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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have been receiving messages on this list for
some time now and like a few other "newcomers" I have not felt capable of
offering anything worthwhile to the list. In the last few days I have cried
along with the rest of the world as I have watched and listened to the tragic
loss of human life as a result of the terrorist attacks in the USA. I have a
long-time friend who occasionally works in New York's financial district ... I
am thankful that she is okay.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I am a secondary teacher in South Gippsland,
Victoria, Australia and went into school the morning after the attacks to find
several of my colleagues and many students crying and many others walking around
dazed and shaking their heads in disbelief. There are 100 or more Australians
feared dead as a result of these attacks but this is not why so many Australians
are upset, confused and angry about what has happened in the US.
Australians have felt helpless at not being able to do "something" to help our
American friends. The kids at school want to "help" and in their misguided way
believe that if they are angry and aggressive towards the muslims in this
country that they are indeed doing their bit to help the USA and its allies.
There have also been attacks on muslim schools, places of worship and businesses
by angry Australians all over this country. Polls here, as reported by
newspapers, show an overwhelming majority of Australians want and expect
Australia to "do whatever is necessary to support the USA to retaliate against
the terrorists". I am very concerned about what this retaliation may mean and I
hope that clear heads will prevail ... there should be no more senseless loss of
life. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>How can I teach children that "two wrongs do not
make a right" when the adults who run our countries are talking about "revenge"
in a way that makes it sound "right"?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I am heartened by the messages I have read on this
list and I will use some of them to help my students to understand that love,
and not hatred, is the way forward.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Today, before the start of final of an Australian
Rules football match, there was a minutes silence in support of our American
friends... I listened to the game on the radio ... during the minutes silence
the 85,000 strong crowd were indeed silent, except for the poignant cries
of a new-born baby. Football is usually all important in the lives of Victorians
but this week has taught us all that football is just a game ... freedom and
love are what is most important ... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>To our American friends ... we may be a long way
away but our thoughts are with you all.</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>