Sent to president@whitehouse.gov:
Posted by mike at September 15, 2001 10:52 AM | Old Advogato Diary , September 11th | TrackBackMr. President,
I join with the country in grief and sorrow following the tragic events on Tuesday, September 11. However, I worry about the responses that the administration appears to be leaning toward. In the recent news, I have seen great throngs coming together in church and on the streets, hoping and praying for peace. Yet, moments later, there is talk of war.
I think it is important that if we as a nation must retaliate with force and therefore violence, we must be extremely certain of the goals. When I think of this as a war, I see it as a war against violence, hatred, and fear.
Mr. President, I feel that this is a battle that must be fought in the soul, not in the air, at sea, or on the ground. I am grateful to hear that the United States government has attempted to bring the Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table (though I am troubled by Israel's response).
Those moments of horror on Tuesday could be the greatest gift the world has ever known. Never before have so many people been united in the pursuit of peace. Therefore, the goal I see is not just the security of our great nation, but security and peace throughout the entire world.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Michael Hicks