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

Even brain-dead geeks must realise that failing to comply with the terms of its licence could cost the BBC millions!

As an ACE I have a responsibilty in my voluntary role to try and assuage any tensions I encounter on site. So I thought i was helping you out - oh well never mind about that.

This talking point is naturally very emotional and there have been many postings reflecting that fact. Such emotions will I imagine generate a lot of charged posting a number of which have been hidden pending viewing by the moderators. I do not feel I can comment on the things you say you wrote (though I confess more than a little dismay that anyone of any political alignment could seek to justify or support the deaths of so many innocent civilians regardless of their nationality.) as they had already gone when I arrived.
We have a diverse mix of people on H2G2 with a variety of views and opinions which for the most part get on famously and with the added benefit of a real community spirit ably demonstrated by the researchers here who have posted so many wonderful messages of sympathy and condolence for those people hurt in the terrorism yesterday and displaying real concern for our own american researchers, some of whom are close friends.
I've said this others today and I'll say it to you. If you want to do something constructive leave a message of condolence in one of the many forums here. Though I suspect that from you above polemic you'll be loathe to follow that free bit of advice.

And really, descending into a bit of petty personal abuse endears me to you no further.

Researcher 184310, as Clive and others, including myself, have said: Now is not the time to engage in political rants against anyone.

And this site has a very low tolerance for those who indulge in personal attacks and insults. Flaming is not acceptable here.

I am asking you, with respect, to please stop this. Stop it now.

You are welcome here, at h2g2, but you are expected to follow the rules, or leave. It's up to you.

Peace

Researcher 184153,
Having read some of these posts between deployment meetings and mission plans. And I have seen some of the most ignorant and intolerant messages by worthless people. But your posting really took me. I can only assume that you feel right in your assumption and that you will never be faced with the loss of loved ones. . for it is apparent that you only love yourself. Be happy there, because should we ever meet, I won't show you that love. I don't care if you agree with war or violence, it matters not to me. BUt people have died and people are continueing to die. If you have no condolences or support to offer. . shut the hell up.

Cobra 2-6 out

Thank you researcher 184182. You helped to calm my aching nerves (I have an interest in Israel that was cut to the quick by the posting above). I think I've strolled into the wrong forum (injudicious use of a mouse) but you helped me feel a bit better.

x x Fenny

Oops - sorry - I must have responded to a Posting on teh first page. Sorry...

x x Fenny

The reason is simple: now is not the time. When the war is not occuring, you can probably talk about it.

But now is not the time.

People have died from this. The BBC has kicked Entries that support killing and violence, too. Terrorist acts are not supportable in h2g2.

My uncle almost died there.

What if it was yours?

What if it wasn't almost?

--SmartGamer (ACE)

I get this feeling that these sentiments were much the same as those expressed in the arab countries when this atrocity was being planned

Grow up

Autist,

Just a small point about Ussamah bin Laden. He may not be a member of the Taliban per se, but he has marriage ties with one of the leading Taliban sheiks. Even if any evidence points to his having any part in this atrocity, I doubt if they will readily give up such an an influential and closely tied leader.

No arguement matters here. Unless you are offering support to those who are in need, shut up.

Actually I was responding to a post much further back. I find discussing this situation in an informative manner gives me comfort and support while I wait for news of my niece and her family who are missing in Manhattan. To each his own.

Of course if you wish to extend any further discourtesies, Please, feel free.

Some people need to talk about this. It is their way of dealing with loss and pain.

Others feel the need to be quiet, and don't want to talk about it at all

There are a few others who are insensitive, boorish, rude and offensive.

I think if you take the time, visit a lot of threads, you will discover that most postings are not only civil, they are sensitive and caring, and show a good deal of compassion and understanding, and mutual support.

And as painful as the negative comments may seem, remember that they too have a place, even if that is simply one of strengthening your resolve, and forging the bonds of friendship even stronger than before.

Also, many offensive postings have been, and are being removed

Many individuals who post offensive comments do so out of ignorance, and they can be rebuked, and shown how wrong they are, and learn valuable lessons about care and sensitivity, about brotherhood and unity

And there are far fewer offensive postings as those who do not wish to learn from these discussions leave, because they discover they are overmatched, and overwhelmed, by the solidarity of the h2g2 family.

This community understands if if is all too much, and you simply cannot bear to participate in discussion -- no one is forcing you to participate at this time, and there are other researchers who feel just the way you do

But please try to understand: A lot of people are deriving comfort from these conversations.

No one has the right to force anyone to participate in these discussions, just as no one has the right to prevent others from finding solace in these discussions

Everyone has the right to grieve in their own way, to talk if that helps, or to remain silent if that is what they need.

Please respect the rights and the needs of others

Please allow others who are in just as much pain, to find whatever comfort they can, here, among their friends.

