"According to what I've read about terrorist psychology, they see the world in a very abstract way. The "enemy" is not human, turned into a symbol of evil devoid of real content.

We all must take care not to think like they do."

"CJ, thank you for your words of wisdom on such a difficult topic. Most of us don't have any clue as to how the people in the Middle East live, let alone think. You have a unique perspective, one which I think should be heard. This is going to be a hard time for not just Americans, but for the entire world.

Let your classes know that not all Americans hate Muslims. Your young students had nothing to do with this, and there really are Americans that understand that."

"Chris, please tell those women of your class that at least one American is glad that they are concerned and that my prayers go to them and to you also. Be careful my friend."

"I applaud that woman for her sensitivity and understanding, and I applaud you for sharing her thoughts with us. Few people realize that this is one of the worst things that could happen for Arab-Americans in this country; it sets us back further than any political move any sovereign nation might make. When I saw that plane strike the World Trade Center I just thought, "Oh, no... this will be awful.

If we truly want to get back on our feet as a united nation, and prove to these bastards that they can't break us as a people, then we HAVE to get past our xenophobia and ignorance. As Americans, they are no longer luxuries we can afford.

We should all have that level of sensitivity."

"I'm afraid to go to Mosque this friday. Genuinly afraid. I don't scare easily, but there alot of hateful, ignorant people whose actions have already shown that there may be some desperate acts. I'm afraid to go to a place of sanctum. For those of you who are non-Muslim, or non-Arab, remember that, and if you hear someone using hateful words towards or against both Arabs or Muslims, correct them. It's up to *you* to ensure that things don't become truly ugly."

"Some sanity in what otherways seems like an insane world."

Volume 9, Book 83, Number 21: (of the Hadith) Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet said, "The most hated persons to Allah are three: (1) A person who deviates from the right conduct, i.e., an evil doer, in the Haram (sanctuaries of Mecca and Medina); (2) a person who seeks that the traditions of the Pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance, should remain in Islam (3) and a person who seeks to shed somebody's blood without any right."

I wonder where the fanatics who hijacked the planes got their religious justification from? (see #3)

"I hate how people tend to take the actions of one or more persons, and they blame it on an entire race, or country, or whatever. This is why I'm so worried about this war talk, because why should more innocent people die? They shouldn't."

"CJ tell your girls that we love them. Hopefully this will bring no harm to the good people of the world. Thankfully the good people greatly outnumber the bad. There are good and bad people in all countries and we are thankful that in most countries the rulers are among the good people."

"Dear Chris,

Your letter was beautiful and poignant.

I'm also an American. And I worry greatly about people who take this bombing as a license to attack any Arabs or any Muslims.

When I think about Muslims, I think about my much-beloved former boss, Kuldip Oberoi. One of the most intelligent, hard-working, and easy to get along with people that I've known. He didn't have a drop of hate or prejudice in him. Even after the company collapsed, I still invited him to my wedding.

When I think about Muslims, I think about the psychiatrist who keeps a close watch over my anti-depression medications, Dr. Shakir. Extremely knowledgable about depression and medication, he always keeps a good mood, even though he deals with depressed people all day.

When I think about Muslims, I think about my favourite Chinese restaurant, _Fatima_. It caters to Chinese Muslims. and its waiters hardly speak English... but it can boast some of the best home-made noodle dishes of any restaurant I've been in.

When I think about Muslims, I think about a shy, quiet African student that went to graduate school with me. (I teased her that her hair changed styles every week, so how was I to recognize her?) When I think about Muslims, I think about the friends of Davina, a professional belly-dancer.

And then I think... how could you lump these people together with the criminals who destroyed the World Trade Center?"

"Your friend made one mistake in her words. She said that it was not a day of teaching and yet that's exactly what she was doing. And sharing the story is just more teaching. I'm reading some of the CNN message board posts and the narrowness and hate are nearly as astounding as watching the tragedy unfold. Thanks for adding a little light into the place. Keep shining!"

"Thank you, Ceej. Please assure your students that there are many, here, who are saddened and horrified by what happened, and who are also concerned for the safety and quality of life of people like them, whether they live in the UAE, or here in our own neighborhoods. There are many compassionate, peace-loving people in this world, and I light a candle to the Goddess -- or, pray -- that we find, through this experience, a way to decide that peace is essential, and that incidents like these can happen no more."

"I'm praying that our world leaders will have the wisdom to solve these problems peacefully; that they will open a dialogue with another to get this world back on the peace track; that they work for all of us to live together in harmony. I heard a lot of world leaders including Arafat and Sharon and others condemn the terrorist acts. But I don't think I heard any of them say "let's open the door for peace; let's talk about this; this butchering has to stop now." Yes we're all hurting, but when do we start healing? For as long as I listened to the news coverage of these events I don't even think I heard the word "love" used once. We are all part of the collective consciousness. We are all one. Peace and love to you all."

"We're trying to make sense of what has happened, and to go on, without more innocent sacrifice."

