <bilcolburn@yahoo.com>
Los Angeles, USA - Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at 00:09:53 (PDT)
... and, Gene ... unh ... I don't really think Marx was all that great a poet, anyway.... My guess is that Marc might concur on this one. ;)
TNH <yeahyou@ohyeah.net>
Bliss Falls, CA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 23:49:02 (PDT)
Fanaticism, whether it shrouds itself in religious or political rationalizations, is profoundly destructive. We must break out of the near-universal habit of casting about for some "perfect" leader or spiritual explanation to hitch our wagons to. The single most important lesson every member of this human family must learn is that WE, each of us, for all our ignorance and failures of confidence, ARE THE LEADERS -- the only leaders we can count on to create the world we want. Placing our trust in, and surrendering our power to, elaborate dieties and self-serving politicos is our single greatest failure and error. The world we want is the world only we, individually, can create.
TNH <yeahyou@hardrain.net>
Bliss Falls, NY USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 23:40:09 (PDT)
:( 8^( so sad
BIL COLBURN
Los Angeles, USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 23:29:54 (PDT)
Gene, and others, let us not fall prey to the assumption that this was the act of Muslim fanatics, Arab zealots, or any other particular group. There will be concrete evidence soon enough. Meanwhile, remember Oklahoma City. And that there are many millions of Arabs and Muslims in the world, very few of whom would, I believe, condone this atrocity.
Bob Alei <BAleiHi@mediaone.net>
Fresno, CA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 22:42:07 (PDT)
BJ, I absolutely agree with you. I think some heroism took place today on that fourth hijacked flight. It was definitely heading somewhere other than an uninhabited field. I think someone must have struggled successfully to abort the terrorists' mission on that one.
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 22:07:48 (PDT)
Hello Family. As Ann reported (thanks Hon) my people and I are okay. I heard the impact this morning...the Pentagon is 2 miles from my house...but did not know what it was until my landlord called to check on me. That's what I get for not having a tv. I've been trying to volunteer but have found the relief organizations so overwhelmed they can't even take in more help. So I've been helping frightened people on the street and checking in with my own clients as much as possible. I've heard from Bill O and Nora...I love you guys. I spent much of the day with a friend who is an expert in arms policy. Our talk was deep. At one point, the news showed the flight paths of the four jets. Stephen looked carefully at the one that crashed in PA and said,"There is no way that plane was headed for Camp David. That one was meant for us." I have this fantasy that some noble soul, in a desperate cockpit struggle saved my life today.
Bj <bjkt@innerstory.com>
Washington , DC USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 21:44:57 (PDT)
Sorry, it never included the web address. Here it goes http://network54.com/Chat/65447
Marek <m.p.parker@worldnet.att.net>
Peace City, USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 20:49:07 (PDT)
Hey, I think I just created a self sustaining chat room for Peace City Residents. Try the link. You might need to join network54 to utilize this, but I'm not sure. Actually not really sure what I did here. My impression is that it will exist even when we don't utilize it. Lets see if it works. Roberta, is it possible to create a link on the GPM page for the chat room?
Marek <m.p.parker@worldnet.att.net>
Peace City, USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 20:47:59 (PDT)
I respect the wisdom of Marx as much as I revere the sagacity of Shakespeare, and often turn to both for understanding. Both – one a scientist, one a poet - were great universal minds who saw deep into the heart of things. But today I cannot find solace in either one. Rather I turn to the great freethinkers of the world, the skeptics, the atheists! Those terrorists are religious fanatics. They justify their deeds with “god.” God commands them to do this, and god rewards them. Yes, the Muslim maniacs are rewarded in paradise with gardens of fruit and flowing fountains and seventy-two virgins to give pleasure to each “martyr.” But what is this crap called god? Answer just this one question if you can, and see if the god bullshit makes any sense in the world: You will see on TV horrible carnage, 20,000 dead bodies, PIECES of bodies, bloody limbs scattered about like garbage... Then you will see one person crawl out of the rubble alive – barely breathing but alive. A reporter will run up to him and stick a microphone in his face. And what will this survivor say? “Boy, God was sure in that building today.” God saved HIS life. BUT WHO KILLED THE 19,999 OTHERS? God gets credit for the least little good thing that happens, but never the blame for the bad. How fucking dishonest! What a fraud! And for this stupid swindle the poor Muslim maniacs give their lives.
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
Terra Linda, CA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 20:28:48 (PDT)
I'm glad you're here. I'm working at Parkland Hospital tonight. Our hospital is "on alert," meaning there are no elective surgeries, etc., thus freeing up personal for I'm not sure what--anticipated distaster, or perhaps sending supplies and help wherever it is needed. They're collecting blood at Reunion Arena and I hear there's a five-hour wait to give. I also hear that gasoline is $6 per gallon in Oklahoma, a rumor that does not hold in Dallas, where the prices are the normal $1.40 - $1.50 per gallon. I'm participating in a worldwide prayer group. I don't know how else to respond--I don't know how to feel about this. I don't feel hatred, I'm not even particularly scared. It's hard to make real something that looks as if I should have seen it as an incredible special effect in the movies. My heart goes out to the families. I can't imagine what the toll is going to be. Peace and love and courage to all.
