IP: "hanks for your effort!"

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 13:48:48 +0200
> To: farber () cis upenn edu
> From: Steven Carlson <steve () noweurope com>
> Subject: Thanks for your effort!
>
> Dave,
>
> I've appreciated all the info you've distributed during this
> crisis. You, Dave Winer, and Phil Agre have been key info sources
> for me.
>
> I'm a US citizen living in Budapest, Hungary. I'm a board member
> at First Tuesday, and serve as internal moderator for the city
> leader network. I run the Budapest chapter. I also run a
> discussion forum, and newsletter, called nowEurope:
> I often redistribute your stuff to my readers (with credit).
>
> http://noweurope.com
>
> I have an important question to ask you, which you may want to
> answer to the group, at large: What's the mood over there? What's
> the buzz on the streets, among people you know, colleagues,
> family and friends?
>
> The word I keep hearing is solidarity.
>
> Like most of us, I've been dealing with a range of emotions as I
> struggle to assimilate what has happened. It's a roller coaster
> that we're all riding.
>
> As a student of US foreign policy, I'm inclined to be cynical and
> perhaps even bitter. I still think there's a very real threat the
> current administration will blunder into something Stupid and
> Tragic. It wouldn't be the first time. It might be the last.
>
> To even the most casual observer it should be obvious that US
> policy had hand creating this scenario. What CNN doesn't discuss
> (but the BBC does!): Osama bin Laden is a creation of US policy.
> We trained him, supported him, and pointed him at the Soviets.
>
> My parents don't understand these issues; We discussed all this
> on the phone, yesterday. They see "America" (I'm always skeptical
> about how this word is used!) as a Moral Force in the world: the
> Reluctant Global Policeman. Somebody has to stand up for right
> and wrong. Nobody but the US in such a position to do so.
>
> I find myself agreeing.
>
> But I hesitate. I feel in myself that internal conflict between
> Isolationalist and Global Policeman. Do we have the right? If we
> don't, who else will? Any decision to intervene should not be
> made lightly; in the heat of passion, or to score a cheap victory.
>
> That's why I'm concerned about the collective mood over there.
> The aggressive stance at CNN disturbs me (America's New War!).
> And yet my parents tell me the coverage at Fox has been moderate.
> They tell me people are coming together, soberly; that the
> attitude is solidarity, commiseration and compassion.
>
> I certainly hope so.
>
> Steve
>
>
> PS - Feel free to redistribute these commments, if you find that
>      appropriate. And thanks again!



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