U.S.A. TERROR ATTACKS: Letters

20/9/01
Last week's special edition of Ahoy! was the hardest we have ever had to write. One week on and the full horror of the attacks is still emerging. So too are the tales of heroism and bravery.

We received hundreds of emails from the U.S.A. thanking us for our sentiment and support. To view a selection of your responses see below.

NB While compiling these letters for publication I have concentrated on the longer contributions. Many more of you wrote to say 'Thank You' or words to that effect, cheers for those too! As usual, Due to the volume of mail I have been unable to respond personally to each of you. Rest assured all responses are read and as always, warmly appreciated. (P.D.Clee)

To see a copy of last week's Ahoy! see: Issue 87

To help the victims of last week's terror visit:
American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/

Dear David & Peter,

That was a great note. This is the only "corporate' email I've gotten that did
not have a generic, canned response to the tragedy (e.g, "our hearts go out to
the victims...") It's ironic that you had this very sincere and heartfelt
response and are based in London, far from the carnage. I guess Britons are
more used to terrorism than Americans are. As our former president might say,
"You feel our pain."

Your note was very touching. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Judy DeStefano

Please let us U.S. travellers know what is happening in London in the
next few weeks. We need to know the feelings you have regarding the
safety of our visit. This tragedy has effected all of us in the states
and we are extremely grateful for the support of your country. The
statements that your prime minister has made have been reassuring. This
support has given me an even greater desire to visit London albeit the
added fear of flying. Thank you,thank your country & God bless.

MSH (New Jersey,USA)

Reply: Specific safety issues for travellers to London over the coming weeks:
- Passengers should allow at least one more hour at the airport when checking in (i.e. allow 3 hours for a 2 hour check-in time)
- Passengers should ensure that they are carrying no sharp items such as penknives or nail files as these will be confiscated.
PDC.

Where is Orson Welles, now that we need the knowledge of his techno-trickery
behind the infamous "war of the worlds" radio hoax in the 1930s. It was only
a joke of alien invasion then to a depressed, brother-can-you-spare-a-dime
nation.

Yesterday's attack, shrouded in techno-savvy bravado was unfortunately
real. Too real for us New Yorkers, who saw for the first time in that great
city's life, the Big Apple brought to its knees.

We will all never be the same.
Joan Benedetto

WTC & Pentagon Tragedy

I think your views in the newsletter probably portray everyone's feelings in Britain today. A tragedy on such a devastating scale cannot help but touch one's heart and I'm sure the sympathy of everyone in Britain is with the families and friends of the thousands of innocent victims.

It is so frightening though that this so easily could have been our own beautiful capital. Though I have lived and worked in the Northwest of England for 30 years, I was born and lived for a short time in London where all of my family still live, and even on the occasional visit I always feel as if I'm home. How devastating would the same disgusting act of terrorism have been if it had been London? I fear the death toll would have been as high if not higher.

Just one final word, I know from the atmosphere here at Rolls - Royce and Bentley Motor Cars in Crewe, that all of our hearts are with the families today.

Brian Reid

Mr. Clee,

You can't imagine how much your message meant to me here in America. We do feel very isolated and I feel personally so small and somehow utterly
insignificant in light of yesterday's madness. Isn't that an amazing feeling considering how often we're called "the world's greatest power?"
Behind that great power are just vulnerable human beings.

It is wonderful to know that we have some good friends standing along side
us. I am just an ordinary American citizen, but I just wanted you to know
how very personally comforted I felt upon reading your message. You've made
a difference in at least one woman's life.

My best to you,

Linda Howell
USA

P.S. I am in the publishing business, as well.

Your timely letter and desire to assist, shows that we as people are not
separated by an ocean, or whether you have a Queen, we have a
President. We are gathered together under the flag of love, caring, and
providing for each other.

Thank you.

