h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My wife and I have just returned to Canada from a driving tour of the eastern USA. Our original destination was Lafayette, Louisiana, to see the wonderful 'Mystical Arts of Tibet' exhibition hosted by the university there; but we eventually extended the trip to include nine states, covering more than 6,400km. After the tragic events of September 11, we seriously considered cancelling our plans, more because we expected the atmosphere in America to be one of suspicion and anger than because we were afraid of further acts of terrorism. I'm glad we decided to go... Everywhere we went was festooned with flags, ribbons, and signs bearing messages such as, 'God Bless America', not in a manifestation of patriotic bloodlust, but as a simple act of heartfelt compassion. Even the sorrow of this national tragedy did not diminish the warmth and open hospitality of the people we met. This is the great strength of the America of side roads and country lanes, of small towns and crossroads. And, sadly, this is a side of America that the outside world seldom sees. I join you in hoping that the jargon of politics and the jingoism of the media doesn't denigrate the true heroism of those who gave their lives in New York or detract from the real strength and contribution of the American people.

Hi-

I'm so glad that you decided to visit despite recent events. I'll pass along a story I just read this week that really made me happy in a bittersweet way. Some media were interviewing firefighters at one of the many funerals taking place. I don't know if I can impress upon you how emotional these events are right now. It was pretty clear that the reporters were almost baiting the firefighters, trying to get them to fan the flames of jingoism and racism, to call for revenge. I loved the response they got instead. One of the firefighters said "It doesn't matter if its a mosque, a church or a synagogue. Doesn't matter what color, what religion... we rescue people. Period." I loved that.

Then they asked them about Afghanistan and one replied 'Well, sir, thats politics. To me, its an honor to love your enemeis."

I think if these guys, after being in hell for the last month, can dig down into themselves and come up with sentiments of compassion and humanity as opposed to succumbing to hatred, racism and violence, then surely the rest of us can as well.

How was the exhibit?

Wouldn't it be nice if we could preserve that spirit? I think the firefighters' feelings were general in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe; though, of course, no one who hasn't been through what they have could fully appreciate what it means to them. You'd need to have a heart of stone not to feel that way. It was heart-rending to watch the CNN street reporters talking to all those poor souls with photos of their loved ones. I know we live in a nuts and bolts world, and something really does have to be done about the threat of terrorism, but it would be a real waste, I think, to bury the very honest compassion we all felt and not strive to make the world a better place. It's a shame that the news media doesn't take more of an interest in being constructive.

The exhibit was wonderful. Though quite small, the university gallery was a very nice venue, because the atmosphere was relaxed and informal; students were constantly coming and going, and were able to chat with the monks who were creating a sand mandala.