NO MORE VICTIMS
A broad coalition of groups in Colorado is calling for a response to the September 11 attacks that:
Grieves for the loss of life in the September 11 tragedy. The innocent victims of the attacks were working people of all kinds, and many were immigrants from around the world. The firefighters and rescue workers who perished while rescuing victims are real heroes. The degree of destruction and the loss of security felt by many has had a tremendous traumatic impact on our country.
Condemns the acts of violence that have occurred. Nothing justifies the ruthlessness of these attacks, and the unspeakable horror that they created.
Calls for the U.S. to refrain from military retaliation. We hope that the perpetrators of this terrible act--those who planned it and those who carried it out--will be brought to justice under the rule of law. We understand the feelings that motivate the desire to seek revenge, however we are asking each person to join us in breaking the cycle of violence. A violent response will not bring back loved ones, bring justice or increase our safety and may increase the likelihood of more terrorist acts. It is at this time when we are most tested that we must choose to invest in practices of peace not war, in acts of friendship not hatred, in diplomacy and legal recourse rather than retribution and recrimination.
Calls on people to resist the urge to demonize and scapegoat innocent Arab-Americans and Muslims. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past by targeting those who may look like or share a similar-sounding name, religion or ethnic background with those perceived to be the cause of this suffering.
Encourages Americans to ask what it is about our country that generates such hostility and resentment in many parts of the world. We need to understand and address the global poverty and hopelessness on which terrorism feeds. We must in addition take responsibility for the U.S. policies that support or contribute to these conditions.
To get involved and receive information about upcoming events to promote peace, contact the American Friends Service Committee at 303-623-3464 or www.afsc.org/colorado.htm or the Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace at 720-956-0700 or www.ccmep.org