Calamitous Perspective is Noam Chomsky's response to Sept. 11 (thanks for the link, John). I think we need to better than just pointing out that the United States, also, shares blame in creating a world where terrorism exists. The correct response is to pledge that terrorism, in all its forms, must be ended. We must not become instruments of terror in our effort to remove terror. There must be no more civilian casualties.

Chomsky warns that we must not let our freedoms be reduced in the name of security. I agree, but where he goes on to say "In short, the crime is a gift to the hard jingoist right, those who hope to use force to control their domains" I have to take issue. I hope that in the face of a disaster this great, we don't have to resort to name calling and finger pointing. Is it beyond possibility that in a situation this grave, people might act for the good of the nation, rather than to advance their own interests?