Like Kritter, just some observations and comments:

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I have been continually surprised this week by my reactions and emotions. I was on a rural job site when my wife called to tell me the Pentagon had been attacked. Throughout the day, I caught glimpses of television coverage, and kept the radio on, as the story unfolded. I knew that I have neither family nor close friends in New York or Washington, yet I felt such a visceral response. First, dread, since I do have 2 sons of military age, and second outrage that someone would do something so callous.

I suppose I could have understood better if there were a productive reason behind the attack, but I knew immediately that this was different. It was not an act of imperialism; they do not want to colonize America. It wasn’t an act of “have-nots” versus “haves”; they did not try to take away materials or property. It wasn’t a rebellion of the downtrodden against tyranny; our borders have been open to millions of “their” people seeking a better life.

It was an act of hatred. Fomented by centuries of religious intolerance, and whipped to a frenzy by reclusive zealots who feel their control threatened by global peace and understanding. Nothing was accomplished, no declaration of independence, no invader repelled, not even any demands declared. Just the senseless wasting of human lives. Hatred.

Friday night, my wife and I went out to eat in town. I have many Pakistani customers, and consider myself compassionate and understanding towards them. In the restaurant were three families in traditional Middle Eastern dress. I was amazed at the feelings that leapt upon me at the sight of them laughing and enjoying American freedoms. I realized that they, like myself were Americans. And probably, unlike myself, had changed their lives to escape intolerance or violence, or poverty. I had not lost anyone close to me in the attacks, no brother, no child, no co-worker. Yet still, the creeping shadow on my heart- Hatred.

In 1864, a frontier preacher named J.M. Chivington mustered a regiment to fight the Cheyenne in Colorado. It was a time of hatred and hysteria during the Indian war of that time, which was characterized by terroristic acts of both parties. Under Chivington’s command, his men attacked the village of Black Kettle at Sand Creek, leaving 300 dead and mutilated bodies; only 26 were warriors. The rest were women and children. Chivington’s orders had been “Kill and scalp all, big and little; nits make lice.”

Nits make lice. That phrase has always been disturbing to me. I just couldn’t understand how someone could say that. Until now, and that is suddenly terribly disturbing to me. Hatred

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-- Lon Frank (lgal@exp.net), September 18, 2001

Answers

Ah yes, Lon,

The old man is ever near to raising up within us, and is capable of the most heinous acts, given the right provocation. We have certainly been adequately provoked last week.

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), September 18, 2001.

Lon, your post is as deeply disturbing as your feelings. I haven't the time right now to answer it as I'd like, but want you to know I'll be praying for you. Hope your trip is uneventful and productive. Give Kit lots of hugs... bet he's especially sensitive to the changed atmosphere.

-- Tricia the Canuck (jayles@telusplanet.net), September 19, 2001.

I think a lot of Americans are feeling anger, hatred, and a desire for revenge right now. After what happened, that's understandable... but you can't let those feelings "take hold" and control you. They will destroy YOU, not the terrorists.

Lon, do you remember the men in Jasper, Texas, and what they did? I was SO ashamed that they were Texans. What if everyone assumed that you and I were just like them because we were from Texas too?

Coming out of this tragedy, we can either get bitter or get better. (((((Lon))))) Please get better!

-- Gayla (privacy@please.com), September 19, 2001.

(((Lon and all his family)))

-- helen (hugs@not.enough), September 20, 2001.