Nancy Berry
Sr. VP

In a day that is etched in all of our minds for an eternity I have seen a willingness of the human spirit that won’t subside. A strength that amazes me. I work in EMS/Fire and as I site here at my post I cannot quite get a grasp on any one feeling that I am having. I have waves of sadness, anger, confusion, discontent, fear, loss… I am unable to depict any one emotion… It has hit so many of us in such a way that nothing else has. I sit here amongst Fire Personnel, Emergency Medical Workers & Law Enforcement Personnel as well as some of Americas Finest Military Personnel, dazed yet prepared for anything that could happen. I question why there is so much discord among people, why such disregard for human life, why such hatred…. I sit awaiting news regarding a name that surfaced on the ‘flight log’ of one of the airplanes that crashed into one of the twin towers. The name of a friend…. I question my ‘hopes’ that it is NOT him that was on that flight. I sit and wonder, am I greedy? Even if it is NOT my friend, it is another persons friend, son, brother….. So many unanswered questions… so much sorrow… wondering “why?”… fearing the unknown….

I am a member of your e-mail newsletter and your compassion and generosity warms my heard and gives me faith once again in man-kind. The fact that you are reaching out your hand in assistance across the oceans to help your American Brothers & Sisters is an act of heroism in its own...

God Bless you and yours,
Melissa

I just want to say that I appreciate very much this weeks attention to the
acts of terrorism in the USA on Londonnet. First off, I really like
receiving this newsletter once a week on all things London. I love your
city. I`ve only been there once in my life. That was in 1997 when I had
some leave saved up after spending 6 months in Bosnia with the US Army.

I`m still in the US Army, currently on lock down because of the events in NYC
and DC; all the way here in Korea too!!! Anyway, I find it really great how
people on the British Isles have shown a concern over the misfortunes that
have hit the US. Thankyou. As an American I have always had a kind of awe
and respect for the Mother country that with out England there would be no
USA. We are freinds forever! I read page after page on BBC London on
people writing out there shock and sadness on what occured in NYC for all
the world to see via video, it took my breath away when I first saw it on
television as well, and could not believe what I was seeing.

I`ve been to NYC too and felt that New York and London were the worlds` `Twin Cities`(I`m from Minnestoa),or sister cities that have so much vitality and life that they make Minnesota and yes, Germany seem like real nice country cousins.
Anyway, you all stay safe over there as we all know that some people will go
to extreme measures to make a point. If it was a `holy`one, I believe that
they missed the point and must have let God out, not letting him in on
helping them with ideas.
See you later London.

Terence Sommer

Thank you for the stirring words and support.

Kathleen Warnock
Editor, Frommer's Travel Guides
(London 2002, Portable London)

Thank you from a New Yorker to all of our friends in London . Your people and city have always held a welcoming and great time for me and I will be back soon. Meanwhile, I hope that in the future all of you will come visit us. We are going through a horrible tragedy but it will never change our attitude and love of NYC. If anything we are more passionate about our home.

To all of our London brothers and sisters, thanks for your help and concern.
If needed in a bad time such as this, we would also be there for you
immediately.
Signed,
Charlie in New York

American Resolve

It is hard to relay my feelings of personal sadness regarding the destruction of lower Manhattan and the loss of so many thousands of innocent lives here in the United States.

It was only last year that I spent much of a day standing atop the roof of One World Trade Center and marveled with the thoughts of what greatness man is capable of. I can still almost taste the flavors that wafted through the air as I sat outside the Krispy Kreme that once inhabited the corner of the building. A successful business like so many others in the area spawned and nurtured by immigrants. I marveled at the success and opportunity that the area bestowed upon so many as I witnessed the lines forming around the corner vendor carts and shops. I sensed a sort of electricity in the air, an energy if you will from the thousands of people descending upon the area to start their day anew. I felt such pride, such exuberance as I gazed down upon Manhattan and what seemed to be the entire world from atop the enormous rooftop observation platform.

