We woke on September 12th to the drumbeat of war. The president, politicians and mainstream broadcast media were all speaking with one voice as they gave us their explanation for the attack. "They attacked us because we're a freedom-loving people," Bush said. So began their campaign for war. The mainstream media created the impression that all Americans wanted war. Alternative responses were not discussed. They manipulated our shock, suffering and fear by clamoring for war and urging revenge and conformity. In the rush for security came a willingness to forsake rational thought, civil liberties and the search for truth.
On September 12th we woke feeling shocked and depressed. We witnessed both politicians and the media quickly censoring those who dared to speak with a dissenting voice. Statements like, "If you are not with us, you are with the terrorists," created a sense of division and fear of speaking out. We spoke in whispers, wondering if we were alone. Responding to comments critical of the war by political commentator Bill Maher, White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer said, "Americans need to watch what they say, watch what they do, and this is not a time for remarks like that; there never is." Freedoms, especially those guaranteed by the First Amendment, the right to free speech and the right to assemble, come with a price, which is the courage to exercise those rights.
To end war and terrorism, America needs to become a humanitarian super-power. The United Nations estimates that to provide adequate food, water, health care and education worldwide would cost 40 billion dollars annually. Coincidentally, this is the amount that Congress has authorized for this new war. America needs to realize that we are the primary consumers of most of the world's resources. We need to change the way we use those resources. As a nation we need to give more and take less. This change has to begin with us as individuals before it can affect political and economic systems nationally and worldwide.
We can hope that perhaps a leader or prophet like Gandhi or Dr. King will rise up, speak the truth, and be strong and brave for us. Meanwhile, it is up to us to muster the caring and capacity to build a new world. We the people need to lead. We should start by treating each other with patience, kindness and respect. Then we must find the courage and strength to seek truth, stand up and speak out. The time is now.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2001
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