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01/30/2003 Entry: "War on terrorism"

Writing in today's issue of Methodist Recorder, American minister Joe Hale shares his feelings about the "War on terrorism":

Because a "War on Terrorism" is underway, we dare not trust people we do not know and must exercise care in our contacts with those of different ethnic background or race, especially on guard with people who come from certain countries, cultures and areas of th world. The newly established "Homeland security" agency will help us by keeping close tabs on everyone.In this atmosphere, increasing numbers of Americans are seeing our "War on Terrorism" as out of character with many of our ideals and long-held national aspirations, including a commitment to look beyond ourselves and open doors that provide hope to people both in ur society and in the world community. This recent focus on "terrorism", on the other hand, is different, breeding suspicion, fear and racial and national profiling. The tragedy of "9-11" is altering the character of the country I love.

The question to Iraq is: "Where are your weapons of mass destruction hidden?" Should not this same scrutiny be focussed on other countries in the Middle East that have those weapons, but will not admit it? ... When the roll is called for the members of the nuclear club to step up ... the State of Israel does not answer... A call for Israel to account for its nuclear arsenal could powerfully demonstrate to the world that the United Nations acts openly, with fairness, and for the good of all.