Response of Reason, Not Rage

"Events" exercise a great and strong momentum of their own and do not accommodate much interference, although it is possible to influence one's "response" toward them. The recent tragic event has offered Muslims one such opportunity to define and execute a "response", the outcome of which will incontrovertibly benefit the entire humanity.

Our response thus far is to the extent of interfaith dialogs, joint prayers, vigils, anti-war rallies and other such activities. These noble acts are important and must continue as it will bring peace to the hearts of those who live today as those who perished are already embraced by the Infinite Peace-Giver. It can be safely assumed that all of us aspire our progeny to live in a fearless, peaceful and a just world of tomorrows.

The pursuit for justice continues, from "Infinite to Enduring!" May that be either, but it must be 'just'.  The alleged should not be convicted before they are tried with a fair opportunity to defend themselves. Justice is a prerequisite for Peace. This is a principled position & must be part of our response.  

The sacrifices of 1.5 million and the maiming of countless millions of Afghans by the Soviets, in fact gave victory to United States of America over Communists. The world must remember their sacrifices and the maiming because it is that which made the world free of "Red Peril". Our response must remember this fact too.

The 18 minute gap between the first and the second attack allowed every camera to focus on the scene to capture the second impact. With no film footage, the Pentagon explosion and the Pennsylvania crash smolders in our mental background. News consumers must heed to the useful caveat: Just because you see something does not mean that is all there is to see. And just because you do not see something does not mean nothing is happening.

If we cite what steeled the homicidal and suicidal resolve of the perpetrators, we must not feel ashamed to also include the exchange on CBS (May 12, 1996) between Madeleine Albright, then-US ambassador to the UN, and reporter Lesley Stahl. 

• Stahl: "We have heard that more than half a million children have died. I mean, that's more children than died in Hiroshima. And you know is this price worth it in the pursuit of one man (Saddam Hussain)?"
• Albright: "I think this is a very hard choice, but the price? We think the price is worth it."

That exchange became infamous among some. Is it possible that such senseless statements and actions could have created senseless rage against America? Short of visiting the ruins of World Trade Center, Madame Albright must be invited to reflect her past. Respect is earned if we are fair to all people, all the time. Our principled position shall influence the response.

The media's response to the event in all of its forms had the irremovable red/blue/white lens. The mantra of Muslims, Islam, Ex'sts and T'sts ... continues with more intensity. Precisely two weeks since Sep 11, fourteen people were shot killed before the "gunman" (not a T'st) shot and killed himself. It was in the city of Zug in Switzerland the country that prides itself for its lowest crime rate. Rather than maintaining a full time armed force, the government of Switzerland  requires all civilians to undergo military training, and gives an assault rifle and 24 rounds of ammunition to each person for their personal safety. Imagine if these six million Swiss people with an estimated 2 million privately held firearms including automatic rifles, were to have been in some other country. Would media change or remove its fixed lens?  Our response must be of reason and not rage.

The struggle to fight wrong is neither a fight of West vs East nor West vs the Rest, it belongs to the believers of peace, compassion and justice for all. It would honor the memory of those who perished on Sep 11 to insist that in the future, our policy makers and our media offer a better accounting of how wars for freedom are fought and what the actual price might include.