"I would like to start by thanking you for sending me this little tid-bit from the UAE. Over here, It's been almost the only thing available on the babble-box for over a day and a half. Just recently has the non-news networks stopped screaming for bin-Laden's blood. Even still, CNN (Which I'm sure you get there, but since I'm used to being in the dark here I assume everyone else is) is occasionally releasing new footage gotten from this camera or that camcorder.

It has been haggard here. Americans have been in shock and uncertain about our global safety. Yes, in the aftermath of this terrorist attack there has been a certain amount of panic.

But I think it is a testament to our moral fiber, so to speak, that there has been no breakdown in society. There have been no riots, no looting, no internal or political fighting. The terrorists have only succeded in pissing us off, not breaking us down.

I feel that your students and the people around you will be safe. The people concerned with rooting out the responsible peoples seem concerned with Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden, and anybody else connected to this atrocity. Not since the capture of the Jackel has the world been so interested in the going's on's in the terrorist market."

"I want to take a moment to recognize all educators in this moment of tragedy. The news has focused on the Children in the states, confused and scared, turning to parents and teachers for comfort. Thank you for being there.

Also, thank you for giving all of us another perspective. The news doesn't show many citizens in the Middle East that are stunned, hurt and disgusted by this attack. Even in American, some people are turning the hurt and rage towards the muslims living in the States. We must keep perspective on the matter and let the people who's job it is to find those responsible do their jobs. Throwing stones at a faceless enemy is only going to tear us apart. This is a time to come together.

As an American, I can honestly say I am terrified. I cannot imagine being a citizen of the Middle East that abhors this attack. Sadly, most of us to see the Middle East as the enemy at this point. I know that is a generalized statement, and forgive me for that; but I have to say, that I personally have not ever thought there were people there that were sitting in their home, trying to go on with their daily lives; and having to deal with the pain and fear this has caused. Thank you for giving me that clarity of thought. Not everyone that is of one heritage, or religion supported this attack.

Please send my warmest wishes and best thoughts to your students, and my thanks for their concerns. It is very, very touching to know that there are concerns for people so far away; complete strangers with different cultures and beliefs."

"Please let your class know that not every American blames every Muslim, we're all in shock here and lots of things are being said that aren't meant. There are thoughtless idiots everywhere, and even smart people say dumb things in the heat of the moment."

"What I want to do more than anything is go to a mosque and pray. I think I know where there is one, next town over. I hope they let me in."

"Thank you for that reminder that there are real people in the rest of the world and that blind hate, no matter what causes it, is still just unconscionable bigotry. It is ok to be angry at what has occurred, but it is unpardonable to turn one tragedy into another by letting it make you hate people just for something as trivial as the color of their skin or the country that they happen to live in. People should be judged on their individual merits and flaws.

If you are upset about the tragedy that occurred in New York and Washington on Tuesday, then channel your rage and pain into something useful and beautiful, so that at least those people who died in the attacks can be honored in death by the inspired creation of something beautiful rather than soiled by blind hatred.

This is my opinion and my belief...And I feel that such basics of truth and humanity should not have to be spoken at times such as these. However, Humanity in general has been walking the path of violence and hate for so long that we have forgotten how to understand and love. I am not saying that justice or retribution should not occur...that would be naive. What I am saying is that we should hold our anger until we can give it all to the people responsible for this atrocity. Undiluted, justified wrath...on those who earned it. No more, no less..."

"I forwarded your e-mail on to about 20 people. I've heard back from many of them and it has all been positive. My friend Linda, who is a nurse, says to tell the girls that we do love them. My friend Ella, who is a retired elementary school teacher, says that they really appreciate it and plan to share it. My friend Mimi, who is a retired Peace Corp volunteer (Iran and Thailand) and now an inner city teacher, says that she has forwarded your lovely message to 16 more people. A former neighbor, Sandy says thanks for the eye-opener. She will pass it on. Bill, an old friend from my YMCA days, says that overall he shares your feelings and enjoyed reading your letter. So thanks for writing it and I'm sure that it will do some good."

"I can only speak for myself, yet I know my voice is only a small part of a chorus. I have gone through a gambit of emotions since Tuesday morning. At first the disbelief, then pain and sorrow, then the rage and now the determination to find and put to trial those who are responsible.

I hate no one. Hate is a useless indiscriminate emotion. Hate murdered the people in New York. Hate murdered the people in Washington D. C. I refuse to let hate rule me. It is too easy to use the old biblical text of "An eye for an eye". It is harder to use, "Do unto others...", but now with my whole heart I use, "An it harm none,".

I don't hate Arabs. There are a lot of Middle-Eastern, folks in my city. I would never dream of raising my hand to any of them. I don't think people hate all of the Middle-Eastern peoples. What they really hate is terrorism in any form. Unfortunately they equate terrorism with Arabs and Middle-Eastern peoples.

