if only they'd known that up wasn't the right way

THE CONFLICT
It is imperative that we understand the difference
between the terrorists and the rest of the Muslim
world, both abroad and at home. A friend of mine
and owner of a store downstairs from my apartment
felt compelled to change his car license plate
because it included his last name which is Arabic.
We have heard of scattered attacks and offensive
behavior against Arab-Americans. I even heard one
report of abusive behavior towards Indian-Americans,
proving once again - as if we needed any more evidence -
just how goddamn stupid bigots are. The World Trade Center
is not about one country. Victims there represented
countries and races and religions from all over the
world. The buildings no longer stand but what they stood
for does. We are faced with a challenge to fight for humanity,
not against it. We also must understand the difference
between the Taliban and its victims, which include and have
included many of the citizens of Afghanistan. At the same
time, we cannot pretend that this is simply a matter
of welcoming certain groups into the world community.
Evil does exist. There is a reason that people all
over the world, in churches, synagogues and mosques,
gathered together yesterday to mark this moment in
history. All are potential victims of this wrath.