Thanks for bring this to my attention, JustAmy. I missed this morning because it was titled "Set an Example". Sheish! I just have to share the letter with all of the other FReepers who are reading this thread:
Some "patriots" have attempted to label the few who openly oppose a military response to the terrorist acts of Sept. 11 as un-American. This reckless labeling serves to intimidate, isolate, and threaten those who choose not to view justice in the terms of an eye for an eye.
One can be a good and proud American while disagreeing wholeheartedly with war, in any context. What if America set an example highlighted not by revenge, but by a series of nonviolent steps intended to bring justice through peace? These steps could include:
An immediate end to the sponsoring of covert military actions, we have trained and supported Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.
An increase of foreign aid that concentrates money in low-income communities.
Walking, running, riding a bike or taking advantag of public transportation on a regular basis. These methods of getting around will reduce our dependency on oil and contribute to efforts to clean up the Valley's air.
Attending events that present ideas for alternatives to war. (I am going to leave out their plug for the rally they have planned for today.)
An estimated 700-800 innocent civilians have died in Afghanistan and 7-8 million are on the verge of starvation. Is this acceptable?
See what we are up against guys? These guys are so full of baloney! What they are saying is that we shouldn't attack the terrorists militarily, but that we should instead create a world court, increase foreign aid, walk, run, or ride our bikes, and everything will be hunky dory!
Good grief!