Special Reflections Page

Comments of the Editor-in-Chief on the events of September 11, 2001

The attack on the World Trade Centers of New York was not just an attack on the United States. At least 500 Canadians worked in one of the two WTC. Hundreds of them are still missing. In addition there were people from other countries who either worked at or visited these buildings on any given day.

It was a strike at the World as the name of the buildings implies. It was a strike at the financial structure of North America and in fact the world that depends on the healthy economy that this affords. Through the strong North American economy much aid has been given to other more impoverished countries in their times of need.

Closer to home - the ice storm that hit the province of Quebec and other parts of Canada as well as the United States in January 1998 did not distinguish between borders nor did the assistance provided by the two countries to their respective neighbour. The South Carolina air force base that flew 4 missions to airlift volunteers and supplies to the Canadian side of the border is just one such example.

For Canadians as well as many others, the strike on the United States also represents a strike at the safety and the degree of stability of world peace made possible by the military power of the United States. Thus the strikes at and intended for the Pentagon and the White House represent the attempt to unsettle the current level of world peace without the Cold War and without the constant threat of terrorism. Or so we thought until this day.

In fact, it was a strike at anyone who does not believe in terrorism. That means it was a strike at the world, as we knew it before 9/11/2001.

From these ashes we must rise to build an even stronger world peace, financial structure and allegiance of nations around the world to ensure terrorism is eradicated and we can work toward assisting everyone to make war and terrorism words of the distant past.

Appropriately, the day was 9-11.
 
Best wishes. Richard Seltzer, Boston, USA

I was quite amazed to read that September 11 was the designated United Nations' International Day of Peace.
 
Xenia Stanford, Canada
 
THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE - Tuesday, September 11, 2001 has been celebrated on the opening day of the General Assembly since 1981. A minute of silence for peace is traditionally observed to give positive evidence of a "commitment to peace in all its viable ways." Recently the International Day of Peace was moved from the third Tuesday of September to the Tuesday following the second Monday of September. From www.worldpeace.org/culture.html
 
Read also the now poignant message of Secretary-General Kofi Annan written on September 10 for delivery on the 11. www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2001/sgsm7945.doc.htm

Kendra Amidon forwarded the url for this message written by a prominent Canadian journalist: www.flowgo.com/refer/redir.cfm?page_id=16810&d=09-14-01

We have all been touched by the events of the past week. As the civilized world seeks targeted justice against evil, Superfactory encourages you to help make a difference. Take the time to reconnect with family, friends, colleagues, and your global community.
 
- Kevin Meyer, Superfactory, USA

WHITE TUESDAY
To reinforce our wish for the World peace and the end of terrorism and violence, and also to express our solidarity for those lives lost in the tragedy of Tuesday the 11th, we are inviting you to join us the Tuesday 18th wearing a white shirt, T-shirt or blouse and keeping the lights of your car on during day time.
 
We also invite you to keep 4 minutes of silence at 9 am (one for each airplane kidnapped)
 
Your participation and support is important.
 
DRESS IN WHITE
KEEP THE PEACE
 
Same message in Spanish:
MARTES BLANCO
 
Para manifestar nuestro deseo por la paz mundial y el cese al terrorismo y a la violencia, asi como también expresar nuestro sentimiento de solidaridad por las pérdidas humanas en los atentados terroristas del pasado martes 11 de septiembre, te invitamos a que el próximo martes 18 de septiembre te vistas con camisa, blusa o playera blanca, prendas las luces de tu coche durante el día y a las 9:00 a.m. guardes 4 minutos de silencio (uno por cada avión secuestrado).
 
Es muy importante contar con tu apoyo y participación.
 
Esto es por la paz mundial.
 
PONTE DE BLANCO
PONTE LA PAZ
 
Above message in English and Spanish forwarded by Margarita Lozano Job, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México

Dear Debra
 
... The recent week has also been quite traumatic for us Malaysians and we are praying for world peace. It is times like this that we must truly be united in spirit and truth. Our prayers are also with the American people for their losses!
 
Warm regards
Patricia Chua, Malaysia

Dear Debra:
 
I have NO words. Born during the war, still I dream nasty dreams where bombs and people killed by nazis come across my landscape in Genoa 1943-45.
 
Very glad to see you so reactive as usual. The life goes on.
 