Elizabeth <elizabirth@aya.yale.edu>
Dallas, TX USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 20:09:50 (PDT)
I've not been to this site in a long, long while. It's where I wanted to go first tonight. I, too, am worried about the hasty words of bigotry I heard today at work and in the streets. As I was discharging a new mom from the hospital today, I admired her beautiful baby girl; and her mom said solemnly, "her dad's an Arab." I am just so sad. -kate
kate <kate_koschoreck@hotmail.com>
USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 19:53:10 (PDT)
The other thing that Marx said is that when capitalism isn't working very well, they start a war. It's a way to lay waste to a whole bunch of stuff and start over. Oh my god. Let us join together and with our other communities and rail and pray and show our faces at anti-war and anti-violence gatherings. Marc, you are my hero today. All of you are my heroes and heroines everyday.
Roberta
USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 19:41:07 (PDT)
I've spent the day listening to th radio, and then trying not to listen and do some constructive work. Yes, I can pray and send healing energy, but I don't need to know every gory detail to do that. How do I continue to work for good? What is the next step that I must take to continue to work for peace? That is what I have treid to keep uppermost in my mind. And BJ is fine in Washington-I jsut got an email from her! in peace, ann
ann stillwater <astill@alum.colby.edu>
bowerston, OH USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 18:43:58 (PDT)
One of our camp alumni just sent this out to the Wo-Chi-Ca egroup we maintain, and I pass it on to all on our Peace March page: SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. The news is important today/ Like everyone else, I awoke to the sounds of terror/ Incomprehensible terror. September 11/ Like everyone else, I am paralyzed, unsure/ What is to be done, what to do?/ Everything seems unimportant except the crisis./ To do: the next indicated important thing./ It is important today to walk two blocks/ And vote. If terror stops democracy/ Then terror wins, and we all lose./ It is important today to go to the music store/ For the new Dylan album, even if I/ Will not listen to it for days, or ever./ I must go on with my affairs or/ They, whomever THEY are, win./ It is important today to call Patricia/ And offer emotional and physical support/ While she copes with the horror, the fear,/ Of not knowing if her sister,/ Who lives near the World Trade Center,/ Is dead or alive, injured or all right./ It is important today to go to my class,/ To carry on with the good life I live,/ To not get caught up in the hysteria/ Of revenge and retribution, of blame/ Without evidence, of opportunistic madness./ It is important today to remember history,/ And not let this be our Reichstag Fire,/ An excuse for jackboots and nightsticks./ It is important today to resist the call/ For scapegoating, for giving up the very rights/ So many died for in the name of/ Protecting our profoundly vital Bill of Rights./ It is important today to remember the words/ Of Martin Luther King: "If you sow the seeds/ Of violence in your struggle, unborn generations/ Will reap the whirlwind of social disintegration."/ It is important today to pray for the victims,/ And for the perpetrators, to pray for an end to hate./ It is important today to write a poem,/ To bring order to the chaos, even knowing/ That mere words cannot ever be enough;/ But they are all we have to get through./ It is important today that we do get through,/ As we weep for our nation, and for our world./ ALBERT VETERE LANNON
Gene <wochica@msn.com>
Terra Linda, CA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 17:05:06 (PDT)
I keep coming to this site, wanting to say something, and find myself reading and greiving all that seems lost. I am so happy that I have you all to turn to at times like this. I want to read or hear something that will make me feel better and reaalize that, at least for today, nothing will make me feel better.
Marek
- Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 16:52:53 (PDT)
I don't know what the situation is in each of your towns and states, but here, in Minneapolis, it is primary election day for our mayor and local government officials. I just took my mother over to our polling place and we voted. She had to re-register, as she (like such a very large part of the American Electorate) has not exercised that particular right, guaranteed to us by the democracy we have here in the US, in many years. As powerless as I feel now against all the tragedies of this day, and in vivid memory of both Pan Am 103 and the horrendously brutal military coup in Chile (live coverage of which I also woke up to on my clock radio, on this very same day in 1973) gave this simple act of self-determination a feeling of great affirmation for all the good we seek and value in this world. If today is election day in your state as well, and you haven't yet voted, I implore you to not miss the opportunity to experience this same certainty that freedom and democracy cannot be taken away by terrorists, no matter how powerful, organized, well armed, or determined they might be. Peace. (8^>?
