OT: comments and support for USA
2001-09-14 by J. Larry Hendry
Michel Havenith, The Netherlands wrote: I only wish to say that it is out of place and even offending. I can't speak for all the countries which are mentioned, but the text from the Canadian newspaper is highly tendentious and untrue in many ways. Larry Hendry writes: True Mike. But, please remember, that the quote was VERY old not at all from a recent newspaper. And, remember that people are in pain and shock. Perhaps a little tolerance for people's words, even when somewhat offensive is OK. What is truly offensive is thousands of body bags full of unidentifiable parts. Mike H: Almost everybody in Europe is sharing his or her thoughts and emotions to the American people in this period as a result to the strong sympathic feeling we have towards the American people. Larry H: This is so true Mike. I am not amazed, but rather affirmed by this great outpouring. :) New York is a very diverse city. While everyone sees this as a crime against America, the truth is that many European and Asian citizens lost their lives as well. This was a crime against the entire civilized world. The unity of people from around the world is so good to see. Hearing the Star Spangled Banner played in Great Britain today was simply amazing. And, I hope that people don't take offense when people in the US talk about "largest tragedy since Pearl Harbor" or speaking of the battles we fought in World War 2. Today's fine citizens of Japan and Germany have to more to do with these past events than do Americans. Today, we are all friends and neighbors. But, Americans are hurting and have never seen the likes of such an attack on our soil. So, they compare it to the only things they can relate to. sikorsky <vulture.squadron@...> well i wrote an email on tuesday then tore it up words still can't express - still it seems at the moment 99.8% of the world is one - lets hope some good comes of all this and it stays this way Larry H: I agree Paul. Perhaps, this can be a time when the world unites against the scurge of terrorism. Seeing one's own planes used as weapons should convince everyone that the bar has been raised and that our attitude toward those who participate and support in these kinds of activities has been far to tolerant and lax. Perhaps the good is that these cowards that strike and hide will be found and removed from the society of civilized people. And, perhaps another good thing that could come from this is that those united in this front can realize that our minor disputes are just that -- minor. We can hopefully become more tolerant of each other and rejoice in the beauty of our differences and diversity. sikorsky <vulture.squadron@...> of course, i hope you motm chaps in the tri-state (?) area are all okay Larry H: Mark S, and others, we all think of you often. I see that the building that Mark works in is now considered in danger (according to the news). Let us hear from you if you can. The bottom line is that the outpouring of support from the international community has been overwhelming. I can assure you that Americans appreciate it. But, please understand, people are grieving. Even those without personal loss have lost much. Please be forgiving if occasionally someone says something that can be construed as slightly offensive. They may be in great pain. Larry Hendry