As I took note of the many different faces, good people all with similar feelings of awe I suspect, from all parts of the world I truly appreciated what a gift Manhattan had given me and all of the others who were working in and touring the buildings that day. I stopped at the silly penny press outside of the gift shop to have a penny embossed with the image of the twin towers only to be disappointed by the fact that I had no change in my pockets. A dark-skinned, brown-eyed woman took notice of me searching through my pocket lint and quickly came to my aid with a new shiny penny and the additional quarter I needed to work the machine. At that moment the farthest thing from my mind was what horrendous acts man was capable of. I don't know what your experience is in the United States or if you have ever been to New York, but make no mistake, this is a tremendous tragedy for all of mankind. I reflect upon and grieve for the hundreds if not thousands from all facets of life, from around the world whose lives were extinguished in a single moment and try to hold back the tears.

I have traveled to and have been resident of many different cities around the world and I have witnessed no place on earth as diverse and alive with people of as many different backgrounds, colors and religions as is New York. Americans have long known that our security at airports is somewhat lax but our open society has worked so well for so many years on more of a trust basis that, until now, could almost be taken for granted.

It further saddens me to predict what lies ahead for us as security measures are taken to assure this type of err never repeats. Living near one of the busiest airports in the world with the absence of planes, balloons, gliders or anything non-organic in the air is a hard and strange feeling to describe. People across the country are understandably in a state of shock yet remain unusually calm. American flags across the land are flying at half staff as we reflect on what has occurred and prepare for what is to come. There is a tremendous unification of people from all different backgrounds, religions and political parties that I haven't been witness to in my lifetime. Gone is the talk of "the accidental president" Social Security reform and political rhetoric. What has instantaneously swept across the land is a feeling of togetherness and preparation as we ready ourselves for war. People have remained incredibly calm and civil even as airforce jets patrol overhead. Currently Americans from every faction of life are further educating themselves on Afghanistan and the Taliban connection to Bin Laden.

The full wrath of our great nation will soon be felt by the perpetrators of these atrocities as confirmation of the origin of these attacks continues to pour in. For now, we wait, we prepare, we unite as we strengthen our determination to live free and work harder than ever before to free others from tyranny and atrocities around the world while we reflect upon what was and what can be again as we remember and grieve for the great people of New York and her many visitors.


Saddened and Determined,

Darin L. Lucas,
United States Citizen,
Longmont, Colorado

I am an American living in Atlanta, and my mother is from Sheffield. I can't tell you how much better I feel when I read messages like the one you wrote.

Sometimes we Americans deserve the treatment given to us by others around the world, however, it can weigh on your brain if you travel back and forth like my family does, between the "states" and Europe. I tell my friends that the reaction from others is more important than large retaliatory bombing campaigns shown on T.V.. I guess I feel more "safe" because so many people feel the way I do right now, and they are all over the world. Thanks, from "your cousins across the big pond"

David Horowitz

Dear Mr. Clee,

Thank you for your editorial of September 12.

I have always had great respect and admiration for the British people,
and all the words of support and encouragement we have recently received
from your side of the pond make me like you even more.

I continue to enjoy your newsletters, and look forward to my next visit
to London once we return to some semblance of normality.

Best,
Mark Stoffan

At this time that is so difficult, I really appreciate your thoughts
-- its an excellent letter. As someone who loves London dearly and
now lives in the Midwest, I hate to think of the fears this brings to
those of you in London. Everywhere we gather, we are vulnerable.
Lets hope we can, as you say, follow the money and act effectively.

Marv Wickens

Dear Peter,

Thank you for your very kind words. Although I have lived in Los Angeles for 21 years I am a born and breed New Yorker. Our family and friends have been giving us first hand accounts and each story makes me cry for my beloved city. Immediately New Yorkers showed that special NY spirit and we will recover. My husband does the majority of his work with Lloyds of London. We have many close English friends who have demonstrated their concern for our family.

However, this is a national tragedy and I appreciate your remarks and friendship. We know our flag will always fly in freedom and with the prayers and support of worldwide friends we will again sing "God Bless America" without tears.

Sincerely,
Peggy Franklin

Dear Mr. Mailto:

I am an American writting to thank you for your newsletter, which I received
on my e-mail. Please pray for us Americans. It helps us, the Americans, to
know we are not alone in our pain. We are a kind race, love people and
freedom. Now we are mad as hell--how dare they kill people who go to work to
put food on the table for their families. I just cannot stop crying!!