Frank <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 15:26:14 (PDT)
We will not just have a reunion, Gene. We will have a place to talk and grieve and scream and laugh and celebrate human life. We will thrive in the perfect place to plan for peace!
Coleen Ashly <Nukebuster@aol.com>
Earth - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 14:55:26 (PDT)
Unmitigated disaster! Over and over I watch that plane flying into the World Trade tower and explode in flames. Over and over the utter collapse of those two skyscraping buildings. Unbelievable, incredible – what words can... – but man am I glad I have this family to come to. Gretchen, Marek, Joe, Ben, Bob, Frank, Lynn, Marc, Coleen, Jonnie, Jeanine – I feel I’m holding hands with each and every one of you just as we did back in April of 1986 when in the desert we heard about Chernobyl. Not only has everything changed, but a fault in the globe has opened more immense than any earthquake. Everything has changed. They say it’s worse than Pearl Harbor. They say it’s WAR! Will we still have a Peace March reunion this month? Or do we need one more than ever now?
Gene <wochica@msn,com>
Terra Linda, CA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 14:40:15 (PDT)
Hello Dear People. I have to say that I needed to check with this message board just to be able to know that there were people out there who still love peace and still, with all the that's happened, believe in non-violence. I went to work this morning and was told to go home (I work in San Francisco in the financial district). It was horrible. The stress, shock and sadness of the morning caused several medical emergencies on public transportation adding to my feelings of wanting to cry- no- it's more than that- I want to put my arms around the world and heal it. I want to get on a plane and unearth all of those poor people in New York and Washington. I want to stop the hatred, the acts of senseless killing, the insanity that will not find relief no matter how much I want it to be stopped. Even in this saddness, I understand that my anger, frustration, and feelings of powerlessness should not and CANNOT be turned to violence. Peace starts with me and I choose not to hate. I also choose to reach out with love and compassion- my heart is breaking for all of those people even those insane fanatical people who did this. If there is anyone that is stuck in the Bay Area and needs a place to stay until the airports are opened- just email me. I'm glad all of you are out there.
Deanna <dconstab@hotmail.com>
Oakland, CA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 14:34:48 (PDT)
Hello Sisters and Brothers! I too am so happy to have this place to come -- People who will understand my confusion, fear and sadness. Just sunday I returned from a Jobs with Justice conference, where I learned much about the WTO and how it is affecting people around the world. I was furious and ready to act, hopeful that there is momentum to make a difference, take back our world for the people of the world... What now?!
Jeanine Malito <dsoper@clipper.net>
USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 14:01:23 (PDT)
I am a native New Yorker and ALL of my family is there. Everyone in my immediate family has been accounted for so far. Two family members who work next to the trade center stayed home today, thank goodness. Another family member said they saw the first plane hit and a neighboring friend of my parents said they saw the second plane hit. Everyone is stuck in NYC and there is no mass transit leaving and all bridges are closed. People are WALKING, by the thousands across the bridges home. I am confused by the date 911 and the tv footage of Palestinians celebrating. I too would like to know where our NY GPM family is. Sandy Perpignani called from San Francisco and might be stuck there for a while, she was to depart today. I was warmed by Britain's Prime Minister's speech and Mayor Guiliani's. My parents were working the NY primaries today when the polls were closed. My heart is in shock and my mind is at a loss for words. Our local community has closed many businesses and there are many gatherings today and tonight. I'm grateful for this place to gather together. Peace to all of you.
Jonnie Dale Lieberman <JonnieDale@aol.com>
Ashland, OR USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 13:16:53 (PDT)
None of the armies, bombs, missiles, soldiers or missile defense systems can save us from this! Now all the president talks about is vengeance. What about a response about the actions our country will take to guarantee OUR safety? How can four airplanes be hijacked at the same time? What are we doing about that? The vengeance our government plans to take will only create many more people willing to die and take us with them. I agree with Lynn! Who will speak out for peace? Who will speak out to stop the madness? Thank you all for being here! I’m shouting out Trudy Mason’s name, also a New Yorker.
Coleen Ashly <Nukebuster@aol.com>
Earth - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 13:01:41 (PDT)
Dear peace march family, thank you for being here. I heard on the radio that the Arab American Action Network was receiving a flood of hate emails and threats in the wake of this disaster, so I sent them an email expressing friendship and love and gratitude for their efforts on behalf of peace and justice. I have no idea, of course, who is responsible for today's atrocious actions, but it strikes me that President Bush's characterization of "faceless cowards" is not apt, because they were kamikazes and they were willing to die along with their victims. Whoever they were, they must have felt they had a point to make. Whether we ever find out or figure out what that point is, is anyone's guess. My grief and love go out to the victims, and to their loved ones. Let's all be kind to whomever we meet today.
