Veterans For Peace Stress Thoughtful Action in Response to World Trade Center and Pentagon Horror - September 11, 2001
September 14, 2001. Veterans For Peace, Inc., an organization of men and women who have served in the military and know the costs of war and terrorism as intimately as anyone can, consider the hijacked airplane attacks on the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon a grievous assault upon innocence; a cause for outrage, sadness and disbelief -- indeed the full range of emotions that must arise from such violence happening within the borders of our homeland.
Our hearts are full of anguish for the as-yet uncounted civilians who have died. We embrace the families they leave behind with a grief that echoes their own. Many of us recognize, yes, even bear, the same scars forming within the survivors.
On September 11, 2001 we witnessed the extent to which this century’s cycles of violence have escalated to bring down the most visible symbols of power in the world. Many of us feel an overwhelming need to strike back, somehow, even blindly.
At this critical point, we believe it is essential to recognize that terrorists do not represent, nor are representative, of any community or country as a whole. We must not allow terrorism the power to create fear, suspicion and hatred -- or to direct our nation's domestic and foreign policies. We must not surrender to the cycle of retaliatory violence these angry people would push us into. Instead, we must come together and support each other, with faith and trust.
We do not believe this is a naïve concept; rather, that it is a practical exercise that honors those whose experiences have taught them that there is a viable alternative to war and the cycle of violence. We hear the trumpets and drumbeats of retaliation, but in our hearts, we know that America can play another tune; one of reason and rationality, and respect for human life.
When the nation has digested the indigestible, we believe it must ask this question:
“Will military build-up, attacks upon foreign nations suspected of harboring terrorists, the suspension of cherished civil liberties -- the creation of Fortress America, with battlements flung around the world -- guarantee the safety of our citizens and preserve the freedoms defined by our Constitution?”
We condemn the violence perpetrated on America, but see clearly that the time for understanding cause and effect is now upon us. We must recognize this need, and change our actions to benefit the disenfranchised, understand the issues of power and its global effects, and seek a course of justice that will disable the cause of terrorism and render harmless the potential for devastation.
Offered by the Veterans For Peace Board of Directors