The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild condemns the horrific attacks on September 11th, 2001, and expresses sympathy for the families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors of those who died or were injured. That anyone could perpetrate such horrendous deeds against other people has strained the comprehension of us all and overwhelmed our emotions.
Before this country begins a dismal tailspin of revenge and retaliation, we must first ask ourselves whether this will reduce the possibility of more terrorist acts. We must honor those who have died by using this tragedy as an opportunity to work to change the climate in the world so that there will be no more such devastation on any scale. We must set as our goal a world in which individuals, organizations, and governments respect and listen to each other rather than relying on violence and vengeance, which only breed continuing violence. We must resist, personally as well as politically, becoming a nation of hatred and instead work to establish a world that is more secure for all its peoples. It is also important that we not allow our fear, or inflammatory language by news commentators or by those in the government, to result in the unjust denial of civil and human rights to any or to all. Furthermore, we must condemn all acts of hate and violence that have been and continue to be committed against Arabs, Muslims, and others. Such acts must be punished to the fullest extent of the law. We also deplore the intensification of racial profiling as a legitimate basis for investigating these tragedies.
The United States is proud to call itself a nation founded on principles of human rights and dignity, and it behooves us all, even in our deepest sorrow and anger, to be world leaders in demonstrating these principles. Any actions taken by the US government in response to the attacks of September 11 must be focused on an end result not of revenge but of creating real security for the people of the United States and for people throughout the world. While conspirators in this crime against humanity must be brought to justice, their families, neighbors, and countrymen and women should not also be punished. The US government must demonstrate by its restraint and by its carefully considered response that mass killing and destruction of the innocent are never acceptable behavior.
