Pride and shame in my fellow man

The emotions have only slightly calmed in the last 36 hours, but the resolve of Americans and free people everywhere has not dimmed. The horrible acts of terrorism yesterday have to have been the most massive and staggering act of terrorism in all of written history. I can think of no act myself.

I am today very pleased with our nation, our fellow citizens, our friends, neighbors, etc. There has been shinning in our hearts a resolve to help, in what ever way we can. Lines are 50 foot long outside the Red Cross office to give blood and they have appointments booked solid for almost two weeks locally. All manner of donations are filling the salvation army and good will, as well as many funds set up to help.

The people responsible meant to cause pain, suffering, and mainly terror and fear in our hearts. They want to destroy us, but although they have produced great worry for friends and loved ones near the attacks, they have NOT broken us! They have done just the OPPOSITE. They have inadvertently relighted the roaring flame of patriotism and kindness in the hearts of MILLIONS that had forgotten. We have joined together to help each other and demand that the responsible PAY for what has happened! I am proud of America today!

There are however individuals I am not proud of, and to live in the same community as them shames me. Last night in our small town, a kind and loving Arab man just paying for his gas at a local gas station was shoved around and tormented my local teens. This behavior also infuriates me. I understand we want to make someone pay, I feel it too. But the innocent American citizens must not suffer for their linage. We must guard ourselves and protect the innocent.

Muslims that truly follow the Koran know that it teaches love and kindness, not hate. Unfortunately several militant leaders have twisted the true teachings and have inspired hate. Those of any religion need to learn for themselves what is true and not take fully for granted that what their leaders state is truth. Every responsible religious leader will tell his followers to check it out for themselves.

Not all Muslims or Arabs are to blame and we cannot harm the innocent. Have the terrorists done enough of that? Why would you destroy all we try to rebuild by doing what they have done? YES, those responsible must pay, but the innocent must be protected. Anger is nothing but misdirected fear. I say to those teens, you are no better than the terrorists that have put fear in your heart, killed thousands, and hated us with all their hearts. I hope you will turn around and be sorry... SAY you are sorry, and ask for forgiveness.

-----<<>>-----<<>>-----<<>>-----<<>>-----<<>>-----<<>>-----<<>> Keith Zimmerman is the owner of amazingwebsecrets.com and editor-in-chief of ASW Marketing Newsletter. For help with marketing information check out http://amazingwebsecrets.com or subscribe to AWS marketing newsletter by sending an email to mailto:subscribe@amazingwebsecrets.com