Fw: OFF TOPIC - Display Your Flag, Give Blood, & Pray ~Sheer~

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----- Original Message ----- From: Safe2Use

Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 11:21 PM

Subject: OFF TOPIC - Display Your Flag, Give Blood, & Pray ~Sheer~

Carolyn, Thank you for your very thoughtful efforts in getting information for individuals who need to show and do something for unity and solidarity in these dark days. Our hearts are broken by the thought of the thousands of mothers, fathers, sisters, sons and daughters that have perished so cruelly and unjustly. Our constant prayers are for their families. The guilty must he hunted down and punished. However in the midst of this tragedy, it appears the US media is following the lead of some politicos and inferring the sole blame lies with "arabs and arabic" nations. The most outrageous slanted "film bite" we have seen came from pictures of Arabs celebrating the death and destruction in the US. We have seen foreign media coverage of the same event and found they were quick to point out that it was a very few people in the eye of the camera and the majority of citizens looked on or walked by in silent disgust and felt empathy for the Americans. There has been prayer vigils in mid-eastern countries in solidarity with Americans over this tragedy... where were those events given public view in the US? Why are we being lead to believe that every Arab is an enemy? What are we being prepared for by the politically controlled media? Looting has already begun at Mosques and Arab owned business in the US. Mid-eastern citizens are being warned to disguise their appearance while in public. Is this what we Americans are willing to stand for after the lessons of World War II including the internment of so many of our innocent Japanese citizens and the atrocities of the Nazi's against identifiable minorities? Every American must look to the health and safety of our fellow citizens, no matter what their background or religion, during these dark days. Please do not make them darker. We must also encourage the media to balance their approach to the coverage of this heinous event so that no one will come away with the impression that all Arabic or middle eastern people are guilty of this crime. Let us not "look on or walk by in silent disgust" but make our voices heard if we encounter biased media or racial/religious injustices in our midst. We do not want to look back one day and realize that "We have found the enemy and it is us". L. Jensen-Pascarella Editor, Safe2Use Carolyn wrote:

=================================================================================== & nbs! p; & nb! sp; & n! bsp; Many seem to wonder what they can do to help in the middle of the ongoing tragedy since the terrorist attacks of the World Trade Center in New York. First & most importantly, remember, we all are affected , as a country , as a nation, as a world, as a civilized human race. This is not just a tragedy to Americans. Many people of other countries all across this earth share in our horror, grief, and naturally, our anger. Unification is the key. Many feel a strong need to offer support to those directly affected by this devastating tragedy , many are not sure of exactly how to offer help. Here are just three ways in which anyone can help : & ! nbsp; ================================ DISPLAY YOUR AMERICAN FLAGS PROUDLY!!! To show the terrorists that our American spirit is stronger than ever, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14 is "Flags Across America." All Americans are asked to display the American flag in their homes, businesses or cars. Let's keep the meaning of UNITED in "United States". Pass this onto as many people as you know. ================================ GIVE BLOOD Call 1-800 GIVE LIFE or contact your local hospital or health care system. As you might imagine, it is currently very difficult to get through on a phone line. Please be patient or even attempt your call later in the week. An increased need for blood donations is expected to remain in existence until at least November or December. ================================PRAY Our hearts go out to everyone whose lives will forever be affected by these terrible events. Regardless of particular ethnics, religion, race, or nationality, strength is found in UNITY, as well as prayer. God Bless & Keep You Safe, ~Sheer~