Violence Not the Content of Patriotism

To the editors:

I am writing in response to “The Moment of Truth,” by Ross G. Douthat ’02 (Op-Ed, Sept. 19). Mr. Douthat’s fervent patrioism and disdain for those who appear to be blase and indifferent to the tragedy is very understandable at this time and, to an extent, admirable. However, I disagree with his claim that anyone who fails to feel a “burning desire to visit a terrible justice on those responsible” is an unjust person.

It is Douthat’s prerogative and right to feel that way himself—indeed, it was the right to express such strong emotions, among countless other liberties, that was attacked last week. However, to question the patriotism and sense of justice of any American who feels that violence of this magnitude should not necessarily be repaid with equal violence is as harmful as the indifferent attitude of those he himself rebukes.

I realize that, by writing this, I run the risk of sounding as callous and jaded as those who dislike the sight of American flags hanging from every window. I spent the first 18 years of my life in New York City, and no matter what I call my “official residence,” I will always be a New Yorker at heart. I mourn for my hometown along with the rest of the country, and wish to see those responsible brought to justice. If that means military action, so be it.

However, my patriotism is not blind to the fact that many more people, some of them innocent civilians, will perish if indeed we retaliate with force. Any American who chooses to focus more on helping the people affected by this terrible event and hoping or praying for peace rather than evoking the wrath of the military on Afghanistan is still a patriotic and just citizen.

The fire of patriotism that serves to warm, embrace and enlighten is just as valid as that which seeks to exact revenge.

Marietta A. Papagapitos ’03

Sept. 19, 2001

Finding No Peace

To the editors:

I firmly believe in the notion of free speech, but that is the only thing that stops me from disagreeing with the publication of “Finding a Lasting Peace,” by Heather B. Long ’03 (Op-Ed, Sept. 18).

Long, unlike most Americans, I am happy to say, fails to grasp the concept that when a group of people hijack four airlines and crash them into major U.S. landmarks, they have lost the privilege of reasoning through their grievances, and deserve not our empathy, but our wrath. The Twin Towers, above all else, stood as a symbol of rationality and human achievement, and it is this rationality that the suicide bombers of Sept. 11 sought to destroy.

The idea of Long, and others like her, sitting up at night and wondering “what could go so wrong in a person’s life that he or she would be compelled to destroy thousands of innocent lives” should not be understood as kindness or sympathy on the part of peaceful individuals, but the deepest and most horrible sanction that any victim can give an attacker. What Long calls the “narrowness” of retaliation is actually a commendable refusal on the part of most Americans to wait for the next air attack or suicide bomber to bring an end to even more lives.

Shannon F. Ringvelski ’04

Sept. 18, 2001

•

The Ivy Shelter

To the editors:

One week has passed since the most destructive attack in American history. In that week, only four percent of the rubble has been cleared from lower Manhattan. Meanwhile, one hundred percent of the reality that may have existed among Harvard students has been demolished. According to “Finding a Lasting Peace,” Heather B. Long ’03 is more captivated with the search for an emotional understanding of terrorism than with the effort to prevent terrorist acts in the future (Op-Ed, Sept. 18).

I do not wish to comment upon Long’s assertion that war is an incorrect response nor do I wish to offer some grand, lasting solution. I would merely like to comment upon the state of our campus and our campus media.

Simply, Harvard is out of touch with reality. One week ago, terrorists destroyed thousands of lives, stole jobs from survivors, hijacked millions of dollars from America’s corporations, displaced thousands of families (including mine) and left all Americans with the realization that mass murderers really do live among us.

And yet at Harvard, after just one week, many students have moved on. They no longer worry about how New York City will recover and identify each victim. They have no concern for the city’s economic activity. They have abandoned thoughts of devising practical means to combat the future terrorist attacks, which now seem imminent. Instead, Harvard students are captivated by more interesting conflicts: What perceptions do terrorists have “of our country that would allow them to feel justified in seeking to destroy it.”

Apparently, to think about the reality of retribution and to feel real feelings of anger is incorrect. One week ago America was attacked, but today Harvard’s students have moved beyond petty thoughts. Today Harvard’s students do not feel pain and do not fear terrorists. Though they may be intrigued by the terrorist mind, they seem unwilling to admit to its full, terrifying potential.

Matthew S. Kupersmith ’02

Sept. 18, 2001