All best wishes to you and your family.
Piero Formica, Italy

Dear Debra,
 
The attacks on the US citizens are vile, as are all attacks on innocent citizens around the world. In our deliberations, I am sure that we will use our experiences and knowledge to develop the work which has been done for the benefit of all citizens of the world.
 
... I hope that the rising sun will not be covered. Our prayers are always with the families who have lost loved ones, and with the survivors who are still traumatised.
 
Yours
Vidya (Vidyaratha Kissoon), Guyana

Dear Debra,
 
I am against all kinds of terror:
-Killing innocent people
- Poisoning the youth who end to commit suicide as a live bomb
- Showing racism to send people out of their home and home country,
- Taking the young people to military to be killed by terrorists or undefined enemy
- Increasing the hunger on purpose
 
Because I live in a country where terror killed 30,000 - 40,000 people in 10 years and where because of the war against terror economy collapsed (of course bad management or no ethics has an important role)
 
Against the terror we are unified as long as it does not harm the innocent ...
 
We recently lived through a little event where an innocent poor street child was arrested as the murderer of a big Business man. In one week it is proven to be wrong. As long as the reasons and the roots of terror are not studied and discovered it will continue. Let us look behind the screens.
 
We all believe in the same single God who does not give us any right to kill any (innocent or guilty) any human being. But let us unify our forces and knowledge to find all the terrorist groups in the world and try to destroy them by avoiding the reasons causing them to become terrorist.
 
Love
Gülgün Kayakutlu, Turkey

And Another message from Gülgün
 
The worst part of it is: No war, no power or no knowledge can bring the victims back to life ...
 
... Of course our government will support US. Turkish airforce has already started war position.
 
I want to emphasize my individual message: I am all against any kind of terror and I am ready to do anything to avoid it. I am against killing the innocent people just by generalizing terror by one religion or by one nation.
 
We all pray God for a better and peaceful world.
 
Love
Gülgün (Gülgün Kayakutlu), Turkey

Debra,
 
Your leadership continues to shine in this darkness...
 
It warms my heart to see you quote those words of Gene Cernan that I had displayed in my office in Digital for so many years.
 
I am still here in Ireland and I have not been able to take the time to respond to your message because I have been busy getting Americans who were stranded in Europe back to their families in the US. The two business jets that I have here with my Executive Briefing Centre have been doing some "creative flying" to collect Americans and consolidate them here in Ireland so that we could charter a flight for them all back to North America. They are now on the ground and with their families.
 
Thank You for your thoughts.
 
Let us hope and pray that this outrageous act of madmen will bring about a change in the world where all people can see that their enemy is hatred, not other countries, not other people, not other religions.
 
I believe that this can be a turning point that could change the world to a better place.
 
If we can hear and understand anything from this, let it be the words of hundreds of those who were calling out from the World Trade Center and making their last words "...I love you..."
 
They are telling us all that that is the answer...
 
Rod Sutherland, Ireland

Good to hear from you!
 
We hope that terrorism will no longer be only our problem here in Israel, and that with joint global efforts led by the USA we will overcome this threat to civilization.
 
Best,
Edna (Dr. Edna Pasher), Israel

Debra
 
Now we know what it feels like when war suddenly breaks out, thunder out of a clear sky. This is the first world war of the new age of ubiquitous knowledge.
 
It is a war in which people, frustrated by their own inability to arrange successful societies but jealous of the successful technological civilization created by the European tradition, seek to destroy the freedoms of civilization. They use the tools created by that Western technological society, to destroy the West that created them.
 
It will be a war of a new nature in military science, requiring new methods, dedication and ingenuity. But if the West does not prevail, all the world will slip into a new dark age.
 
Universal distribution of knowledge has led to the democratization of technology.
 
As you of all people know, the key to success is knowledge and dedication more than capital which was the most important key in the old world. This enables small companies to succeed. However it also enables a small destructive group to leverage its knowledge and dedication for evil aims.
 
This is a war in which all good men and women must join together and prevail.
 
Best wishes,
Kenny (Professor Kenneth Preiss), Israel

Dear Debra
 
In this special time I am very concerned you and your family's safety. Glad to hear you are ok.
 
With my love,
Zhouying, China

Dear Debra
 
Thank you very much for taking these steps.
 