I know God is in controll, but it still hurts so bad. I feel so bad that my love
ones were ok, but what about the ones who are dead. This is the time we need
to turn to God, get more people turning to God. Is the time on earth as we
know it comming to an end? I hope not, we have so much more work to do.
Please keep us in your prayers--I do believe the way we do war will change
forever. I love my freedom and I love America. I know we are not a perfect
nation--but we do have our freedom. I wish if we did something wrong we
could correct it, but now it is too late. We Americans are hurting so bad
and we now have so much hate and anger for the people who did this to us.
Please pray we do the right thing--all I want to do is kill the people who
did this to us!!! God help us!!

Thank for being a friend:

Linda Beebe
Conyers GA
USA

My name is Pia. I am an American citizen. I'm studying here in England on what has been the most fulfilling and exciting journey of my life. I am 27 years old and had never been on a plane in my life until I heard the great city of London calling. In what I consider my greatest act of courage to date - I boarded a plane and for 7hrs and 55mins traversed the skies and saw the ocean for the first time in my life. I longed to see the land where legends are born and princesses are made. Because so much of our history is tied together and as countries go - we ARE sisters who stand shoulder to shoulder - I began to feel comfortable and at home here.

All of that changed on September 11, 2001. I live in an Arab community and I was terrified to walk the long road home. I had in my hand the evening standard with the pictures of the flaming twin towers and in my heart and my mind - tortured thoughts of whether I looked too American at that moment or whether I was an open target for individual acts or terrorism as the world as I knew it came crashing down. I cried for those dead people in New York and Washington and Pennsylvania because they deserved my tears and my pain - it was nothing compared to theirs.

Jamaicans have a saying - "What no kill me fatten me". Americans have a similar saying - "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger". We will recover. It's in our blood. Part of the genes that make up the peculiar lot of us. We will never surrender to tyranny or bow to terrorism. A little weaker for the experience, but we're a lot wiser now. Wisdom is better. We WILL pass this test - and that is what this is. There are people out there who think they can strike permanent fear in us. People out there who think fear is a weapon, but we are STILL one nation under God. We need to remember that. And HE has said - no weapon formed against us shall prosper. HE has said vengeance is His. HE has declared that offenses must come into the world but whoa unto him by whom that offense comes. And HE will repay.

I say this to all my friends and loved ones. And to believers this will be no shock, but to some it may open their eyes. As long as we keep our trust in Him we will understand truly what fear is .....

F alse
E vidence
A ppearing
R eal !!

Thank you for your support in all of this. We need it. This is OUR hour and time of need and the wise men of the world must help us fight the good fight. To the
Queen and the Prime Minister - much tahnks and appreciation.

Pia Johnson

Dear David Clee,

I just wanted to express my appreciation at finding your message of the need
to find long term solutions in response to yesterday's events. In the midst
of the dominant political and media rhetoric of retribution, it is
reassuring to hear voices expressing my own fears, views and concerns. The
prime interest appears to be in military retaliation, even if that leads to
an ongoing war and further deaths of innocent people, rather than addressing
the political, cultural and economic issues which cannot be killed off.

Please continue to use your voice in the media as one of those brave enough
to take the wider view. And thank you for expressing my views and those of
many others.

Yours Sincerely,
Vicky Smith

Dear David,

Thank you from Pittsburgh for the eloquent Dylan Thomas poem. How meaningful in a time that nothing seems appropriate.

Debbie Seman
Pittsburgh, PA

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your thoughts. Over here, we're hearing far too much talk of
war and revenge and very little consideration for wider, more humane
solutions to follow the necessary military response. Your words were a
welcome tonic.

