When the tragic events took place Tuesday, I did not post right away, as I feared my own anger and hurt would lead to careless comments on my part. But, once I started the NATO post, that all changed, and in retrospect, I regret speaking as soon as I did. I think I said too many hurtful things out of anger, and may have fueled the flames, even if my comments technically did not call for hurting innocent people. The implications and suggestions in my posts could be taken either way, and I understand and regret that.
Arab Americans: First we must resist making the same stupid mistake we did with the Japanese Americans during WWII. Yesterday, I was very pleased to see the leaders in many cities and the media bringing the Islamic community on board I support arresting reactionary Americans who are starting to commit violence and terror against Arab Americans. I completed Jury Service yesterday where an Arab American was on the Jury with me. I was pleased and proud to serve with him, and to know that he is a good person.
Isalm is not the problem: While I do not believe in the Islamic faith, I accept that the vast majority of Islamic people are peaceful. I accept their own statements that they abhor what happened in the USA. I believe them when they say that the Koran prohibits suicide and similar fanaticism. In the USA we have hate groups like the KKK etc. that can be just as bad, and certainly do not reflect the views and beliefs of the majority of Christians and other citizens in our nation. I clearly see the difference, and know that it is a small minority of Islamic radicals who are behind these wicked acts.
Resolving the problem: In no way do I support indiscriminate bombing or the killing of any innocent person anywhere. In no way do I support the use of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons. I hope with all my heart that President Bush will use wisdom, and work with other nations, including those in the middle east, to rout out the terrorists organizations and bring them to the world court of justice. I hope that this is done in a responsible and careful way so that all good people are respected and treated with care. This will not be an easy or short task, and I am not certain how it can be done unless all the nations cooperate together.
My Statement: I apologize again if anything I stated came across as reactionary or unduly harsh. My intention was only aimed at the terrorists and their supporters who actively help them. But if anything I stated proved otherwise, please point it out and I will reinforce my apology and accept correction.
Appeal for calm: While I support the good and wise efforts of national leadership in the USA and its allies, and other nations, I also believe we need calm, and to keep the rhetoric in check. We live in a brutal world still, though not always that way. And, like previous generations where evil like the Nazis had to be brought down, likewise we have our own battle to bring down terrorism.
Use of Wisdom: While the terrorists cannot be excused for their wicked acts, we must try to understand the historical and current context that leads these people to act as they do. Such understanding may help us in avoiding those mistakes in national policy that contribute to tensions. Then, as we together with other nations work to rout out the terrorists, we can at the same time work in a way that will not cause more to join the terrorists.
I hope the above helps to clarify my views and the intent of any of my statements. Nevertheless, if the Nato alliance and other nations sharing with us in routing out terrorists use some force, I have to also believe in their wisdom and sincerity to use the best means to avoid harming innocent people.
With this statement: I am going to move to other topics, because I fear that if I keep discussing this topic, I may say more things that come across in ways I did not intend, and could be construed as wreckless statements by some. We all cannot know each other enough in order to always properly perceive our real intentions, and thus confusion and misunderstanding are easy commodities to obtain at an ultimate terrible price.
Thanks for listening, and as always I do appreciate everyone's comments and views whether we always agree or not. I trust and care for you all and respect your many good comments. - Amazing