Open Letter to the President from the People
Published in the Maine Sunday Telegram on Sunday, October 21, 2001
President Bush:
The international community mourns the events of September 11th by our side. If we are to maintain this support of world opinion, we must choose the path of peace guided by international law.
Waging war may seem the easier path, but seeking peace will offer the lasting solution. We urge you to think deeply about the consequences of our own violence. History has proved that the use of violence generates ever greater violence. We urge you to continue the dialogue with other nations, and to mobilize and maintain a world-wide coalition against terrorism through the rule of law rather than with militarism. We are at a watershed in American history, and you are at a watershed in your presidency. We can choose to behave as humans have behaved for thousands of years, rendering blow for blow, fueling the cycle of violence and vengeance. Or we can lead the world to a peaceful resolution by extending a hand to all people. Heed the growing calls for peace and justice from our citizens and from governments throughout the world. Use our collective wisdom and international law rather than military might.
The root causes of the acts of terror are political and economic in nature, and cannot be solved by military might. Lead our country and the world into a new era of international understanding and cooperation. Set our vision for world-wide long-term interest that can only come through funding sustainable economic and environmental practices on a global scale. In so doing you will insure that generations to come will bless your wisdom.
For peace and the hope of justice from the undersigned citizens.