Some people have been comparing this incident to Pearl Harbor. I hope we have learned enough from history not to mirror the mistakes that were made in the wake of Pearl Harbor.

Being Japanese-American, I have had relatives that lost their homes, were interned in the camps, or had to flee to escape being interned. My dad never spoke about that time so I have no idea what it was like from his first-hand perspective.

This country, America, still deals with hate crimes based on race, gender, or sexual preference. Even in EQ I hear many hateful and ignorant remarks and hateful comments against homosexuals, Jewish people, African Americans.

I can only hope that the terrorist attacks do not lead to a new wave of internments or senseless violence against people who are as innocent as those that were killed or injured by the horrific acts of two days ago.

This is a new century - a new chance to not repeat the mistakes of the past and find another way to deal with this.

There is a good article on this topic for those that are interested in taking an honest look at America's role and involvement in the Middle East.

This is the address:

http://www.progressive.org/webex/wx091201.html