I'm obviously not that well educated. I didn't have an opportunity to go to college, but if I had a chance to address your students, I would tell them with my whole heart, "Be at peace. I know you are not responsible for this tragedy. Pray with me for those who died. Pray with me for the families left behind. Pray with me for the rescue workers. Pray with me for responsible leadership. Pray with me for peace. I am one American who understands that you share our pain. You are the innocents too, caught up in this horrific event. I don't think any leader of my country would ever allow/order an indiscriminate attack on another nation. Nor would the American people stand for that kind of action, even when we are forced to engage in war. We really do prefer peace. Now is the time for all peoples to stand up and say, "Enough is enough. It is time to forgive and forget. It is time to realize that all the peoples of the earth are brothers and sisters. It is time for the hatred and destruction to stop." That is my most fervent wish. My heart goes out to you. God/dess Bless."

"In times like this we must not let anger control our actions. And we must not blame a people for the actions of a few."

"Hopefully it will give at least one classroom of frightened young women a better picture of reality. We can't let a few people's hate -- in any direction -- drown out the love and hope of the rest of us.

We are the majority. And we don't need explosions to be heard."

"Thank you for this letter. Yes unfortunately there are some here who have lumped all arabs together to blame, just as there are some Arabs dancing and cheering in the streets over this tragedy. But those few do not represent our country, nor do those rejoicing speak for all Arabs. Many of us, like your students, want and look for someone to tell us things will be ok, we are just as shocked and scared, especially of the potential for war. I live in Oregon, in the Central Cascade mountains. We have no tall buildings or airports, no chemical or nuke plants to worry about, yet our National Guard has been patroling our air space. Everytime they fly over, I stop and listen to what direction they are going, and for any other sounds because this is not normal for us. My heart stops everytime and I worry about the uncertainty of it all. Yes I believe those responsible, Arab or otherwise, should be caught and punished and hopefully they will be. We can only pray that our world leaders will keep their heads about them and make a real commitment to work together and do the right thing. If this is done, then maybe the fears of your students and our fears will not become a reality."

"To your students I would like to say that this is one American who does not blame Arabs or Islam for this tragedy. I blame the cowards who use the anger and the frustrations of an oppressed people to further their own agendas. They justify their actions in the name of Allah but their allegiance is only to their own goals.

This is nothing new. Through history we have seen some of the greatest atrocities against mankind committed in the name of "God." Be it Christianity, Islam, Judaism or any other religion you can think of, zealots have risen up among the ranks and used religious fervor to accomplish their twisted schemes.

I understand that your students must be very frightened. I am very sorry that I have no answers. I only wished to say that this is one American who acknowledges and understands your student's fears."

"Know your enemy? hell, maybe if we really know one another, we won't have to *be* enemies."

"The merchandise of terrorists is fear. They wear no uniforms. They serve no nation. They serve no faith. They are the most pathetic of human kind. They are a cancer invading the peoples of the earth and must be destroyed or they will certainly destroy their hosts be it nations, faiths, clan or family.

Islam has said that terrorist acts are against the faith.

Since these acts have been taken in the name of Islam, it is for Islamic to denounce them.

There is among mankind what I call "school teacher justice" . If someone in the class misbehaves and no one will tell who the wrong doers are, the teacher punishes the whole class. I am afraid that the flow of emotions here is that; if the peoples that befriend terrorists do not cast them out, then they too will partake of the fate of the terrorists.

There will be some who blame all Muslims or all Arabs for the actions of a few of them. These people are relatively few. However, it is normal for all people to be suspicious of Islamic peoples and Arabs in particular after we have seen what the most radical of their people are capable of doing.

It is not so much for the Americans to seek justice for the wrong that has been done us as it is for the Arab world to punish those who have shamed them."

"Right now, for those in power it can be very tempting to just surf on the wave of hatred. America may survive this, but what is left of ideals and values - what will happen to them?"

"We need to be reminded that this tragedy is not our own, but the world's."

"Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for writing what you did and please reassure your students that, though severally damaged, we're not broken."

"Terrorists and extremists do not represent a religion or a people. The attacks were for their own personal gain. Their attack was on the civilized world.

America's strength lies in our diversity. Out of many one - we are all as one condemning the injustice. This is a time for us to pull together as a family. Dubai is a composite of the world."

"In the meantime, please share with them that their and your words have touched many hearts, and prayers for the safety and peace of the world are also headed towards them."

"I hope your words are heard by many, and understood by most."

"My daughter has written a letter to President Bush! In this letter she asked him NOT to bomb Afghanistan. She told him this would only kill more innocent people and not solve anything. She urged him to find the person or persons responsible and punish them, not a country that has also been beaten down by the same ones whom we suspect have done this to us."

"To your students, from yours truly: my best regards, and to know that I consider them as my own sisters."

"As I watched the clouds of smoke drifting out across that green bay with the copper French lady standing on her island, I thought 'She is still there, and even if they destroy her today, what she stands for will not die.'"

"A friend forwarded your thoughts to me, and I wanted to express my appreciation for reminding us that we share more as human beings than we have differences in culture or geographic location.

Despite the cruel and selfish acts of individuals, I continue to have faith that humanity is basically good at heart. I hope that we emerge from this incident in greater unity with other nations and their people."

The View From Here