Learn from tragedy

The sudden and malicious attacks that took place Tuesday have touched the lives of not only the friends and family of the victims, but also the life of every individual across the world who believes in the sanctity of life. Our lives, hearts and sense of security have been shattered in a single instant. However, we will recover and progress, despite these tragic events.

Recovery, for many, necessitates revenge against those responsible for the attacks. Many believe that Osama bin Laden is the mastermind behind these attacks. We were shown video footage on the news of Palestinians, including children, celebrating the loss of American life in the streets and declaring it a "victory."

Right now the American people are looking for someone to blame, and the suspicion of bin Laden and those TV images only add fuel to our anger and our rage. Yet, despite all of the cries and lust for vengeful blood, we must not single out or persecute the Middle Eastern people who live among us. We must not let our emotions precede liberty and justice. We cannot treat these people any differently — as was done to German Americans during World War I and Japanese Americans during World War II.

Peace can only occur through progress, which requires change. I'm asking every individual who reads this to change the way he or she responds to Tuesday's events by not only remembering what history has taught us about dealing with such catastrophic events, but also by respecting your fellow Americans and our foreign visitors. Remember to love your neighbor as you love yourself and to treat them as you wish to be treated.

May God bless America.

Jeremy Bosch
junior in LAS

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