Dear Source,
As a woman of Afro-Caribbean heritage I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Iris Kern's position. I do agree that a tragedy occurred on Sept. 11 and unfortunately many lives were lost. Why should it take the loss of many innocents at home for things to change? Why is it that if you disagree with the majority it is presented as being un-American, communist or unpatriotic? Is it un-American to say that the United States of America was founded on the bloodshed and extermination of millions of native peoples?? Have they received justice?? What about the millions of people who were denied their basic freedoms to build this great country? Where is their justice??
What about the many horrific events the United States of America has participated in, events that have resulted in the deaths of no less than 8 million people worldwide since World War II? Many – in places from Baghdad to the Dominican Republic – are the result of military action or economic sanctions. Where is the justice for the innocent people who have died because of our policies and politics???
How many more innocents will be killed in our zest for "self defense" and the protection of our way of life? We will have all these deaths on our hands. How can I support plotting the murders of people who have nothing to do with terrorism? What kind of world do we want to live in? Are we going to get there by continuing to exploit others so that we may attain our dreams?? When will the cycle end? Why is America being exempted from "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?"
Is it impossible to believe that if we all treated each other with kindness, understanding, forgiveness and compassion, we cannot exist one with another?
Caroline Browne
St. Thomas
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