Cooler heads must prevail (plus commentary)

[GullGuide]

Hey folks,
I still feel as though I am walking through a bad nightmare as everything seems to be moving in slow motion.
Life for us here in Minnesota, for the most part, seems to be business as usual, taking into consideration and sincere condolences to all of those who lost friends, family, loved ones and acquaintances in Tuesday's terrible events.
I was watching the Today show live as the second plane hit the tower. I as everyone at the time at first thought it was some sort of terrible accident, but as the second plane came into view and struck the tower, it became all too evident as to what was going on. It seemed like I was watching a movie, one that would win an Oscar for special effects. Then it hit me. It was not a movie, it was real. All of those people that had lost their lives in the blink of an eye and I had just been a witness to their loss.
Toad and I took a weekend on the Minnesota River fishing for catfish, a tradition we started a few years back. Though the peace and tranquility of the river helped to ease my mind, I still could not totally feel at peace. Only time will heal what we are all feeling right now, but we will never forget 9/11/01.
This brings me to the title of this post. I for one would like to see justice done, but I hope and pray that we are ****ed sure we have the right person, or persons. The news of American Muslims being attacked makes me sick. This is no time for vigilante justice. Islam is a peace-loving religion as is Christianity, Judaism, etc. Only a very small percentage who practice this faith, as in other faiths as well, are fanatics, and to label all Muslims as "terrorists" and "extremists" is just wrong. To accuse, and/or place a label on all Muslims, makes us no better than the terrorists themselves.
Those responsible will pay, but let's let those who are investigating make that decision.
God bless America, my home sweet home.
>"////=<

[This message has been edited by GullGuide (edited 09-18-2001).]

[Duck-o-holic]

Very valid points, Gull. I am also saddened to see attacks on American-Muslim peoples. Those doing the attacking are truly ignorant and are only compounding the situation. I can relate to the feelings of anger, but agree with you that we need to trust our leaders to take the appropriate actions when the time is strategically right.

I too will always remember where I was when I first heard the news! I happened to be sleeping in a Seattle hotel after a week long fishing trip, on the morning I was supposed to FLY back to MN. I don't fly more than maybe one trip a year, so it was pretty scarey to me that this all occurred on a day that I was booked to be in the air! Being stranded for an extra 2 days, and holed up in a hotel room was nothing compared to what so many went through this past week. My prayers go out to America and those who lost or are missing loved ones!

Tonight I was following the news, and heard that David Letterman was having Dan Rather and Regis Philbin on the show. I initially thought it was rather inappropriate to have a comedy show with such an important media figure on at a time like this. I pictured Dave trying to make light of the situation, and making jokes (I'm a big Letterman fan), which to me would have been tasteless. I did turn it on however just to see what it would be all about.

Wow! Was I ever wrong!! Before Rather came out, Dave spoke of the events-- and was dead serious about his opinions on Terrorism, New York, the rescue workers, and America! He told a story of an agricultural town of 1600 people in Montana that has been in a drought for three years, and that relies on water for its crops and cattle. Needless to say, this town has been struggling to survive economically. he went on to say that they had a gathering in the highschool gym this week to raise money for the rescue efforts out east. Dave lost it here, almost crying, as he said that that is what America is all about! It actually brought tears to my eyes to see such a prominant and professional person so moved by this display of small town patriotism!!

The show actually got better as Dan Rather came on. I was AMAZED to hear this media moguls opinions on the situation. I guess you get so used to hearing a person like this only stating the facts and never expressing their own thoughts. I had goosebumps during most of Rathers stories. He is truly an educated person (obviously) when it comes to world events and politics. He stated many things about America, the FBI, CIA, and terrorism that would have NEVER been said on any news show. I was really shocked to see him lose it and cry on air as well! You couldn't help but well up with goosebumps and tears as this professional whose job requires him to tell the news without emotion, became so emotional on television! It was very moving, and I regret not having a blank tape in the VCR! Did anyone else out there happen to see the show?

Rather said that America needs to have three things to successfully win the war on terrorism (and I believe he was quoting the president)-- Firepower, Willpower, and Stayingpower! He also implied that where America has lacked in the past is in the Stayingpower!! He referred to the media, and how public opinion dictates so much of political actions. When you look at history, this holds true for all of the recent conflicts America has been in (Vietnam, Lebanon, Greneda, Panama, Desert Storm, Somolia, Bosnia, etc...). He went on to say that he can envision such a war on terrorism lasting 2,4,6,even 10 years long! He then said that it is ultimately up to us as American citizens and our public opinion (and support of our politicians) to keep up our "Stayingpower" to see such an undertaking through! I will leave you all with that thought...

Jon

PS-- I turned off the TV as soon as Philbin came on!

[Duck-o-holic]

R

[This message has been edited by Duck-o-holic (edited 09-18-2001).]

[Guest]

I agree totally!Every one is screaming for justice.It is not justice to attack people for what they look like or their religion.We need to have some patience here.We must let the investigators do their job and find the guilty party and punish those people.I am mad as ****,but if I were to take it out on someone who I thought looked like those who were the terrorist I would only be creating injustice!Muslims are peace loving people.In their religion to take one life is to destoy all of humanity.The terrorist that attacked the US are extreme militants and are not following the teachings of the religion that they supposedly stand behind.

We should not be thinking of revenge,( I know that this is hard at a time like this)rather we should consider any action taken BY OUR GOVERNMENT as defense!Revenge is what these terrorist have taken on our country for our governments foriegn policies in the middle east.I stand behind our goverments policies and will support any military retaliatory defense.

[Guest]

As a redneck, I'd like to agree with all the comments about Muslim or MidEast bashing...let's just find the folks responsible and take care of business -- with patience, resolve and effeciency.

I buy smokes at a small shop in Minnetonka. The owner is Middle Eastern and a nice guy. We B.S. all the time. I stopped in to see how he was doing.

I asked if he was taking much dump and he said, "Not too much, but my son is at school." The lad is 8, born in the U.S. a son of new U.S. citizens. He had as much to do with the bombing as I did.

I noticed his American flag in the window and commented on it. He told that flag had been up since the day he opened the shop.

It took an attack for me to put mine up.

God's strength, speed and protection to victims, rescuers and warriors.

Marshkat