George.

Paul Gaston writes a thoughtful letter. I am not surprised how quickly so many of our national and state leaders have quickly jumped on the bandwagon of anti-terrorism, patriotism and religion,,, to be certain their views are known to the voters. My instincts tell me it is largely hype. If their concerns were real, they would clearly see the foundation of our fundamental democracy and freedoms being undermined by a government no longer governing but ruling by decree.The scoundrel element is raising its ugly head.

I know of no one but the craziest "kooks", who would countenance the horrific attacks in New York and Virginia. But, I have to say, at risk of sounding like I am somewhat pardoning the offense, that I wish, over the many years I have been witness to domestic terrorism and US government sponsored terrorism throughout the world, that our leaders would have been equally unanimous and outspoken in their condemnation.

Paul Gaston refers to the Ku Klux Klan, a rabid fundamentalist, terror organization (who, of course, still exist). Their murderous rampages throughout our land, went largely ignored by those in government; those whose voices might have influenced our nation to stop this nightmare.

Both major political parties share the blame. FDR refused to sign "Anti-Lynching" legislation for fear of alienating key southern members of congress. He knew better!

When the Murrah building in Oklahoma City was blown up with the loss of 168 souls, much of the response was tepid, at best. Again, there were many constituencies who hated the federal government, and, expressed some sympathy for the bombers who were perceived as settling the score for Waco and Ruby Ridge.

Many of these militia groups and right wing organizations were often told by the elected officials who represented them, that the government was their enemy. Timothy McVeigh & Company was just one of thousands who were of this mind. They are still amongst us.

Throughout the world, the US has sanctioned and trained individuals to terrorize their own countrymen. Salvador, Nicaraugua, Guatemala, Chile, Congo, Dominican Republic and others. Assassination was in our "play book" if we thought we would get the results we sought.

What we often got were murderous dictators as in Chile, Guatemala, Salvador. We got "death squads" who murdered their own fellow citizens. It was terrorism in its purest form, and, with few exceptions, members of our government turned a deaf ear.

Interestingly, the Falwells and Robertsons of our land must not read the very book they hold and quote so frequently. It is rife with references to false prophets, wolves in sheep's clothing, forgiveness, compassion, humanity. It is difficult to comprehend the hatred and vitriol they spew in the name of Christianity. It is identical to the Islamic fundamentalists who interpret the Koran as a vehicle to justify their hate. I have heard few politicians take this evil to task. Falwell has 20,000 in his congregation and, many applaud his comments. Can someone tell me how to differentiate this hatred from that of the Islamic radicals except that it was spoken in english?

Recently, former President, Bill Clinton,gave an important speech in Hartford, Connecticut, he spoke of a need for inspired leadership to solve the long term issue of terrorism.

A few things he said, as best I can recall, was the need to educate the Islamic world. It was Americans who fought to liberate Islamic Kosovo from the boot of the Serbs led by Slobodan Milosevic. When the FBI needed 200 Arabic speaking volunteers, 15,000 applied for the job.Children who don't know two plus two are being taught that Israel and the United States are re-introducing dinosaurs to launch against Islam; these same children who are being trained to be future suicide bombers, know little of the US except the hate and propaganda taught in extreme fundamentalist Islamic schools. Few in the Islamic world know that 500 Moslems died in the World Trade Center on September 11th.

Basically, President Clinton said we simply must find a way to produce more enlightened individuals, fewer terrorists; to unify, not divide. To fund peace and reconciliation at a less costly price than war. To export democracy in its purest form.

It might not give the flag wavers and scoundrels the grist they need for their form of patriotism and hate but I feel it will make for a safer world.

Finally, a quote from Tacitus ,,, (For my friend, Paul Gaston, who is a man deserving that his principled actions not be forgotten):

"The principle office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity."

Harry Tenney (electronic mail, December 6, 2001).