How Do We Respond?

The terrorist attacks of 9-11-01 provoked me to write three rants. These rants provoked an unprecedented level of response from visitors to the site. I offer my rants and my visitors' responses to you here, with gratitude to all who contributed to the discussion, pro or con!

Go to the special Guestbook page to read people's responses to Ben's 9-11 Rants!

October 1, 2001

Dear friends and fans,

I have struggled with putting down my thoughts regarding the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. Many have spoken and written, some with great eloquence, saying the things I would have said, and I have been grateful to see that I am not alone in my viewpoint. But my opinions are not among the most popular right now, and I was reluctant to offend anyone. Nevertheless, others have encouraged me to say what's on my mind, and continuing events have led me to feel that it is still worth doing, so here it is...

I am asking you to consider carrying forth a message of tolerance, compassion, peace, and even forgiveness. I am asking you to resist the temptation to use the language of violence and revenge. I am asking you to support military action only in terms of defense, not retaliation, and then only as part of a larger plan to combat terrorism with a plan based on intelligence and compassion, diplomacy and wisdom.

Stop and think about the impact of your words and actions. Many people, children, especially, learn by example and take things literally. Let's show that the values and principles we claim to hold so dear- freedom, compassion, forgiveness, "do unto others…," "turn the other cheek," etc- are not set aside in a crisis, but in fact become more vital than ever.

I believe that our ability to live by these values and principles is being tested. Let us show the world that we believe that these values and principles apply to all people, not just our friends. The "eye-for-an-eye"/revenge response only pulls us down to the level of our attackers. It doesn't bring back the dead, it doesn't heal our grief, and it doesn't eliminate the underlying motivation of the attackers. If our response to these attacks is based on fear, anger, revenge and hatred, then we take on the worst characteristics of those who attacked us.

I ask that you pass on the message of tolerance, compassion, peace, and forgiveness to your family, friends, associates and especially your government leaders. Ask your congressmen to try harder to seek non-violent solutions. There are far too many people in positions of power that have vested interest and even outright enjoyment of military/violent response, as well as the curtailment of some people's civil liberties, in a crisis. There are those who are more than happy to take advantage of such a situation as we now face. It is up to each of us to hold them in check by stepping forward as citizens and making our feelings known.

Insist that your leaders put more effort into seeking alternatives to bombings, attacks and wars. Demand that they step forward and demonstrate that they have pursued every alternative, sought out the most creative, intelligent and compassionate thinking to come up with new ways to deal with the issues at the root of these situations, as well as the capture and punishment of those responsible for the attacks. Insist that violent response be the last resort, taken only in self-defense and with very limited objectives.

Educate yourselves! Go beyond the headlines and the soundbites; learn all you can about those who oppose us and hate us- who they are, what our relationship to them is, why they feel the way they do. Ignorance breeds contempt; knowledge breeds compassion.

There is nothing wrong with being angry; it's only human to react with strong emotions. The wisest, smartest and strongest of us have had to deal with the emotional turmoil brought on by these attacks. Nevertheless, wisdom dictates that we try to direct the anger we feel into action aimed toward making positive changes in some way, in regard to the events that have hurt us so deeply.

Live daily by the simple principles of tolerance and compassion for all people. Do it for the children's sake; give them an example that they can follow into a peaceful happy future.

To all musicians and anyone in the fields of arts and/or entertainment, I say: Carry on! We provide moments of happiness, a respite from the pressures that weigh poeple down. We have the capacity to lighten people's hearts and souls and help them get through these times.

If there is anything good to come out of these tragic events, let it be the greater awareness that our common humanity transcends any of the issues that seem to divide us. Let music show the way.

Continue to the follow-up rant, "Is It Human Nature?"

Go to the special Guestbook page
to read people's responses to Ben's 9-11 Rants!

Your comments welcome!