Dear Readers of the IFWP list, Living in NYC I wrote last week to a friend in Europe making an observation about my home city. I wanted to share it with you as well:
After the terrible crime against the people of New York City and the world on September 11, I was very happy that a war fever could not be whipped up in NYC. Instead, there were many places where signs appeared saying: "An eye for an eye only leaves the whole world blind. - Mahatma Gandhi" and "Our grief is not a cry for war". Union Square which is just North of 14th Street became a site for sympathy and a memorial for the victims and a gathering of peace and anti-war sentiments. One night on BBC I heard a BBC reporter in Union Square say he could not find there one supporter for military action. He said there was genuine grief but more a spirit of peace and anti-racism than for war. There was one place I saw anti Arab graffiti on a Friday but by Monday it was replaced by posters: "Islam is Not the Enemy -- War is not the Answer." and "Respect and Defend our Arab Neighbors". These appeared to be printed up perhaps on home computers. A New York City artist wrote in the Chronicle of Higher Education: "After Tuesday, I can no longer speak as a woman, or an artist, or a New Yorker. Speaking in those ways -'speaking personally'- will no longer do. I have to learn to speak as a citizen." Laurie Fendrich On one Campus here, a group formed called People for Peace. There were anti-war teach ins and a small peace rally. On the campus, the ban the bomb symbol appeared as it did in windows of shops in other parts of NYC. All in all, among most of the people I am in contact there is a questioning why and how did this happen but no sentiment that bombing or attacks in the Middle East or anything like that would be a solution. This is not to say there isn't much confusion among people here as how to move forward or build a more secure society. There are plenty of American flags. Parts of New York may be more anti-war than the rest of the country but they set the example of grief without a cry for war that seems to have moderated the bravado of the war mongers. Of course the opportunists are taking advantage to bring a more police state atmosphere here with restrictions on travel and more police presence in many places. Anyway I wanted to send you this personal view from NYC in case it is helpful to you. Take care. Jay