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 12:43:19 (PDT)
Archbishops and all are chiming in ("New Yorkers are reacting as they always do: with prayers and....") Why are not the Pope and the archbishops and the ayatollahs and the presidents and prime ministers quickly announcing "We will not be turned into murderers by these murdererers. More deaths will make nothing better. Stay calm and pray for the souls of the oppressed and send them every sort of aid without sanctions. Pray for those who are plotting to kill -- anyone anywhere -- and turn their hearts. Go to the refugee camps and ghettoes of the world and give those people purpose and hope and a way to live in peace. " Where is true leadership when we need it? Will a single world leader speak for compassion and peace? Oh so much more to say in these mixed feelings. Whatever the upshot, innocent people are going to be righteously murdered in "revenge". May Peace Prevail On Earth.
Lynn Nadeau
WA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 11:54:43 (PDT)
Nothing to add, except that I'm here, watching the events unfold. Calm, attentiveness, and our shared knowledge that we are all connected will be our allies in the months to come. You're right, Joe. Everything has changed.
Frank <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minn, MN USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 11:38:43 (PDT)
...ugghhhh. Spirit guide us, be with us
Bob Alei <BAleiHi@mediaone.net>
Fresno, CA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 11:32:30 (PDT)
I'm with you, Marek. After I went to my honey to hug her, my first impulse was to come here. New York Marchers: my prayers and thoughts are with you. Let's say their names in hopes for their safety - I can only think of Barbara Ross and Judy Ross right now. Who else lives in NYC?
Ben Zeman <benz@smoc.org>
Framingham, MA USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 10:51:03 (PDT)
Our prayers and our love go out to all our sisters and brothers who are suffering. Everything has just changed and not for the better. Now as much as ever we wish blessings to all our relations. Love is the only antidote for the sickness afflicting our planet. Peace.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 10:17:08 (PDT)
I didn't know where else to go.
Marek
USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 09:47:46 (PDT)
IF WE COULD USE THIS SITE AS A CHECK IN FOR ALL GPMers LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY I WOULD BE GREATEFUL TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE ARE OKAY AFTER THIS HORRIBLE DISASTER. THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BE WITH US ALL.
Gretchen <gretchen_stewart@yahoo.com>
St. Paul, MN USA - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 09:10:12 (PDT)
Me thinks our capitalist system is having a recessionary hickup, as they intend it do whenever there is a surplus of goods and whenever labor starts getting cocky and wanting a better life for workers--like a livable wage or god forbid health care for all. (Thank you for the 150-year heads up, Marx.) I just attended the WA State Labor Council Convention as a delegate to my union. Wow! So many resolutions, most good but some bad--one wanting to open Artic Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, etc. But though I dislike public speaking, something just takes me over when I'm speaking about something I believe in. So, I was on fire, saying the "Teamsters and turtles coalition must survive!" (with fond reference to WTO protests in Seattle 99 when teamsters and folks dressed like turtles took OOOOVER the streets.)
Roberta <bertaw@bainbridge.net>
USA - Sunday, September 09, 2001 at 23:14:47 (PDT)
HI LUCIA!
BIL COLBURN <bilcolburn@yahoo.com>
Los Angeles, YA USA - Sunday, September 09, 2001 at 01:35:15 (PDT)
thanks Coleen
BIL COLBURN <bilcolburn@yahoo.com>
Los Angeles, YA USA - Sunday, September 09, 2001 at 01:32:02 (PDT)
Woke up this morning to the first snowfall of the season, about 4 inches. Guess that means the kids' soccer game is canceled. Blessings to all our relations.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Saturday, September 08, 2001 at 06:28:10 (PDT)
Wow haven't read the guestbook for ages, but it seems that everyone is having babies. I am well good and 2 months off completing my social work degree.... Yipee!!!! I am inlove with a wonderful man, who is probably mr right... My animals are all happy and healthy. Life is beautiful at the moment. And I think about the GPM often, and about how each one of you (and others that don't read this), how much you changed my life. I hope all is well in your lives. Haven't heard from Trevor in awhile, but he is doing really well and loving New Zealand. If anyone plans a trip to Australia (lovely country, really, just excuse the government) please try and get intouch. I'd love to see people at some stage. Wont be heading to the US for awile, so come down and visit..... Take care and smile.. Love, hugs and laughter, Lucia Darvill
lucia darvill <jjfreaker@hotmail.com>
sydney, australia - Saturday, September 08, 2001 at 04:41:02 (PDT)
Here's a way to DOUBLE your contribution to a non-profit organization ... Give for Change. Donations of $300 or $600 will be doubled by Working Assets, up to a total of $1 million. Let's give George Bush some heartburn!! :-)
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Friday, September 07, 2001 at 16:10:32 (PDT)
re tax "rebates": I hear ya, Marc. When I first read about GWB's scheme, I decided to turn my $300 over to some un-Bush charity, probably the local homeless shelter. But now that the check is in hand, I'm finding that it would come in handy for catching up with my own budget deficit. Hey, we loaned the money to the Feds, now it's ours to use as we wish. Marc, I know that you give to your communities in many ways, so don't feel you need to make a statement with the rebate if you have need for those bucks. But for those of you who donate all or part of the rebate, consider sending a contribution as a "tribute" to GWB. A friend of mine is donating some cash to an abortion-rights group in his honor and asking that they send him a letter to that effect ("Mr. Bush - Jane Doe donated $50 in your honor to the Mass. Women's Health Care Action Group..."). Keep on rousing that rabble!