With Appreciation,
Jane Bolig

I am emailing from Maryland, USA and just received your London message. Your
cancelling the newsletter this week in sympathy of our country's devastating
events is much appreciated. Americans can't put into words the feelings they
are experiencing. We are trying, but it's impossible. All this is so
uncomprehendible. Sympathy from those abroad is so welcome. If I could
express myself better, I would, but right now, we just want to eliminate the
possibility of this ever happening to anyone again. In the meantime, we must
go on with the spirit of those like yourself, and help those who have lost
someone or have been psychologically injured by this inhumanity.

May God bless our friends in London and those around the world who love
freedom and civilization.

Most sincerely,

Patricia Williams
Ellicott City, Maryland
USA

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your message. I never expected anything so personal and poignant from a "site". Your words are so true and right on.

We cannot let terrorists control the free world. The fear they incite can cripple the entire free world, if we let it. Why does it always take a catastrophic event to wake people up. This is the first time we have ever been so horribly struck right in our back yard and I feel it will definitely change our attitude.

Thanks again for the personal message. We travelled to your great city in 1999 and I was totally taken by the grandeur and history that was so apparent everywhere you looked. It made me feel that we were simple children just starting our history in America. I do plan to return again. By the way I also appreciated your Prime Ministers words yesterday

Fred Beene

Dear Mr. Clee,

I always look forward to receiving the latest Ahoy! The LondonNet
Newsletter. This week I felt particularly compelled to write you and tell
you this.

I was extremely touched with your opening remarks and how "New York holds a
special place in the heart of Londoners." The ambiance of New York is very
special to Americans and visitors alike. From the theatrical productions
both on- and off-Broadway, to the great jazz music, to the history of sports
in the Madison Square Garden, to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, to
Greenwich Village, to the Statute of Liberty for all she stands for, to the
Empire State Building (and the big monkey!), to Wall Street and the center
of the stock exchange, to Central Park, to the NYC Marathon, to SoHo, to the
great Italian food, to the seven bridges that connect NYC to the "outside,"
to the twin towers of the World Trade Center. New York City is the gateway
to America ... to freedom ... to prosperity!

It was just a short eight years ago that an act of terrorism tried and
failed to bring down these great twin towers, but not without death and
maim. Yesterday, 11 September 2001, is a day few of us will forget. This
attack was very deliberate and calculated. It was not thought up overnight,
apparently well funded, and may a higher power have mercy on the soul of the
individuals responsible ... for all of our sake!

As a born-and-raised American, I listened to the news on the radio of the
attacks on New York City and Washington DC in complete disbelief, watched
the news on the television with tears, and remain somewhat numb on day two.
All the time, wondering where my friends around the world were at the
moment.

My two favorite cities in all of the United States are New York City and
Washington DC. Until the attack on the Pentagon, I always felt that
Washington DC was the safest city in the nation. A person should feel safe
in their home, at the work place, and in church. For the first time ever in
my life, I can honestly say I did not feel safe anywhere yesterday. I
didn't feel safe in my office (and I work in a hospital!). I didn't feel
safe in church. I did feel safe in my home for about 1 hour. Then I
stepped out into my back yard and heard an airplane. Knowing that we had a
moratorium in place on all flights, I was curious as to what I was hearing.
Only to learn a short while later that it was an F-16 fighter plane flying
overhead for my safety. However, this is not how it made me feel when I
realized that I live less than 10 miles away from a "decommissioned" nuclear
production plant.

As much as New York is special to Londoners, London is special to us. I
traveled to London for the first time last year and immediately fell in love
with this wonderful city. I felt right at home and managed to get around
with remarkable ease. I love London as much as I love New York!

Thank for you from the bottom of my heart for your compassion and support.
It's nice to know we have friends outside of the United States ... and good
ones too!

Warmest regards,
Jane Berg
Denver, Colorado USA

Dear fine folks of Londonnet.

Thank you so much for the kindness and encouragement. This letter brought me
to tears (as has all of yesterday, of course.) Tony Blair's speech was one
of the finest things I had heard, and then to get this kind of support from
our friends on the other side of the Atlantic in this e-mail is the best
kind of hope we could ask for. It brings goodness and light to those of us
whose hearts are dark right now. When I was in England 2 weeks ago I
realized yet again how much we owe you, and in what high regard we hold you.
Yet again you have reinforced why.

