[alistair king]

Gday workers everywhere, particularly those that have been directly touched 
by the events of the past few days.

I would like to echo Ian's comments regarding the feeling in Australia at 
the moment. This was a terrible act, and 100% of the people I have spoken to 
(including Muslim, Jewish, Christian etc. . ) feel that retribution is 
necessary, however as long as it is toward those that are truly responsible. 
I dont think there is anyone out there that would want the innocent to die. 
The responible ones among us realise that blanket racial, religious or 
cultural statements are childish at best.

Some people may doubt, perhaps with good reason if the US will be able to 
pinpoint those responsible. However, despite the fact that it was the US 
that was physically attacked, this should not be the USA's problem alone. 
This problem of terrorism is world-wide, and as such the world should deal 
with it. Smaller countries such as Australia are not immune to terrorism. 
Thank God this sort of action is not more commonplace. While I did not know 
anyone personally in the WTC, Pentagon or on the aeroplanes, I have recently 
been told that a girl I went to high school with has just passed away as a 
result of the injuries she received following a suicide-bomber attack in 
Turkey. This was completely unrelated to the attacks on Tuesday, but it 
really brought these events home to my friends, family and community.

Whatever action occurs over the next few weeks, months and years, it will be 
difficult and probably messy, but hopefully effective. The best, but by no 
means 100% effective way, IMHO, to avoid loss of innocent life is to be 
patient. Revenge is a very dangerous motive. It must be distinguished from 
justice, and the USA and western world has a lot to gain and a lot to lose 
in the forthcoming months. It is unlikely that there will be one perfect way 
to act.

I, and most people that I've spoken to agree that Australia should be a part 
of any anti-terrorist campaign. America has been great friends of Australia 
in the past. There are not many who could deny we owe our freedom to their 
action in WW2.

On a more oily note, it intersting how in moments such as this, lyrics of 
oils songs seem so poignant. Short Memory brought tears to my eyes last 
night. The list of songs that hold powerful meaning goes on: US Forces, 
Written in the Heart - there are many as we all know. I hope the songs give 
you strength.

Apologies for the length of the post. My deepest condolences to those 
touched by this horrible act. May there be joy for you all in the future.

All the best
Alistair


>From: LLOYD_Ian@canon.com.au
>To: powderworks@cs.colorado.edu
>Subject: [Powderworks] (no subject)
>Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2001 13:01:15 +1000
>
>Sorry i have'nt posted on the subject yet, I just wanted to let all our 
>friends in the States know
>how much I and all Aussies are thinking about you at this terrible time.
>I did'nt realise how much it was effecting me until i was driving to work 
>the other day and a lady
>rang MMM (a local radio station) and asked for us to turn our headlights on 
>as a mark of respect. As
>i looked around i noticed quite a few cars with theirs on and did the same, 
>as i did this i could
>barely hold the tears back.
>I consider Americans to be very close allies and friends to us here in 
>Australia and have always
>found you to be very friendly people and at the moment i feel like a member 
>of my family has been
>hurt.
>I won't go on, I just wanted to let you all know that we are behind you 
>110% and are feeling your
>grief as well.
>I just hope that some good comes out of this and the way that people are 
>pulling together now
>continues forever!
>
>Regards,
>
>IAN LLOYD - National Sales Admin. Team Leader
>CANON - Business Imaging Solutions Group
>Level 2, 1 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde 2113
>PH: (02) 9805 2384
>FAX: 1800 352227
>E-MAIL: lloyd_ian@canon.com.au
>
>
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>Powderworks mailing list
>Powderworks@cs.colorado.edu
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