Because after such an unbelievable demonstration of the fragility of the human condition and of the need to promote peace and understanding amongst all the peoples in this world, what we see most of all from the leaders of the American people is talk of pride and revenge.

We're all in this together. American and Arab, Israeli and Palestinian, Christian and Muslim, Believer and Atheist, for as long as we keep focussing on our differences we shall suffer the consequences of our ignorance.

I saw on TV images of Palestinian people celebrating the events. Much as I'm disgusted by everything that has happened, much as I find it sad that the victims were not guilty of any crime, I'm really worried that those joyful Palestinians will be incorrectly labeled evil monsters. How many people, in the US or elsewhere, are really concerned about understanding what could possibly motivate such hatred in people that are not different from ourselves? How many people are really concerned about avoiding making the same mistakes they did?

If history repeats itself, as it usually does, these senseless acts of violence will only prompt more senseless acts of violence. It's one evil against the other, two wrongs trying to make a right. I just hope some future generation learns the lesson, we, like all our predecessors, are once again missing the opportunity.

The US calls itself a Christian society. President Bush finished his address with the traditional "God Bless America". Yet the God who is supposed to bless America has tried to teach us that we should love our enemies, that we should not retribute acts of violence, that we should seek wisdom rather than revenge. Alex is right. Most religious people are little more than liars who preach but do not practice.

I feel very sad for all that is happening. Last time I felt this sad was when the US killed innocent Serbians just a few years ago.

This world sucks. But there's hope, and I think hope is the only thing that keeps us alive.

• But what can be done? - stormcrow - September 12, 2001 - 15:32 UTC
  • Nothing worth saying - aurino - September 12, 2001 - 17:36 UTC
  • My view - harvey1 - September 12, 2001 - 18:12 UTC
    • I'm still worried - stormcrow - September 12, 2001 - 18:22 UTC
      • I wouldn't go that far... - harvey1 - September 12, 2001 - 19:03 UTC
        • Well, - stormcrow - September 12, 2001 - 21:07 UTC
          • I don't get it - harvey1 - September 12, 2001 - 21:28 UTC
            • You're right, of course, but... - stormcrow - September 12, 2001 - 21:46 UTC
              • s, who's with me? - bladesinger - September 12, 2001 - 22:10 UTC
                • Compare/Contrast - stormcrow - September 12, 2001 - 22:16 UTC
                  • It's a shame - rggarfinkle - September 13, 2001 - 04:24 UTC
                    • insurance - bladesinger - September 13, 2001 - 15:50 UTC
                      • Yeah - stormcrow - September 14, 2001 - 03:11 UTC
                  • you say that. - djricky - September 13, 2001 - 15:05 UTC
                    • Yes, I do - stormcrow - September 13, 2001 - 17:00 UTC
                      • With all due respect... - rggarfinkle - September 14, 2001 - 16:27 UTC
                      • With all due respect... - rggarfinkle - September 14, 2001 - 16:29 UTC
              • We can only do the best we can - harvey1 - September 13, 2001 - 00:56 UTC
                • A political forum here would be interesting - stormcrow - September 13, 2001 - 01:46 UTC
                  • Oh GOD - rggarfinkle - September 13, 2001 - 04:25 UTC