Thank you again from one of your friends in the USA. You will never know how
much you have touched and encouraged me.

Yours in grief and hope,

Mimi Johnson
Denver Colorado

Dear Mr. Clee,

I'm just a file in your computer, but the words that you've sent via your "LondonNet Newsletter" have deeply affected me. The entire world is in this together, as the ramifications of yesterday's terrorism will rebound and, possibly, become magnified. None of us is an "innocent" in today's world. As a citizen of a country supposed to value "freedom", I'm realizing that the machine guns I see in airports in other countries are necessary for increased security. Your point about the "money trail" is well-taken, since these terrorists appear to have aimed at both our financial and security centers. The US has got to get tougher inside and outside its boundaries.

Please keep your wonderful newsletter coming - and we hope to be at the London International Boat Show in January! Our reservations are made and, if all is well here and there, we'll be there!

Thank you for your meaningful words.

Cheers,
Betsy Cave. Oak Harbor, WA

Mr. Clee,

Thank you so much for your comments regarding the tragedy in New York. I
have just returned from my first visit to London....to celebrate my 40th
birthday. London will always have special place in my heart!

Our hearts are grieved, but our spirits are strong. Thank you for your
support and willingness to stand against this unthinkable evil.

Donna Bowman
Stephenville, Texas

Dear Sir,

As a recent subscriber to your newsletter, I wasn't sure what to expect even
in a normal, daily routine. As a US citizen, I am saddened and angry over
the events of yesterday. I spent many hours in agonizing fear as I watched
what happened. One light does however shine. As I look on the internet and
hear and see the news reports, I am overwhelmed by the generous support of
our friends in London and elsewhere. I wish to thank all those who have
expressed their sympathy and condolences. Otherwise, this may become too
much for me, and many other Americans, to bear. To know that someone else
supports us and feels for us is truly a ray of light in this otherwise dark
tragedy. From deep within my heart, I, and many others, thank you.

With warmest regards,
Rachel Johnson
Portland, OR, USA

Dear Peter,

What a splendid note to all of us U.S. subscribers. It's a devastating event that will taint the lives of human beings literally all over the world. I'm sure at least some one in almost every country in the world lost either a friend or a relative in this profoundly evil event.

I'm from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Around here there have been innumerable
prayer meetings, long lines for blood donations and a serious call for an
efficient and effective solution to this man's endless hatred and violence.

Best wishes to you and this American thanks you for the solidarity.

Catherine Coggan

As an American living in East Anglia, I must tell you that your letter is very much appreciated in my home. I have set up house in Swaffham and am very pleased with the wonderful thoughts I received from the business' that I was in today. Getting the Londonnet email was again very nice to see.
Looking forward to the next newsletter.

Thank you very much,
Amy Ingalls

Thank you so much for your heartfelt message. We are feeling devistated and
your supportive words were touching. I have always had nothing but the
most positive kind of experiences during my visits to UK over the years and
your sensitivity only reinforces my love for my European "cousins.":

Sincerely,
Bob Horowitz

Hi, Peter,

I've read the text below, writing for you and I totally agree with what you said.

I'm from Brazil and I'm a lawyer.

Here, in my country, everybody was amazed with this tragedy. This happening is a global matter and I think that every democratic nation must join their powers to combat this enemy: the terrorism.

In Brazil, we almost not see things like that, but, instead of we have a lot of robbery and corruption.

We also have a lot of friends and family there (in NY) and we also worry about what will happen with the world and with the people who planned such monstrous act.

Anyway, I hope the guilt be founded and I hope one day we can live in a world full of peace.

Juliana Willens Longo
Brasil

Dear Sir,

Thanks so much for the kind words. Don't know how may times yesterday that I
heard it said, " this feels like London during the Blitz" Who would think that we would be still drawing courage from those long-ago every-day British stalwarts -
heroes every one of them.

Here's praying for the triumph of good over evil.

