One of our most faithful members writes to disagree with my piece here yesterday suggesting air strikes in Sudan to slow the genocide. Here is Jay's response, which I respect a great deal. Jay, by the way, practices what he preaches, has made hundreds, perhaps thousands of calls, and has participated in the "fightordie" vigil in New York at the Sudanese embasssy.
From: Jay McGinley Date: Sun Oct 17, 2004 6:38:20 AM US/Eastern To: passionofthepresent@yahoo.com Subject: Air strikes? That is what THEY can do. What can WE do?
Dear Mr. Moore,I praise your frustration and passion; and I thank you.
I think your outlet, this time, is misplaced. The problem is not the president or Colin Powell, or the Congress not bombing. The problem is US CITIZENS not laying down their lives courageously, compassionately, heroically for their Darfur family - in the streets, on the fax, email, on street corners, in vigils....
WE (not the government, not the army) must BE the change we wish to see, as Gandhi said.
I am NOT admonishing you; just providing the view of a friend.
This is the first time I've felt you were in error! :-) Nice work! :-)
But I do suspect it is a grave error. Standing up en masse to these bullies is the answer - not physical violence. By centrally proposing bombing you will 1. give easy excuse to "us" to turn our gaze away from such a violent action, 2. thereby you will give easy, and wanted excuse to "us" to do nothing. Kristof's piece yesterday was very much more on track, than is bombing.
By the way, your lamentation about how we all are getting fat off of the Darfur situation is PROFOUNDLY ON POINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES. Bravo. "The golden rule is to steadfastly refuse to have what millions cannot," Gandhi. THAT IS WHY WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN DOING IS SO POWERFUL!!!!! - VOLUNTARY - one family member to another. KEEP ON! Don't lose faith.
Agape,
Jay
PS, if you live in New York, it is a beautiful day to stroll down to the Sudanese embassy. The embassy is located at 305 E. 47th St. between 1st and 2nd Avenues (From Grand Central Station, walk north to 47th, then east just past 2nd Avenue. It is on your left.) It is the wood-paneled entranceway with the revolving door.
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