----- Original Message ----- From: "J. van Baardwijk" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Brin-L" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 3:31 PM Subject: RE: Scouted: Commentary: Why Europe Sides Against the Jews / tim e.com
> He scolds Europeans for not doing what (in his opinion) they should have > done, but I do not see him criticizing Americans for the same lack of > action. After the September 11 attacks, the entire US population called for > action against the terrorists. But how many of them did actually go out and > join the military so they could fight? One in 10,000? One in a 100,000? First of all, Gautam has made it clear that there are a variety of ways to fight. One does not have to take up arms to resist. One can also fight by contributing to the nation in one's daily activity. In the United States, during wars like WWI and WWII, this has been summarized as the home front. The home front took on particular meaning after September 11th. Most of the fighting on the home front did not include the type of heroic action one saw from the firefighters at the WTC and Pentagon or from the passengers on flight 93. But, even little actions, when added up, can have a significant benefit. Here, we did a few small things. First, we didn't let the terrorists intimidate us. I flew on September 21st, making a trip to visit my parents that was planned for September 14th. The family flew frequently last fall. I must admit I was a bit unnerved to wander through a quiet airport, but I was determined to be cheerful and friendly. My wife Teri encouraged nervous travelers talking about canceling their flights to defy their fears and the terrorists and fly. When she accepted a leave of absence for a year so people with lesser seniority that really needed their job could keep their job, we kept a very positive viewpoint. Second, we worked to ensure that we didn't repeat the mistake of mistreating Americans in response to a foreign attack. My church hosted a forum at which the local Islamic society, as well as the local Hindu priest, spoke about their communities dedication to the United States. I know it isn't at all heroic, particularly measured against people like Teri's grandfather fighting racism, or my uncle serving as a chaplain in WWII and Korea, or Adam's parents marching for Civil Rights. But, it is a positive contribution, and it is the type of individual action that is called for now. As far as corporate action goes, there is still a strong consensus for fighting terrorism as a nation. But, in many ways, these small acts requiring minimal courage and sacrifice are the very thing that is needed to keep this country from giving in to the terrorists. In particular, these actions stand in sharp contrast to the cowardly actions of the Norwegian legislature, French hotels, etc. All that is required to stand up to terrorists in both cases is a modicum of courage. I have absolutely no idea whether I'd be able to find the courage the people on flight 93 had. I could very well not have what it takes. But I do know that I can show a smidgen of courage. Dan M.