I have discussed both the events and your aims with many of the very top ranking Finnish industrialists and ministers. You, and all Americans, have our full support.
 
My heart goes out to you.
Esko Kilpi, Finland

Dear All
 
We are totally devastated by the news from USA and wish to send a message of sympathy and support to our American friends. However, it is so difficult to find words in the midst of such horror. Just be assured that people in UK are utterly at one with you in condemning the evil that has taken place and resolving to prevent it ever happening again.
 
Gordon, Sheena, Christina and all at RTC North (UK)

Dear Debra
 
Thank you for your GKD posting.... I want to think and pray hard about the loss of people in New York and Washington at the moment... but when the immediate crisis is past, and it is possible to think more clearly, I would like to address the WHY of terrorism.... and the issue of failed development and global justice... and a way forward that brings opportunity to all
 
Peter Burgess, Africa

Debra,
 
You are a gift to the world--as is each of us. But you are using your energies (always were abundant!) in positive directions. God speed!
 
Love and hope,
Karen Speerstra, USA

Dear Debra:
 
I read your message in GKD. I share and have faith in the view that you expressed. Although many will naturally link such notion to business agenda - this is how cynical this generation is about noble idea and global solution - but knowing you personally especially of your track record in knowledge strategy and frankness in making statement - I know you will pursue the cause. What we need is to articulate a clearer vision and clearer explanation how the modern knowledge strategy can achieve its social objectives.
 
At least you are better than me - I find it difficult to tell people that I develop Internet Biologists because I believe in an international collaborative model of doing good science. People has asked why I am so persistent over past 5 years when there is no tangible financial support and return- and I know many tend to point to some ulterior personal agenda (?) and reward.
 
Also, thanks for your recommendation for International Productivity Conference 2001. I do not know how I can fit into the track as there is no clear description from the Web, but at all time I have a good case of Internet Biologists as a model for virtual knowledge-driven networking.
 
Virtual knowledge networking is a critical competency that workforce need to build up for acquiring and developing knowledge.
 
A moment ago I have just read the detail of the hijacked flight and found that one actually flew from Boston. Pardon me of my ignorance of US geography and I thought it is close to your place- I am glad this mail finds you well.
 
Best wishes,
Chin Hoon Lau, Malaysia

Dear Debra,
 
I guess we are all trying to overcome the shock, pain and sorrow caused by the terrible acts of terror in our brother land America. Your country has done so much to bring peace, stability and freedom to my homeland.
 
Blessed with freedom, in ten years our nation had developed more than ever before, filling many of us, and especially the young people, with joy, optimism and ambition to achieve more. Many of us quickly forgot the years of poverty, undemocratic rule and lack of freedom. It seemed to us, that there is nothing that could take this dream-like-reality from us, especially that previous enemies of our grandparents - like Germans or Russians - have become my sincere best friends, sharing same values and hopes. I admit that we already got used to the fact that pain and poverty can be shown broadcasted on CNN.
 
Just like watching any other film, knowing that it has a happy ending or that we may just go out of the cinema. Now we can't...
 
Tuesday has been for many of us a painful and bitter awakening. Hours of shock, tears, pain and fear...
 
Although still being just broadcasted on TV, now much more personal than ever before. And I guess it showed not only the American people but the whole world that something has to be DONE to bring wealth, peace and freedom to all the suffering and poor. We have to share our dream, our wealth, our knowledge...Show SOLIDARITY.
 
At the moment all Poles are with you, mourning.
 
Just want you to know that we are committed stand by your side in any initiatives you might undertake.
 
Our prayers and thoughts are with all those in pain.
 
Yours,
Tomasz (Tomasz Rudolf), Poland

Debra, Nimco,
 
Yes... I have been watching the painful events in New York on TV. The men and women who died were hard working people with loved ones and families of their own. And then something completely unexpected hits them out of the blue. A family is fragile thing wherever it is. I put myself in their situation and it breaks my heart to see this senseless destruction.
 
