Progressives call for peace, moderation
Author: Paul Houle
Topic: General News
Last week, Americans in cities across America expressed their desire that the US show restraint in it's response to the terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon. Actvists have been maintaining a peace vigil at Union Square in New York City, as well as San Francisco, Boston and smaller cities such as Troy in upstate New York. Many are concerned that our media's frantic propaganda has led to attacks on innocent Muslims; the Green Party of the United States has issued a statement. There will be anti-war marches in Washington, DC on the weekend of September 29.
Members of Ithaca's Food Not Bombs went to New York City to serve food this week. A peace vigil is ongoing in DeWitt Park, and members of the Ithaca Sharks (Coalition for Global Justice) have been tabling daily on the Ithaca Commons. The Sharks have spread out a canvas for people to write their thoughts, which has been overwhelmingly filled with calls for peace. A number of events have been held at both college campuses, including a vigil organized by the Isreali and Iranian student associations. Unfortunately, the Ithaca Journal reports that a small software company in Tompkins County has received harassment because it's name i s similar to a company that was mentioned on Fox News for not allowing it's employees to display American flags at work.
Some thoughts by Tony Del Plato:
America the beautiful has been wounded, no matter how much posturing politicians and patriots get into. We have been wounded by an act of terror that has shaken our security, indifference, and comfort to the core of our souls.
Americans are digging for hope below 110 stories of metal, steel and whatever held up the twin towers. Will America the beautiful ever get to the bottom of the heap of steel, glass and all that used to stand tall? Will there be a future to stand in?
If we want a future, then peace not war must be the way. Let our eyes meet with the recognition of our diverse heritages and common destiny, so that we may come out of our isolation and fear, and demand peace now.
Is this the destiny that we've read in our history books? Was this prophecy fulfilled or free will? America has come to be because of a belief in both. And now, under the rubble lies the flesh and blood of working people, in rescue efforts, in offices or on airplanes-the public safety workers, firefighters, police, medical personnel, office workers, and custodians, and the thousands who make America work. Why them?
Understandably, Americans want justice. Killing more civilians in our name will bring only more scorn and hatred for Americans, and more followers of terrorism. In our pursuit of "a prime suspect" of the wounding of America, the U.S. has demanded that Pakistan end food and other supplies to the already starving and suffering people of Afghanistan. Will our "crusade" create thousands more innocent victims?
Justice demands patience, not vengeance. Just as the World Court pursued, isolated, and arrested the former tyrant of Serbia, Slobodan Milosevek, for his war crimes, the killing and rape of thousands, so must we pursue the terrorists who have wounded America. The pursuit of justice does not include "collateral damage" nor the indiscriminate expression of vengeful rage.
We need to walk in beauty throughout America and the world. As imperfect as America is, we must stand for peace and justice. The cycle of terror and violence must be stopped, not by more terror, but from the understanding that the antidote to fear and hate are compassion and love.
Tony Del Plato
POB 634, Ithaca, NY 14851
607 257 2520
tdelplat@twcny.rr.com