In solidarity and friendship - Peggy

Dear Mr. Clee:

Thank you for your support. I have visited your country many times, and I
value your kind words. I agree we need to be "smarter, not harder". As
your people, we also are a "tenacious" people. Democracy will prevail.
Thank you,

Maureen Marfell
San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

Kudos to you Peter for holding off on the "party news" this week and
writing such a heartfelt piece. I think most of us are grieving such a
great loss.

Eric - London

Peter.

many thanks for your kind comments. i have forwarded to
many friends & relatives. it is truly appreciated

mike gresk

I agree that the money-men are the ones we should be looking at, but
particularly in this time of horror and shock we should be careful -
especially those of us in the media - of using words like 'brutal'.

Let's just focus for a moment and assess....

Cheers,
Kelly

Tragedy for humanity, but we must now stand together

David Clee's Newsletter this week is a very good and appropriate response to the dreadful tragedy that has hit not only the United States but all of humanity. This will surely change the whole of international relationships and the way we deal with terrorism and fanaticism. Let us hope that the free nations of the world will stand together to find and punish the perpetrators of this dastardly act, and that human decency and compassion will win the day.

Kaspar Fitze

Thank you for this letter.
Seeing myself as a cosmopolitan I can only thank you for being considerate. Having just returned from New York from my holidays, visiting my in-laws, I can just picture myself walking with my wife and children in front of the WTC and feeling the pains of the locals.

The only thing that hurts me regarding your mail, as someone who spent the last 15 years in Israel is that similar messages have not been distributed after severe terrorist attacks overthere. Although the size of attack can not be compared, the value of every soul is equal.

I lived the first 18 years of my life in the Netherlands and the last year in London and it seems to me that the media (especially the BBC, the Guardian and the Independent), and in a lesser extent the local population, hold two standards regarding terrorism. It seems that two standards are held regarding the 'where' and 'who'. It hurts me, to see that the world just seems to have woken up and recognize that terrorism is a worldwide problem and not a local Israeli problem and not just a result of 'Palestinian souls living in desperation' as the bias Guardian would put it after another suicide attack in Israel.

Gideon Meyer, London

I know this is not important in the light of the cruel events in America but I should just like to point out that the plural of metropolis is metroplises.It's from the Greek,not Latin.
Best wishes,
Jane

PDC replies: Oops, thanks for the clarification Jane

Thank you so much for your letter. It means a great deal to us to know we have the support of others around the world.

Sincerely,

Jodi Smalec
Detroit, MI

Dear Mr. Clee,

Thank you very much for the thoughtful and kind newsletter this issue. Nice to know we Americans still have some friends in the world.

Donna Day
Vicksburg, Mississippi

Thanks for your comments. They meant alot to all of us on this side of the
pond. Take care.

Janie Galbreath

Not everyone was happy with our comments:

Please take me off your mailing list. I find your message today one that
incites further violence. AN eye for an eye does not work and will only lead
to more deaths.

Kym Bartlett

Dear Sir

You are of course entitled to your view. However you may find on consideration that exhorting readers to 'Have no fear; the West's response will be brutal' represents exactly the sort of vengeance-hungry fanaticism that brought New York to this point to begin with.

I applaud your attempts to bring people back in touch.

Please remove my address from your list.

Yours sincerely

Stephanie Skye

Stephanie & Kim,

We have had a huge response already to our newsletter. All but two responses have been positive. Many of our US readers have thanked us for reminding them they have a friend in London.

I am concerned that you may have missed the sentiment of the message.

'Have no fear; the West's response will be brutal' was a statement of fact not opinion.

If you have been a long time reader of Ahoy! you might recall that we have always taken a firm stance against continued allied bombing of Iraq and indeed were almost alone in objecting to NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia.

From our Archive:
http://www.londonnet.co.uk/ln/talk/news/serbia.html
http://www.londonnet.co.uk/ln/talk/news/desert_fox.html

Sorry you didn't like what we had to say. Your addresses have been duly scheduled for removal.

Kind regards
Peter D. Clee

AHOY! TALKBACK

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