Bill O'Neill <boneill@cape.com>
Hyannis, MA USA - Friday, September 07, 2001 at 15:50:36 (PDT)
As for the "tax rebate" check, well, it's all just a big old scam. I sent $100 to Planned Parenthood earlier this year in honor of George Bush during their campaign to honor him on President's Day, so I feel like I got my digs in, especially with the Microsoft matching gift. LOL I will apply this "rebate" to our credit card debt, racked up while I was on unpaid family leave act time with my new daughter last year. We certainly aren't going to just spend it, and I don't know anyone who is.

Don't feel bad about using it for family necessities. We may ALL be in that boat soon if the economy does not shape up.
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Friday, September 07, 2001 at 13:26:03 (PDT)
Glad that you are back posting, Marc. Try to think of yourself and your family as a worthy cause and then donate the money accordingly. Blessings to all our relations.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Friday, September 07, 2001 at 09:03:27 (PDT)
Stash that guilt trip, Marc. Your check from GW is nothing more than an outright bribe -- presented to you solely for the purpose of getting you to 'look the other way', while young Captain Bush and his pirate buddies loot the national treasury. Where is it, by the way, that you believe that $300 actually came from in first place? The fact is that it's a trivial portion of the tax dollars you've paid, now being returned to you as a "gift" from the Man from Austin. You should feel completely free to save it, spend it, or donate it -- whichever appeals to you most -- in the very same fashion you would have, had you never "given" it to him and the government we all pay for, in the first place.
Frank <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Friday, September 07, 2001 at 01:27:42 (PDT)
I just can't do it. My George W. Bush tax refund check for $300 is coming, and I know that the karmically correct thing to do is to donate the money to some worthy cause. But I have money concerns . . . So I figure the next best thing is to donate a portion of it, probably $50-$100. (In all honesty, probably $50) If I keep all of it, somehow I feel like I'm supporting George Bush. Okay, so I'll donate $50. To whom, I don't know yet. Probably not the Democratic Party though I wish them luck in '02 and '04 and, like the mushy liberal I am, I'll probably vote for them. Maybe I'll donate my $50 toward something to do with healthcare for poor people. Like a free clinic or something. My wife said that she heard on the radio that Bush wants to cut money to public hospitals by a third. . . . Of course I don't have health insurance either. . . . Hey Nancy, Congratulations! and much much love. So happy for you! The whole world is blessed to welcome your daughter!! And thank you Coleen and everyone who is organizing the upcoming reunion.
Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
El Cerrito, CA USA - Friday, September 07, 2001 at 00:47:37 (PDT)
Wow! The guest book is certainly getting interesting! Congratulations Nancy on Ruby's arrival! Jessie was born at home too. What an experience and memory! I have to agree with EVERYTHING Julia said. Yeah Julia! Jessie actually slept by herself the first time on the march (6 years old) after "finding her community" and deciding she was just too old now to hang out with mom and dad! We just talked about that last week! Julia the best of luck to you on your surgery! Let us know how it goes. Joe and Lori good luck with your homeschooling. Jess was in an elementary "alternative program" in the public schools. Even then we had our ups and downs with the school system and I'm still not sure if we made the right decisions for her. She was in public school all twelve years and it took a lot of our involvement to ensure she had a good education. She is just beginning her senior year of college now. Still in a public school: UCSB. All our peacemarch kids are lucky to have such great parents and such rich exposure to the world! GO PARENTS! Hey, Bill Colburn, you never post your address. Wanted to send you info about the reunion. Hope you are planning to attend!
Coleen Ashly <Nukebuster@aol.com>
USA - Friday, September 07, 2001 at 00:10:43 (PDT)
EUREKA! I did it by pasting a copy of what I'd written in Word onto "Front Page Express" (which comes bundled with Windows98, etc., in case you're interested), and then "viewing" its HTML formatting, which I then copied and pasted onto the "Add to the GPM Guest Book" entry page. Once I figured out how to do it, the whole process took about half a minute. How 'bout that, Ben? No more long, unformatted entries on the GuestBook for you to have to struggle with! (8^>?
(8^>?
USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 15:45:28 (PDT)
Congrats to all who should be congratulated (and, even, to those who should not). This is just a little test to see if I can get past the formatting barrier on the guestbook without having to be an HTML programmer. Here goes...