Debra, I hope you and your family and friends are OK
 
May the angels be with you both
 
Ali (Ali Liban), Somalia

Dear Debra
 
Sure I, and my family and friends was thinking of you. We tried to call and decided to wait up to this morning to send you the amitiés and love of everybody here
 
yours
Jean-Marc (J-M Le Duc Reseau), France

Dear Debra,
 
I think indeed that the world as we knew it changed forever on Tuesday. We have learned a great deal about our own responses to such human tragedy. I think that we have also learned that together we share the same planet on the universe and share the same fear and loathing of those amongst us who could dare to perpetrate such an act of violence. My fears are also concerned that we do not learn the lessons from this terrible event and that we do not act in any way that will make us mourn for more innocent human deaths. I am reminded of the words of Christian Nevell Bovee: "Tears are nature's lotion for the eyes. The eyes see better for being washed by them".
 
My thoughts are with the many thousands of families throughout the world whose lives were torn apart by these events this week and with the heroes who's unselfish concerns for the well being of other humans has placed their own lives in jeopardy.
 
Best Wishes
Mike (Dr. Michael Kelleher), Wales

Dear Debra.
 
Receive a great message of company with you and all american people.
 
Probably you know about our continuous pain because of terrorism here, but the scenes I have in my mind about this week facts still seem a movie for me. I resist myself to believe that this is reality.
 
Debra, I do not have more words for today.
 
Hopefully we can talk afterwards.
 
Please, have peace and hope for a better future.
 
Good bless all of you.
Luis (Luis Ovidio Galvis), Colombia

Dear Debra,
 
I am deeply stressed by these sufferings.
 
Killing innocent people is always tragedy that is hard to think of and hard to believe. Please people don't follow this!
 
Konstantin M Golubev, Kiev, Ukraine

As usual, Vint finds the right words -
Words for All of Us from Vinton Cerf (VA, USA)
September 12, 2001
See
http://www.icdri.org/inspirational/words_for_all_of_us_from_vinton_.htm

John Hibbs, CA, USA

Some words that help me from todays NYT (September 17, 2001 New York Times)

Plutarch said, "Good fortune will elevate even petty minds, and give them the appearance of a certain greatness and stateliness, as from their high place they look down upon the world; but the truly noble and resolved spirit raises itself, and becomes more conspicuous in times of disaster and ill fortune."

Watts Rozell, USA

For those who want to do something,
 
Instead of candles and fresh flowers, a group of us has decided to create a Virtual Memorial in remembrance of the innocent victim of the Sept 11 disaster. For now, you can go to www.xgmc.com/911, (We will work on a more permanent address later, and the Website is NOT finished yet...)
 
You are free to contribute your reflection, your thoughts, prayer, poem, drawing, photo, song, whatever digital format you could come up with. We ask that you refrain from political discussion, or hate messages. Send your thoughts by emailing me at mailto:memorial911@yahoo.com
 
You are welcome to let others (e.g. your students) know about this, too.
 
Sebastian Loh, University of Georgia, USA

Please feel free to share these links with your friends and family.

www.oltraining.com/index1.html
www.oltraining.com/index2.html

These two pages have been created through a collective effort DEOS, Mauri, OLT, Sandra Cole, and myself. The music, Enya's Only Time plays softly in the background with a mix of news announcements.

The first one is particularly moving and captures the contrast between the tragedy with its sense of loss and incomprehensible amazement, and the feeling that over time love grows to heal and help those touched by the day cope with the trauma.

Terry (Terrence R. Redding, Ph.D.) West Palm Beach, Florida USA

Additional links to tributes:

• http://people.delphi.com/andybeals/thankyou.htm
• Web Communities Respond to 9-11 www.fullcirc.com/community/911response.htm

Editors' note:
 
We excluded some personal and non-relevant sections in some letters. WE also did not publish inflammatory or derogatory messages aimed at any specific person, country, race or religion in the belief this is a time for healing and uniting. This response of Amidon to one such message is offered here:
 
I am only one person trying to provide a foundation for a future that doesn't exist today.
 
I cannot be responsible for the previous actions of the United States, nor what might happen as a result of this disaster. All I can implore is that countries that have previously harbored terrorists or provided support realize that there is a better way...now with a worldwide coalition behind them.
 
Unfortunately, what has happened is, indeed, considered acts of war. However, this is a 'war' (like a war on drugs or poverty) that will be fought on multiple levels simultaneously.
 
This is not a matter of US oppression as it is US leadership - and long overdue.
 
In hopes of a better future for us all...
 
Debra M. Amidon, Boston, US