There seems to be some active interest in what Jian has to say about this whole situation. After a few emails and the like so that I wouldn't piss* him off, I got permission to post his email here. It was in response to what I'd written Tuesday night. There might be more later, in an addendum or maybe not. He also wanted me to say "Altho' it was hastily written. Perhaps you can explain that it was a response to your piece that I fired off upon receiving it."Enjoy. Hope this resolves some of your curiosity.
Salleee -
Thanks for sending along your words today. You wrote in an honest, heartfelt and eloquent fashion. Congrats on finding a means and medium for your expression. I'm impressed with you - as ever.
Today's events were certainly devastating to watch and shocking to see unfold. I share your disbelief at witnessing what transpired in NYC (and Washington) today. Rest assured that not much work got done in Toronto as people watched and tried to come to terms with what they saw.
Having said the above, here are a couple of reactions to your words:
It is a good and safer day to live in Canada, but we're not immune. Toronto's main financial buildings and downtown core was evacuated and empty by late morning...quite eerie.
More important, I must take issue with your statement that the u.s. is the "well reputed land of peace that does not terrorize other nations in this manner." Are you serious about this? Would you care to make that statement to many of the residents of Vietnam, Grenada, Chile, Nicaragua, Iran, Palestine, El Salvador, Iraq, or East Timor? (to name just a few examples). The U.S. record of state-sponsored terror and aggression over the last half-century is virtually unparalleled and devastating in its implications.
Part of the problem with America in world affairs is that it lacks the perspective to look beyond itself and it's interests in order to recognize how it is perceived by the rest of the world and why....
As for your comments about assigning blame for today's incidents and meting out retribution, I fear the stereotyping and demonization of certain races and peoples that could come concomitant with such renegade attitudes.
And I fear the place of your cowboy president and his administration who will use this event to justify even more mindless spending on the military industrial complex at the expense of his own citizens.
The attacks on NYC and Washington were indeed heinous and disgusting. Let's hope the American reaction won't be worse.
yours (as ever),
Jian
ps - Forgive my blunt tone but I presume you'd want me to show you the respect of being nothing short of honest and open. Hope you're ok. Glad you guys had a candlelight vigil last night. I'm sure it was cathartic - and important. Good to have a sense of community. Very good.
There could be some addendum to this later. Not sure. You'll see when I do.