ROSES ARE RED.

VIOLETS ARE PURPLE.I'LL TAKE THOSE SQUASH PANCAKES

WITH HUMMUS, SPROUTS, AN' A GALLON OF MAPLE SURPLE!

(8^>?}

Mud (Frank) <One more time; then, back to sleep...>
USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 15:36:43 (PDT)
{\pard\plain \f4\fs20 Congrats to all who should be congratulated (and, even, to those who should not). This is just a little test to see if I can get past the \lquote formatting barrior\rquote on the guestbook without having to be an HTML programmer. Here goes... \par \pard \par ROSES ARE RED. \par VIOLETS ARE PURPLE. \par I\rquote LL TAKE THOSE SQUASH PANCAKES \par WITH HUMMUS, SPROUTS, AN\rquote A GALLON OF MAPLE SURPLE! \par \par \pard (8^>?}
Frank <noshortcuts2thegatesofinternetfreedom@Iguess.org>
Minnetriedonce, MN USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 15:27:47 (PDT)
{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \f4\fs20 Congrats to all who should be congratulated (and, even, to those who should not). This is just a little test to see if I can get past the \lquote formatting barrior\rquote on the guestbook without having to be an HTML programmer. Here goes... \par \pard \par ROSES ARE RED. \par VIOLETS ARE PURPLE. \par I\rquote LL TAKE THOSE SQUASH PANCAKES \par WITH HUMMUS, SPROUTS, AN\rquote A GALLON OF MAPLE SURPLE! \par \par \pard (8^>?}
Frank <peacegeek@hotmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 15:24:49 (PDT)
Hi David, hi Michael, hi Julia, congrats Nancy! Bob, I hope you and many others make it to Darryl's concert, great idea. Tickets went on sell a few days ago, McCabe's is a small place, so don't dilly dally y'all. see ya
BIL COLBURN
Los Angeles, YA USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 11:18:48 (PDT)
Thanks Julia for the suggestions for inserting HTML. It will take me and other neophytes a bit of time but sure am glad to see that you and so many others are computer savvy. I remember you well but I don't recall you dressing like your High School photo.
Jonnie Dale Lieberman <JonnieDale@aol.com>
Ashland, OR USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 10:16:41 (PDT)
Good to hear all of the home birth and home schooling stories. May this school year be a success for all of our GPM families. I was listening to the news the other eve and it was stated that 40% of the teachers in the good ol' US of A who receive teacher certification choose not to teach. I taught for several years, an admirable practice but hard on the psyche. Teaching is more than teaching these days, a lot of counseling is necessary as well as enormous amounts of preparation in order to serve such a large number of diverse students. I support all of the families who choose to home school. I know that our school district was losing so much revenue from all of those who chose to homeschool that they decided to develop their own homeschool program so that they could still receive the $ per student each day and they could in exchange offer home schoolers access to all of the wonderful services that the public school system offers music equipment, gymnasium, field trip $, art supplies etc., even a full time teacher and a classroom that could be completely alternative and serve the student's needs and wishes. Amazing what can happen when our dollars are not there to support the status quo. Change happens!
Jonnie Dale Lieberman <JonnieDale@aol.com>
Ashland, OR USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 10:12:42 (PDT)
I've heard that y'all are wondering how to make formatting work in the guestbook. You can enter HTML code right into the Comments section of the form. Feel free to email me if you want more details, or you can use any standard HTML reference for the tags that are permissable. :-)
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 06:22:00 (PDT)
Nancy, I'm so proud of you for getting the birth experience you wanted (even if the intensity of the pain wasn't what you bargained for). What an incredible birth story you will have to share with her. I only regret that I wasn't there to hold your other hand.
Elizabeth <elizabirth@aya.yale.edu>
Dallas, USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 03:31:31 (PDT)
Nancy! GOOD FOR YOU for having Ruby at home! We also had Joanne at home and it was a spiritual experience like no other. Here's our birth story, complete with photographs!

Don't let anyone convince you that anything that feels like violence is "best" for your baby. Think hard about vaccinations, reject cry-it-out, and LISTEN to Ruby! She'll always know just what SHE needs! Joanne never has read any of those damned baby books and she does things when she's ready, in her own way. We have so much more fun with her when we stop worrying about "should", "the experts" and how clingy and dependent she is/was. At 20 months, we are still cloth diapering, attachment parenting, breastfeeding, family bedding and LOVING this incredible person that the universe brought to us. I know no greater act of Peace than raising a child gently. :-) CHEERS!
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 02:01:19 (PDT)
Oy! Why is it that as soon as I post, I think of something else??

