[thechat] making this more personal [was: What can WE do?]
Hugh Blair
hblair at hotfootmail.com
Fri Sep 21 01:10:07 CDT 2001
> -----Original Message-----
> [mailto:thechat-admin at lists.evolt.org]On Behalf Of Marlene Bruce
> Subject: [thechat] making this more personal [was: What can WE do?]
>
> > I lost too many friends/business associates/acquaintances
> > to be rational yet. I'll get there before too long.
>
> Hugh, et. al.,
>
> [Please bear with this seemingly unrelated beginning...]
>
> As many of you know, I unexpectedly lost my father on August 2nd.
Very related. I read about this some weeks ago and it really touched
me. I'm also a 'road warrior', and ever since I read this, I've
wondered how I'd be treated in various airports. For sure, it has
created a resolve that -I- will be yelling/phoning if I see anything
similar.
<big snip> (little snips along the way)
> While the situations differ between the present one and mine (murder
> vs. negligence), for me the resulting emotions are remarkably alike:
> pain, anger, and in some ways, fear.
You called it correctly. A real mixed bag of emotions.
> About being rational, you say you'll "get there before too long." I'm
> sorry to say this, but don't count on it.
Oh, I know it'll never totally leave my life. What I really was
referring to was getting out of a 'frozen' mode. I was totally
blown away - mentally locked. Of course there'll always be those
empty spaces in my life.
> And that's why some of us are urging restraint in making decisions
> with the word "war" in them.
The first problem is that our language/culture doesn't have a word for
this. "War" is our first choice. We need one like "Jihad". The road
we've started down is a long one, in time and commitment. The steps
we take and methods used will define our standing in the world
community. And we -do- need to use our words carefully.
> When talking about my grief my counselor advised me, "Don't make any big
> decisions for at least 6 months." Likewise I have to believe that the
> powers-that-be would be most wise in taking their time and not having
> a knee-jerk reaction.
I agree a little with this, I hope this ?? -is- thought out and planned
carefully. But it's also important to move quickly to find those that
are still available for the catching.
> The bottom line for me is that I don't know, and I certainly don't
> understand, and therefore I can't possibly make an informed decision
> about an appropriate response. The prudent task is to gather
> information and wisely analyze and ponder it, *over time*. There has
> never been a more appropriate moment to remember that haste makes
> waste, and we don't want to needlessly waste more human lives.
GWB has already said that he's planning a 3 year "campaign". Like you,
I hope we just don't start bombing some rock pile.
> P.S. About what happened to my dad:
> http://www.digitizethis.com/memorial/dad/death.html
I can only guess the emotions that you went through posting this. But
thanks for it anyway. I hope all on this list read it and learn from
it. I know I have - and my heart goes out to you.
Thanks for you kind words,
-Hugh
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