The horrible terrorist attacks to the heart of our country will no doubt forever change the character of our nation. It is with great sorrow and grief that we mourn and extend our sympathies to the victims and their families. We add our hope for the full and speedy recovery of the injured and the missing. As we realize that our nation will never be the same, it is important not to allow the perpetrators of this heinous crime to change our country's character for the worse. The unimaginable devastation and loss of life we have suffered may appeal to our worst instincts. But, as we contemplate how to respond, we must remain calm and guard against blindly seeking revenge against any particular ethnic group.
This has been a cowardly and indiscriminate crime against all humanity. The backgrounds of its innocent victims are representative of the world's diversity, from Africa to the Americas, Europe to Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. It is important that our community stand strongly in solidarity and support of all its people regardless of their ethnic background. Madison's increasing diversity has made it a better place to live, learn, work and play. Tuesday's terrible tragedy provides the opportunity for each one of us to reflect on our beliefs and convictions and to consider how we can expand our understanding and appreciation of diversity. With resolve the adversity that has befallen our nation can form the basis of a better understanding of all the peoples in our community and our nation. We must seize the moment, not to attack one another, but to better understand our differences and work together.
Signers include...
Susan J.M. Bauman, Mayor
LaMarr Billups, Urban League of Greater Madison
Kathleen Falk, Dane County Executive
Leslie Ann Howard, United Way of Dane County
Thaj Ying Lee, United Refugee Services
Kirbie Mack, NAACP
Elsayed Mogahed, Islamic Community of Madison Area
Steven Morrison, Madison Jewish Community Council
Peter Muņoz, Communities United
Lucia Nuņez, Centro Hispano of Dane County
Debra Weill, OutReach, Incorporated
Alfonso Zepeda-Capistrãn, LUChA
...
Madison Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)