I am searching for Peace March timeframe photos of me. The few that I had were unfortunately destroyed in a basement that was much wetter than I thought. In 1986, I came from Raleigh, NC, was 18 years old (turned 19 in the summer) and was named Julia Gosztyla. Here's my senior photo, which was taken a year before the March, which might help you remember *roughly* what I looked liked. Senior Photo 1985 Ben Zeman? Frank Sahlem? Carl Stein? Gary French? Michael Beer? Kim Hunter? Shabtai Klein? Coleen Ashley? Dan Weinshenker? Mary Anne Patterson? All of y'all might have these photos! :-) Thanks for looking in your photo albums!

P.S. No way did I ever wear a dress or pearls on the GPM! I loaned all my skirts to Sam from Boston as they looked better on him anyway. ha ha! :-)
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 01:54:06 (PDT)
I just thought y'all might get a kick out of this photo of my 19.5 month old on a camping trip to the Yakima River on 08/25-26... (click here).

I am getting ready to have major surgery on 09/17/01 at 11 am Pacific time... all thoughts, well-wishes, and even *ahem* prayers would be much appreciated. (I feel funny asking for prayers since I am an atheist but I know that your positive thoughts and energy in my direction will help). I'll be in the hospital for five days if all goes well. Here's more information about this new journey I'm undertaking... Profile Page 2.

Much love and good health to everyone. Sante!
Julia Moseley <jmoseley@microsoft.com>
Kirkland, WA USA - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 01:31:10 (PDT)
Joe, I'm glad that you, Lori, and Alexander decided to go with the homeschool option and that you are all finding it rewarding and energizing. It looks like we'll be going that route too. The Fresno public school that Justine is enrolled in has *horrible* test scores and in her first two weeks she was bored crazy, learning nothing (except some social things that I'm not altogether sure we want her to learn...). We've tried to have her transferred to a better school but the bureaucracy is just too much and unless something happens in the next couple days, Sharon has decided to homeschool her. They did a trial these past couple days when Justine was sick and they both loved it. There is a group of other homeschooled kids who we will hook up with and Justine's closest friend in Fresno is also homeschooled by a wonderful woman who will work closely with Sharon (and has been homeschooling for several years). So our hopes are high and we'll keep you posted...
Bob Alei <BAleiHi@mediaone.net>
Fresno, CA USA - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 at 23:44:15 (PDT)
Hi everyone, it's been fun to catch up on whats new with everyone. Joe we've been homeschooling the last three years. I'd love to talk with you and Lori about our experiences, but the phone # I have for you is no longer any good.
Michael Brown <brownsrus@aol.com>
Klamath Falls, OR USA - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 at 20:47:13 (PDT)
"Normal", Bill O., is a white flour pancake few GPMers have ever tasted. ;)
TNH <yeahyou@thenormalheart.us>
Bliss Falls, MA USA - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 at 14:51:25 (PDT)
Blessings, Nancy!
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 at 11:32:38 (PDT)
our little girl ruby, (middle name to be determined) came sunday, 18 days early! i had wondered if the full moon might draw her out! i delivered her at home, at 10:00 pm after an extremely intense 5 hour labor. she was 6 pounds 11 ounces, and 19.75 inches long. i am thrilled that we were able to have a natural birth in our home, but in the throes of it, i would have absolutely killed for pain meds, it was a lot more intense than i expected!! we are all doing well, sleeping little, and falling deeply in love with eachother. she is the most beautiful baby that i have ever seen, and i dont think i am biased, because my husband thinks so too! thanks for all of the supportive vibes!! nancy(kiwi)
nancy mcmanus miller <nemmiller@yahoo.com>
santa fe, nm USA - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 at 11:00:23 (PDT)
Well Bill, in the situation below, normal refers to public elementary school, but I also meant, that experience which both Lori and I had in second grade.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 at 10:35:44 (PDT)
Hey, Joe (or anyone who cares to respond) -- What's "normal"? -- Bill O
Bill O'Neill <boneill@cape.com>
Hyannis, MA USA - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 at 10:16:23 (PDT)
Well, I've got something to write about. Last year our son, Alexander was in first grade at the local elementary school. He was part of a multi-age classroom of mostly first graders mixed with second graders. It was a decent experience academically for him because he was challenged by the older kids and he advanced quickly to second grade levels in most subjects. Socially, it was a poor experience because the second graders picked on the first graders and because we had a dispute with the family of another first grader that cost Alexander several friends in his age group. Both Lori and Alexander were bummed about school on a regular basis because of the social factors. Finally, Alexander missed a lot of school because of a flu epidemic and because we often traveled. At the end of the school year in June we all felt this enourmous sense of relief. Over the course of the summer, we talked about our options and concluded that Lori, who is a certified Colorado teacher, would homeschool Alexander. Since Lori is not working at a job outside the house, we felt that she could devote enough time to schooling Alexander without shortchanging our daughter Natasha who is three years old. We have also hired a woman part-time to help Lori with the whole transition. So far we are esctatic about how things have been progressing. We are all much happier about our typical school day and we are all learning more, especially, Alexander. He is also having much more fun socially with other kids who school at home and with other kids who go to school. Our relationship with the school and what would have been his class and teacher are great. All in all it has been a positive experience, though we were very reluctant at first to make such a radical departure from the normal way of education. I am interested in hearing the experience of others at school and homeschooling both during the GPM and before and after. Blessings.
