sandy

Thorny Rose said, "It's been over a week and a half since the incident, and, naturally, most such threads are buried." Thorny Rose, My temptation is to respond to you with sarcasm, but I will instead let the deeper meaning of your words percolate as others read them and make their own interpretations. As for my methods for stirring debate, you’re right, I could’ve chosen another way. Seeing few postings in the likely forums I spoke out in a way that would elicit impassioned replies. My words were direct, sincere and clearly effective and I offer no apologies. Continue to malign my actions if you must, or better yet, contribute something to the discussion. Do you think Bin Laden should die? Do you think westerners are “infidels” that must be destroyed as the extremists claim? What say you?

Edward, Please allow me to start by saying my prayers are with you and others who may have lost loved ones in the attacks. I too am at a loss for answers. It seems the freedoms we so fiercely defend as Americans are what make our society both strong and vulnerable simultaneously. In light of what has happened, and to ensure our safety, we will probably have to relinquish or re-define some of those freedoms. A sad reality to be sure. I agree dramatic action must be taken, and no doubt there will be some operatives using this opportunity to further other, unsavery agendas. But what other choice do we have? The only language these fanatics speak is one of violence, so we and the rest of the free world will send them messages that will require no translation. Some say forgive, but I believe forgiveness is something you do to cleanse your own heart of hatred AFTER some measure of justice and/or atonement has been done. As for stating my ethnic background, I did it to add context to my words, and because I am proud to be part Armenian. I think the experiences of our ancestors filter through in shaping who we are, and I know I am a stronger person for having family who escaped the atrocities of 1915 and for having family who did not. (I don’t know much more of my relatives’ personal history than that because no one wanted to discuss it. I think that’s a shame too, because teaching your descendents the lessons of your life, no matter how painful, is a priceless gift.) The potential outcomes of this “new kind of war” are alarming. It is conceivable, as some have warned, that events are about to take place that will change the world order. We’ve seen examples of civilizations rising and falling throughout history. Are we biting off more than we can chew? Will the other leaders of the world genuinely rally along side of us or stand idly by waiting to capitalize on whatever opportunity presents itself? Khodja, Aghmug & Gamavor, Thank you for your replies. Your points are well-taken. wh00t, Cry for whomever you choose, that’s your business. I would be interested, however, in hearing your views on why you think this happened and what should be done about it. Aghtchik, Once MJ started posting I found myself deflecting a litany of insults, some direct and some back-handed. I didn’t expect him to agree with me, but I wasn’t about to let his dismissive, condescension go unanswered. In my view it was MJ who behaved in an angry and negative-minded fashion. I simply stated my dismay at finding little in the way of any kind of conversation on the subject of the Sept. 11th attacks. I found no talk of sadness or fear, no talk of worldwide implications for the future, no talk of right or wrong, nothing. I thought there would be discussion on numerous boards with some postings in the wrong subject areas, prompting an immediate “scolding post” by a moderator. And I stand by my observations. Granted my original posting with its reference to the Turks was harsh, but I intended to stir up lively debate and that’s exactly what ensued. Nothing wrong or disrespectful about it.

Unfortunately, it appears you have left the arena of rational debate. Since I don’t plan on following your lead, our discussion apparently has come to an end. Finally ... something we agree on! Thanks for the back&forth. Aloha.

MJ, Your thinly-veiled assaults on my character are beneath the dignity of intelligent discourse. Nevertheless, I will try to resist the temptation to trade insults. In answer to your assertions: the terrorist attack on the U.S. is the top news story around the world. How hard should I have to look to find mention of it? As for why I chose to first look rather than post, it is because I know this forum has an international following and I was curious to see how people from afar, Armenians in particular, view what has happened. I had planned to add my sentiments to those listed but, surprisingly, I found none. The bigger question now is why have you, acting as moderator, taken such a defensive stance?

What do you mean you don't express condolences to yourself? Look at the boards. Nearly every section has postings reporting transgressions of one form or another against Armenia and its people. I think the events of the past week are at least noteworthy enough to mention somewhere. And expressing some form of sympathy for the victims and their families would be acting in the finest tradition of compassion and humanity. Also, who is the "we" that doesn't find it necessary or meaningful to mention one's ethnicity? Most Americans take great pride in their ethnic background and the ethnic diversity of our country, as it is one of our greatest strengths. Lastly, a public forum's purpose is to open the lines of communication. Thus, your attempt to discredit me for speaking freely has done you far more harm than me.

As an American of half Armenian descent I logged on to this forum expecting to see some messages of support or, at the very least, condolence regarding the massacres perpetrated against the U.S. on September 11th. However, all of you regular posters are as silent as the Turks on genocide.

I've been interested in the symbolism of the objects depicted in heraldic crests. Historical crests of the Republic of Armenia have a branch depicted among the items located below the shield, whereas the modern, contemporary design depicts a feather. Which is correct?