Peace

Thank u wearer of a white ribbon.
You know, if it doesnt happen to some DIRECTLY, they dont really understand. When it does, usually its too late for them to know. So those who are being uncorteous.... well, thats the downside of the internet. That u may even be holding a discussion with a clever 5-year old with "search" access to the web! Who knows, some of the more annoying chaps may just want to provoke some anger and are in real life very "decent" blokes in the streets. Tragic!
But this has resulted in a complete loss of thread in our discussions. Lets put them firmly back on.
How can the rest of us, sad as we are, go on with life? What rules do we follow while engaging the enemy? And how much curtailing of freedom will we be prepred to take (incidentally in the name of freedom)

Peace be upon all of you!

Hi Ahmed

I wear the white ribbon now to honour the victims, and as a reminder of peace

I wish I could answer your questions, as I am sure many others wish to do..

I suppose all of us who have been touched by this tragedy will do as we must, as humans always have, and somehow find the strength to go on with life. The amazing Americans will find the strength, in themselves and from the support of their friends, who may bicker with them from time to time, but will always come to their aid when it is needed.

What rules should be followed? I hope the rules of humanity: Do what must be done, to end this blight in our midst.

The ancient Samurai had a saying: Bruise my body, and I will cut your flesh; cut my flesh and I will break your bones; break my bones and I will take your life.

This means that you must not only meet the attack of your enemy, but you must eliminate any possibility of a further attack

I wish some other way could be found, to end terrorism worldwide, but I don't know what it could be.

How much curtailing of freedom will be necessary? I expect there will be a good many people inconvenienced, by stricter security measures, but I don't think there will be a basic violation of the rights of the individual in America, because it would mean America was no longer standing up for what its people believe in, and would therefore no longer be America. The constitution ensures that, I believe.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on these questions. I am not an American, so please forgive my hubris in responding.

Peace

You certainly are NOT American. You quote Samurai codes! But alas! we may be going back to those times of battle after battle, of bloodshed washed with more blood.
Strange thing is this, I "feel" we may not reach there. We are angry now but amidst all that I see understanding that this has to end. I bet we even "know" in our big and little hearts how to go about this. But in Samurai style, we dont want to lose face. Only trouble is the Samurai were stylish swordsmen, killing one at a time and killing THE opponent. This time we have reallyy big swords; planeloads of them!
I have prayed to the Almighty to give us a calm that would help us think and think then act. There is danger out there, and it knows not Americans nor Kenyans. I am a Kenyan and was in the thick of it when Nairobi was bombed in 98. It wasnt pretty. Nor is NY.
We have a saying back home that (loosely translated and with loss of the poetry) "...when the drums roll, know there is action..."
They are rolling. Who will guide our trembling hands which are on triggers?

By the way, the ONLY way out is for each one of us to start with ourselves. Spread the goodwill to he/she who is closest to u, and move on wider from the family to friends. Let the white ribbon move on, you never know, Bush may wear one too!

Hi Ahmed

I am not a Samurai, either, and do not condone bloodshed. The quote was intended as an illustration, that's all. Personally, I believe that although the initial action may very well have to be violent, it must be followed by a great deal of compassion and forgiveness, all over the world, or we are surely doomed to go on killing one another.

I agree, there is ultimately only one way for us, and that must begin with ourselves.

I don't know much about the culture of your country, although I have wanted to visit Kenya every time I see photos of it. However, I read a Zulu proberb that I think is appropriate: A human being becomes human through other human beings.

Peace

The Taliban have in the past expressed that Bin Laden is as much a burden and a liability on their state as he is their guest, they have very little choice in his being there.

Not that i'm trying to support them, i'd like to see them wiped away, but i'd like to see it come from the Afgani people, not through the whole country being further destabilised by bombings, war and mass murder. Afganistan has had too much of this already, which is why both the Taliban and Bin Laden can exist there, it is a country with no strength left, these people are tired, hungry and desperate already.

Also air stikes aren't likely to hit Bin Laden anyway, look at the attempts to get Milosovic in Serbia and Qaddaffi in Libya, killed innocent civilians and missed their targets.

I am NOT supportive of the reaching out in anger that the 'esteemed leader' (who, rest assured, is not esteemed in all quarters despite the 'united front'), but let me say this.

You are right. If you support the attack in NYC or any other such activity you should not be censored. You should be hung on public square and left there to rot as a deterrent.

I think that would be extreme and unproductive. I think it's far better to have feelings like that expressed here. It's my impression that when people feel they can no longer be heard, they resort to violence to get attention. I think that's where terrorism starts.

I also think that's why we've had as little domestic terrorism as we've had. Everyone, including the militias and the communists have a right to present their views. There are forums where there viewpoints are expressed, even welcomed. Their use of terrorism has been limited. Although, they've used a fair amount of violence for other purposes.

By all means express your views. I myself have oft been flamed because of independent, dissenting opinion to the popular view. You can even agree to some points of view of the enemy (I don't have to agree wtih you, though, but everyone has an opinion). These things I don't have a problem with, but. And it's a big but.

When you come out in support of the -acts- of terrorism then you only serve to propogate the hate and violence. There is no excuse for the -acts- of terrorism. It is not revolution, it is not war, it is not religious, it is simply violence for the sake of it.