Dear RN list, Two long-time subscribers to this list sent in thoughtful comments re: the Wendell Berry article. Both criticize it for failing to point out that the reason behind the attacks of Sept. 11 is more complex than simply our society's addiction to consumerism, technological fixes and violent security measures. Both remind us that it is important to point out that whoever is directing US (indeed Western) foreign policy is more to blame than are ordinary citizens. I agree with the criticisms and yet I still feel the Wendell Berry article is excellent. I think it is imperative that we contribute to the "intellectual self-defence" against swallowing the lies we know are being spread via the mainstream media. On one level, the intellectual self-defence must include some serious thought about who would ultimately be responsible for the terrorist attacks and who is controling US foreign policy, indeed the whole war scenario we find ourselves in. (Cf. the next posting I am sending to this list.) But on a most basic level, we must defend ourselves against the idea that peace and justice will be achieved be "eliminating" those who are warlike and unjust. We must, as Berry does, point out that our whole society is warlike and unjust and that the first step to building peace and justice is to start right at home, not just with our own governments, but most essentially, with our own communities. Indeed, in order to eliminate violence and injustice, we would probably have to eliminate each and every person, for who among us has never done anything unfair or violent? ... On the other hand, I affirm something Gandhi apparently said, that each of us has a piece of the truth. Quakers put it this way, that there is that of God in each of us. As we become more peaceful and loving as individuals, we become better able to bring forth the "truth", the good, in ourselves and others. ... Our goal is transformed from trying to "eliminate" evil, to trying to get at its roots, and redirect that energy towards good. I realize this sounds "theological" but I'm old enough now to see that spiritual growth is possible and necessary. Following the comments on the Wendell Berry article, I'm copying one of several letters or messages I have been sending out locally, which try to reach people more "where they are at" rather than try to transmit my own conviction that our leaders are culpable in the terrorism, for I know all too well that it takes more time than one gets in a letter-to-the-editor to communicate that idea! all the best, Jan **************************************************** Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 22:46:56 -0300 To: •••@••.••• From: earthsea <•••@••.•••> Subject: Re: rn: Wendell Berry: Thoughts in the Presence of Fear While Berry's analysis is compelling, it does rest on the assumption that those in significant power give a fig for individual freedoms other than their freedom to aquire more wealth and power at any cost. Their freedom is provided and maintained by their wealh and power. Very circular, very impervious to moral persuasion. I note recent research indicating alleged business dealings between the Bush and bin Laden family businesses*, in support of my wonderings. The march of globalzation depends, in part, upon the errosion of state authority and individual democratic influence and real freedom of choice. 9/11/01 may just tighten the noose we all find ourselves in. One has to wonder how unexpected the situation really is in some quarters. I fear that there is every good possibility that we haven't seen the enemy because, Pogo notwithstanding, the enemy isn't us. "We" may have been and continue to be more in the nature of pawns or unwitting shills in a very high-stakes game. I'm aware that this is not a novel "insight" and acceptance does leave one prey to both spurious conspiritorial theories and those who promulgate same, and to "Matrix"-like views of the world which can instill hopelessness and apathy. My personal hope is that the situation will engender a tidal-wave of activism at so many levels that the fun-house mirrors will shatter. Beyond that I don't know, only that it would be better to live in the truth of our situation than in the existing ambiguity. Pax David Cameron *Bush family's dirty little secret: President's oil companies funded by Bin Laden family and wealthy Saudis who financed Osama bin Laden By Rick Wiles Copyright: American Freedom News September 2001 *********************************************************************** Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 20:25:45 -0400 From: Carl Chatski <•••@••.•••> cc: <•••@••.•••>, Subject: Re: rn: Wendell Berry: Thoughts in the Presence of Fear This article, fails to distinguish between capitalism and technology and thus looses a lot of its value, and sinks into new-ageism. The reality of what we are seeing in the world is not a terrorist fight-back against imperialism.. but a capitalism failing to evolve to a socialism.. transitioning to an even franker fascism. We will not make progress against this unless we indentify it and oppose it. The Osama's and the Talibans are the creation of imperialism, and are controlled by it, while it is villified in the media. The 911 events are a Reichstag Fire stemming from very deep systemic needs. The call for 'peace' has never worked in the past and will be ineffecive now. IMHO we must explain the alternative possible futures.. and demand the right to create a future which will leave no ones needs unmet.. and unleash the creativity of the human race... and be organized 'outside in'.. confederations of local groups and no central authorities - Carl ************************************************************ Choice Dear Editor, After the bombing on September 11 a number of musicians who were stranded in Alberta decided to hold a special benefit concert. Someone asked one musician, Jann Arden, if she felt it was appropriate to hold a concert so soon after the tragedy. She replied, essentially, that whoever had done this terrorist act was hoping people would hunker down with their guns out and lead a kind of khaki-coloured existence, that it was vital for us to affirm life at this time. Her answer illustrates beautifully the wide range of choice we have in the face of any setback or tragedy. Apparently, after meeting with President Bush, Prime Minister Chrétien said the terrorist cells could be anywhere and that we ought to watch our neighbours, for one never knows... It is indeed true that terrorists and torturers can lead otherwise apparently normal lives. But the best way to fight terror is to build up caring communities, communities which are so life-affirming that hatred can't grow. During WW II, the Nazis invaded Denmark but never succeeded in implementing the kind of terror there that they did elsewhere; Nazis sent to Denmark got "co-opted" to some degree and weren't able to be really "good" Nazis. This is what we should aim for here. Let's get to know and appreciate our neighbours... And by the way, I really appreciate something Chrétien did recently; apparently he spoke out to make sure a display of Muslim art scheduled to open in the Capital region went ahead as planned, depite a suggestion it be put off because of recent events. Sincerely, Jan Slakov, President, Enviro-Clare, box 35, Weymouth, NS B0W 3T0 837-4980
