| On September 15, 2001, amid the questions of who, how and why; amid the out pouring of grief, the candlelight vigils, the rush to buy flags, the desparate attachment to the TV screen hoping, please, please, let there be a survivor... amid the rage, and the anger and the calls for retribution a small flicker of hope went unnoticed.... a letter to the editor published in the New York Times.... To the Editor: My first reaction to the tragedy that struck America on Sept. 11 was to send a cable to President Bush. I express my profound condolences and feelings of solidarity with the American people. The terrible crime was committed not only against Americans but against all humankind, which is now facing unprecedented challenge. It is only by common efforts that we will be able to find the response to it. The time will come to discuss problems like the roots of fanaticism and violence and the ways of dealing with them. What is needed now is to support the people of America, of New York and Washington, who will need a lot of courage and strength in the days ahead. The hour of trouble must not become an hour of despair. Americans should know that the Russian people are with them. We have faith that you will not allow the terrorists to break your will or shatter your reason. This makes us confident that together we will be able to defeat terrible evil. Mikhail Gorbachev Moscow, Sept. 14, 2001 Do you remember when the Soviets were the enemy? Do you remember wondering if Mikhail Gorbachev could be trusted? Do you remember wondering if he was sincere in his desire to reduce nuclear arms? to end the Cold War? I certainly do. I ask these questions for one simple reason: The man kept his promises. He helped end the Cold War. He committed political suicide in the process. He took the leap, for the good of his country and for the good of our country. And so I bring his condolence forward as a message of hope. Peace. It can be accomplished. We can reach an understanding and even a friendship with those we once distrusted, feared, hated and defamed. All it takes is time, persistence, patience and a few brave men. |
| A Message of Hope... |
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