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Let's not reach out in hatred By
Heather Jo White
America's arms are reaching. The question is, in which direction? Here we are in catastrophe's midst. The Land of the Free was surprised Sept. 11, and as with every surprise, outbursts of emotion are flowing. We are sympathetic. America's arms reach inward. All across the country we are finding ways to comfort each other. We sigh together as we see a woman reunite with her husband who worked as a security guard on the 62nd floor of the first tower. We cry together as we hear the recording of a new bride professing her last words of love to her young husband through the cell phone static. Donating blood, giving rides to stranded travelers, our arms are wrapped around one another in acts of sincere humanity. We are sad. America's arms reach upward. Temples, cathedrals, synagogues, chapels and our homes are resounding with pleas to a higher power for relief. Religions from all corners are coming together to raise their hearts toward heaven. Even our Commander in Chief on national television supplicated God for blessings. We are seeking consolation amidst chaos as we bleed. We are angry and hateful. Here is a concern. America's arms are reaching outward for retaliation. Whether vocalized or not, revenge is on everyone's mind. "Go after 'em!" "Bomb 'em back!" "The people who did this can never sleep and have a safe night in their beds!" are some of the reactions that have been heard. How many of us applauded Senator Hatch as we heard him refer to the terrorists as "cowardly bastards" or when we heard the promise of our president to hunt down and kill not only those responsible, but those involved as well? Do we really believe that spite will soothe our aching? The evil terrorists have infected us with the same evil and bigotry that led them to engage in such malevolence. As for those who are demanding revenge, yes, justice must be dealt. But who are you and I to issue it? Call them bastards if you will, but what and who is that serving? We are citizens of a nation under attack. We are constituents of an entity in distress. But we are citizens, constituents, individuals. United and under the direction of our president we make up the strongest nation in the world, but individually, we cannot abolish terrorism. Our nation needs our support, not our advice. We've all got plenty to say but I must agree with those who are reminding us that revenge will not bring back the lives that have been lost, it will not right the wrong, it will not ease the pain. If we think it will satisfy our anger I'm afraid we will find ourselves not only wrong, but enveloped in rage that has only accelerated. Inward and upward reaching cannot hurt us as individuals nor as a nation. But personally extending our arms in hatred will only deepen our wounds. Our nation may need to exercise retaliation but let's leave that to America. Individually there is no justice in hate. Reach inward. Reach upward. But as for the bastards, let them damn themselves.
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