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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>When 9/11 happened, after the immediate shock had worn
off, I found myself musing -- "Given what I know/have experienced, what can we
do now?" I confess that the answer to that question was a little slow in coming,
but when it did, the arrival occurred pretty much in the nature of a blinding
flash of the obvious. Open Space! And I did my best to spell out the details in
what became, "The Practice of Peace." This time around, the old mind seems to
have worked a little bit faster -- or maybe the obvious was just a bit more
obvious -- and the answer is precisely the same. Open Space!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>The conditions are absolutely perfect. We have a real
clear issue: "Rebuilding a shattered society." Lots of diversity in terms of
those involved, their opinions and needs. Mountains of complexity, plenty of
conflict, and for sure the decision time was yesterday. In terms of Open Space,
it just doesn't get any better than that. And as we all know, OS is fast, cheap,
and effective -- exactly what you need in a situation approaching total
disaster. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Ok -- now what? It might feel real good if a whole bunch
of us jumped on planes, trains and cars. We might even get our faces on the
Evening News, but I doubt it would do much good. If nothing else, our presence
would only add to the burdens of region scarcely able to carry itself. But there
are other ways.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>To make a start, we need only two things. First, points of
contact where we might do some good. And second, the people and recourses to
serve the need. Knowing something of the quality and dedication of the people on
OSLIST, I feel comfortable in saying that the second need has already been met.
We are the people, and we can find the resources. But the Points of Contact may
take a little thinking. We don't need to have a lot, and certainly not a
full array all across the Gulf States. Just one or two would do for a
start.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>There are 450 people on this list. There is only one
person that I can think of (and I can't remember his name) who actually
lives in New Orleans. But in this wonderful electronic world in which we live,
physical proximity isn't the only thing. Each one of us knows somebody who knows
somebody who knows somebody. . .</FONT> <FONT face=Arial>A simple note of
invitation and support passed along "the grape vine," could reach the
receptive spot. We might share our notes just to give each other ideas and
inspiration -- no need to sell Open Space. Just talk about what it does --
simply, personally and briefly.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>And when we reach that receptive spot -- I for one promise
to offer whatever service or support that lies in my power to
give.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Harrison</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Harrison Owen<BR>7808 River Falls Dr.<BR>Potomac, MD
20854<BR>USA<BR>301-365-2093<BR>207-763-3261 (summer)<BR>website <A
href="http://www.openspaceworld.com">www.openspaceworld.com</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV></BODY></HTML>
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