>>In a message dated 12/9/01 7:01:23 am, jperryl_at_ecs.fullerton.edu writes:
>>
>>what, then, do you think is the solution that ends the violence?
>>
>On 9/12/01 @ 3:44 PM, Mike Bridgwater stated:
>
>There are practical things that can be done - it seems from reports
>we are getting in Uk that internal airline security has been monimal
>because the airlines did not want their schedules interrupted by
>searches and checks. In europe and on international flights numbers
>of knives could not have been taken on board as they were reported
>to have been on these terror flights. I personally have had to
>surrender my pen knife to cabin staff for the duration of a flight,
>willingly I might so because I felt happy that stringent precautions
>had been taken. No doubt security will now be stepped up on US
>flights.
>
>In sorrow and respect for the dead
A few of comments:
- 1st: Until all the facts are out, don't assume everything was done
with just knives. Bomb threats and other coercion may have been
involved. Also, seeing a person killed in front of your eyes with knife
in a very gruesome way has a paralyzing effect on those who witness the
event. Also realize, that in the hands of a skilled assassin, a knife in
many ways can be more effective than a gun. People who kill with guns,
don't have to be experts at killing. Those with knives do it up front and
personal. It takes a different type of person to do that.
- 2nd: Assume for a moment that it was only knives that were used. Did
the terrorists smuggle them on board? Was it a failure of security? Or
were they placed on board by other personnel? And if so, at what
airport? There are many questions to be answered before this area can be
addressed. Let's not get the cart ahead of the horse.
- 3rd: Terrorists are not like you and I. They have different values
and beliefs. You cannot stop them until you erratic them. Period. They
will not change their ways. To believe so is only foolish rhetoric.
Terrorists remain dormant only until another lucrative target presents
itself that will further their cause. They see the value of their lives
in different ways than we do. They truly believe in their cause and feel
that it is glorious to give their lives should the need arise -- such as
we saw today. Remember, terrorists do not quit until they have succeeded
in fulfilling their mission.
- 4th: This is not a matter of revenge. It is a matter of survival.
Unless we do more to combat terrorism, events such as this will continue
to happen throughout the world. In this case, we need to make a
statement (And I don't mean verbal) that we will not tolerate it in any
shape or form. Remember, any of us could be the next victim, regardless
of where we live, work, play, etc. We cannot allow the world to become
victimized by terrorist groups such as what happened today.
- 5th: Ever wonder why we don't pay ransoms for hostages? The reason is
that each and every American would become a valuable target for hostage
situations. By sticking to our policies, we have greatly reduced this
type of event occurring to US citizens. Sometimes a policy with no
arbitration is needed.
- 6th: Until you've been involved in the fight to combat terrorism first
hand, more than likely you have only a cursory view of what that world
involves. In this time of sorrow, trust the world leadership to guide us
in the right direction.
- 7th: Comments which you might find harsh or uncaring couldn't be
farther from the truth. There are organizations that on a daily basis
stop terrorists from consummating their attacks. This type information
does not reach the public -- unfortunately. For if it did, I would
almost guarantee you would have a different perspective on things.
Remember, you cannot negotiate with terrorists.
- 8th: Do whatever you can to assist those in need. And pray for those
who have been victimized today by these tragic events by individuals who
will stop at nothing.
These comments are from the heart. They are not meant to attack anyone
on the board. We have a super group of folks on this Newton board, and
it provides a wonderful service to the Newt community. Thankfully there
are folks out there who maintain a vigilance that allows our members from
around the world to enjoy activities such as this.
Respectfully,
Sushi
-- This is the Newtontalk mailinglist - http://www.newtontalk.net To unsubscribe or manage: visit the above link or mailto:newtontalk-request_at_newtontalk.net?Subject=unsubscribe
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.2 : Wed Oct 03 2001 - 12:01:45 EDT