Joe Kinczel <ash@igc.org>
USA - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 at 09:37:32 (PDT)
Was sitting here working on my odyssey, which is what we Unitarian Universalist ministers call the opportunity to tell our colleagues about our spiritual journey. I've written twenty pages so far, and everything after 1986 just keeps emanating from our time on the GPM... amazing... It is wonderful to read the guestbook and have so many flashbacks of so many folks and places... These days I continue to serve a hospice ministry in the SF Bay Area, now going on 8 years, and have a wonderful wife Mindy of 11 years, and Hannah who is 9, and Sophie who is 5. One of these days they would love to meet some of the kiddies of daddy's march buddies! Peace and love and jicima! Dave
David Pettee <dapettee@aol.com>
Berkeley, CA USA - Monday, September 03, 2001 at 19:11:05 (PDT)
What? Is everyone waiting breathlessly for my answer? Yes, the CA reunion is the same weekend Daryl is playing in L.A. (You planning to join us Daryl?) Our 15th annual reunion (which is so much fun!) will be held this year at MCGrath State Beach in Ventura. All marchers, friends, family and just plain ole cool people WELCOMED!!! Transportation dept is ready and willing to pick you all up at trains, planes, or whatever form of transportation you use these days! Come join us!
Coleen Ashly <nukebuster@aol.com>
Earth - Saturday, September 01, 2001 at 20:14:42 (PDT)
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Nuclear Plants Could Be Next Targets of Terrorists by Rear Admiral (RET) Eugene Carroll In the wake of the attacks that destroyed the World Trade Towers in New York and damaged the Pentagon, American security officials have begun to think in earnest about some of the other targets that future terrorists might attack. Among those that come to mind are America's huge oil refineries, which could be set aflame with catastrophic economic and environmental consequences. Also in the crosshairs of terrorists saboteurs are the country's communication centers and banking systems, which are essential to domestic and international commerce. But by far, the most dangerous, vulnerable and significant targets are the 104 nuclear power plants in the United States. While these plants are said to be secure, too much evidence suggests otherwise. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission administers a number of supervisory programs to ensure security, chief among them being an Operational Safeguards Response Evaluation inspection program. Under the OSRE routine, a nuclear plant is warned that a simulated sabotage effort will be made against their installation by a team of would-be saboteurs in a force-on-force exercise. These teams are composed of both NRC and private contractor personnel under the direction of a David Orrik, a retired Navy SEAL. In approximately half of recent tests, the intruders succeeded in defeating the security measures, even reaching the central control room on occasion. The NRC downplays these security failures by claiming that they always lead to positive improvements and overall security is adequate. Indeed, so sanguine are NRC officials that they are starting a pilot program to allow private reactor operators to conduct their own security evaluations. Since when have private companies voluntarily disclosed security shortcomings and made costly improvements to their security systems and personnel training? Compare this gentlemanly security program with the fierce determination of a trained team of terrorists attacking a reactor without warning and taking it over long enough to disable the safety controls. At that point, a major Chernoble-syle disaster would be all but assured. Now that the initial shock and sadness of Tuesday's horror have given way to anger, many members of Congress are calling for aggressive military action directed against not only the responsible terrorist organization but against the nation providing them shelter and support. Though popular here at home, such action will not provide any protection against further terrorist actions. If anything, it may well intensify the cycle of attack and reprisal. Whatever action is finally taken, the first objective should be to protect American citizens in the United States. But terrorists are not single minded nor stupid. Seeing a major security effort in process at the airports, they will simply look elsewhere for vulnerable targets -- like the country's nuclear power plants. These need protection -- not by their owners but by government forces. The sad truth is we cannot guard everything in America all the time against terrorist attack. The only realistic hope to reduce the danger of future attacks lies not in violent reprisals by American forces, but in positive preventive programs, taken in concert with other nations to attack the root causes of terrorism by political and economic means. Only by alleviating abject poverty and hopelessness in the poorest nations in the world can we eliminate the spirit that breeds terrorists -- that sense that even death is preferable to life under unbearable conditions. This will not be an easy or inexpensive challenge. But it is far less costly than the perpetual cycle of attack and reprisal and with targets like nuclear reactors to aim at. Carroll, a retired rear admiral, served as director of U. S. military operations in Europe and the Middle East.