[thechat] making this more personal [was: What can WE do?]

[Hugh Blair]

> -----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