[thechat] Palestinians

[Seth Bienek]

I have been watching these threads over the last few days with great interest; learning about you, my friends and colleagues; reading your thoughts and opinions, studying the (apparent) rationale and motivations for your beliefs; hoping to temper my emotions and conclusions with those of the people whom I have come to know and respect over the last few years.

I've been (relatively) quiet, but reading each message carefully, often more than once, in an effort to gain insight into what I believe to be "true" world opinion (my world, at least), and to help myself come to grips with what has been happening the last few days.  I guess you could say I've been looking for answers.  They are slow in coming, and not easy to digest, but this list helps.

I just wanted to thank you all for sharing your feelings and ideals in this public forum.  I'm sure I'm not the only person who's been anxiously watching this list to see what wonderful philosophy or outpouring of unabashed emotion would come across next.

Thanks again for sharing.  And keep it coming.

On an added note, I was forwarded an article this morning that I think sums up the way many of us (Americans) are feeling right now.  I'm not big on mushy, empty sentimentality, and though the article contains just a smidgen of it (just a smidgen mind you; not too much), I think it can be overlooked for the actual content.  If you're interested in this thread, or insight into the American ideology, I invite you to check it out.

We'll Go Forward From This Moment
Leonard Pitts Jr.
http://www.miami.com/herald/content/features/columnists/pitts/digdocs/000565.htm

Wishing You All the Best,

Seth Bienek