From: Joanna Rudge Long <jrudgel>
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 13:55:48 -0400

relevant. One of the results of the terrible events is a powerful reminder that each of us is a unique, important human being, with feelings that are valid even though they may not resemble our own. And that, more than we are in the habit of imagining, they do resemble our own. We need the personal stories. Only through such shared experiences do we understand our common humanity. And such understanding, such empathy, is the most powerful deterrent to intolerance, injustice, terrorism. I have observed this week, even here 300 miles away in peaceful Vermont, everyone -- friends, strangers -- reaching into each other's private lives. Are you all right? people ask. Have you lost anyone you know directly? I treasure that, and pray it lingers long. Ben Brantley, NY TImes theatre critic recently said that he burst into tears at the end of a London performance of Arthur Miller's All My Sons, which concerns a munitions maker who finally understands that the lives of others' children are as valuable as those of his own. All my sons; all our children. We need to make that connection. Love to you all. Joanna :33 AM 9/18/01 00, you wrote:
Received on Tue 18 Sep 2001 12:55:48 PM CDT