I apologize for going off topic, but believe that many amateur radio operators worldwide have value systems rooted in the Judaian/Christian ethic. In the USA we believe to the roots of our deepest held value system that the Right to Free Speech shall be honored, subject to the one constraint of not endangering the common good. There is a line from an old movie that I choose to paraphrase: 'I disagree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to my death your right to say it.' On the HF and VHF bands US amateurs will engage in discussions that other cultures deem to be off limits in an exercize of the right. Pope John Paul II, the Roman Catholic Leader of the world and a spokesman for many deeply held Christian values, has written: "...In the name of God: Respect, Protect, Love and Serve Life...",[Evangelium Vitae [Gospel of Life], Paragraph 5]. On 9-11-2001 people who do not honor either Life or Free Speech conducted a pre-meditated attack against me/us and my/our value system. That attack should not lead me/us to abandon our value system(s). Some have written blaming the USA for the attack, effectively accusing us of national suicide. Some have responded vigorously defending the USA. Some have responded condemning either or both of the above. We, the people of the USA, through the actions of our leaders, will respond based on principles of Law and Justice. Our response will be measured, proportional to the harm done, and hopefully fully respectful of innocent human life. It is in Respect for all Life, Protection of all innocent Life, Service of Life and Love of Life and life values, including free speech, that the USA is defined. My friends in the USA, let us grieve together, let us pray together, let us cry together, let us be angry together; but let us also be resolved to respect life, people and the diversity of values, customs, ideas and political opinions. My friends thoughout the world, we need your support and prayers. We respect the diversity of opinion even if we don't agree with it. We ask you to support the USA as we seek Truth, Justice and Mercy in the aftermath of recent events. Innocent life has been destroyed. In the midst of this trajedy we, the amateur radio operators of the USA, particularly those who work DX and post comments on the various DX reflectors, have an opportunity to truly witness to the world our value system. Rev. Mr. [Deacon] Dave Shrader, W1MCE ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX NEWS items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
