-----Original Message-----
From:
Celia Alphonsus [mailto:vixena73@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 12 September, 2001 6:57 PM
To: robertec@tm.net.my
Subject: About
Community Service and TogethernessI belong to an online group and I would like to
reproduce a post from one of the members in response to the terrorist attack in
the US. I found it pertinent to be shared with USJ 23 because of our Malaysian, laid-back attitude towards community
service and togetherness. We should not wait for tragedies to occur to show our
unity.
"From: "Gerhen" infideli@h...
Date: Wed Sep 12,
2001 10:16 am
Subject: Re: Appalled
I've worked for the Intelligence & Security
Command, the State Department, and the
Federal Emergency Management Agency to name a
few.
Even before that, it was quite amazing to me that
more acts of terrorism and war had not
found their way onto American soil. To have
freedom is to be vulnerable. The greatest safety for the population would be in a nation ruled by curfews, controlled travel, monitored living, and martial law.
The most peaceful and cooperative populations that I
have seen have always been in times
of tragedy. People join together to
mourn or to struggle when disaster
threatens to strike. Old grievances are
forgotten, and diverse people come together to aid, give to, and support each
other in floods, after tornadoes, and in the face of war's horror.
This is about the only time that even groups as small
as towns or neighborhoods ever come
together as a Community.
Community is a place where - despite inherent differences in all people -
we share hopes, we share sorrows and joys, we share problems and search for answers as a single but
multifaceted entity.
Only in such an
environment, even if temporary, can individuals come together to achieve any true semblance of peace. Have you ever been in an emergency? Have you ever let go of your ego's tiny little prejudices to go out and do
what you know to be the
right thing to do?
WHY CAN'T WE DO THAT
HERE?
Gerhen"
Why can't we agree on simple issues
that are for the benefit of all? Why do we
complain of inconveniences and the abuse of the rights of individual residents? To all those good men and women who
are taking positive steps in weaving the thread
that binds USJ 23, your good intentions and actions are inspiring others to help weave a beautiful tapestry of togetherness and goodwill. To those bent on unraveling the
community spirit here, whatever you try to snip
out or pull to pieces, the majority of the residents here are strong and resilient. Their spirit will not be broken and
their resolve will not be doused.
Celia Alphonsus, |
