We're in the enviable poistion of being the big guy on the block. Attempting to foster good will in the world is important, even if it's not always appreciated and is used against us in the end. Yes we should go after those responsible and yes we should use whatever the means at our disposal to do it, within reason. But we can't turn our backs on those in the world that truly need our help just because some dispicable people take advantage of us.

Frankly, we have to big enough to roll with the punches. Even this one, to some degree (albeit a very small roll, like not turning Afgahnistan into one large piece of glass just to get at a handful of people).

It's a global world, whether we like it or not. Welcome to the 21st century.

In honor of the great American right to freedom of speech, guaranteed to us by our constitution, which the founding fathers of our country fought, suffered and died for, as well as American citizens througout the subsequent generations, comments from this thread will not be deleted or edited.

I ask only that you think about what you're saying before you say it.

The anger many people are feeling is perfectly understandable, but it's not doing any good by directing it at each other or blindly accusing those who are mourning this tragedy as much as any American citizen.

Can you say "Manzanar?"

You want to shake your delicate little fingers at someone? Shake it at the cowards who inflict their hit-and-run tactics on defenseless people, who would never dare show their miserable faces on a battlefield.

Don't preach to me. Wake up and smell the jet fuel. America is tossing its money to people who hate them. Our balance of trade figures are pathetic.

quote:

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Originally posted by Jon:
You want to shake your delicate little fingers at someone? Shake it at the cowards who inflict their hit-and-run tactics on defenseless people, who would never dare show their miserable faces on a battlefield.

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You're complaining about "cowards" while you blanketly blame their entire race with a moronic racial slur. Bin Laden shared that attitude enough to launch his hatred at the whole of the United States. None of that helps anyone.

But please, no one here is "the enemy". And calling your peers "smug, self-righteous little artists", "pencil-jockeys" (when did you stop being a cartoonist yourself?) and "holier-than-thou piss-wads" reflects extremely poorly on our profession, Startoons and yourself. And no matter what your intended context for "camel jockeys" may have been, it's no wonder why my pal Amid took offense at your remark. I did too (and I'm about as lily-white and ethnically-challenged as they come!)

Please don't take this wrong, my friend, but I really think you owe the good folks here at Animation Nation, whatever their opinion, a sincere apology.

My comments about keeping your cool and speaking with dignity are intended for everyone.

I'm just as pissed off about this as you are and it's tough moderating the board when everytime I see those planes smashing through the towers and the people crying in the streets, all I want to do is lash out.

We are now at war and wars are fought and won by unity, resolute determination and clear headed thinking and that's what I want to encourage.

Many people look up to you and see you as a leader and a model for our industry. I'm not judging you at all and I understand your feelings completely. But you've been on this board for a long time and you are a national figure in animation, so keep that in mind when you make your comments.

I'd appreciate it very much if everyone would please be a little sensitive to the feelings and emotions of others at this time. Have some patience. Stop being so thin skinned. If someone makes a remark that you have a problem with, take a deep breath, step away from your computer and leave your response after you've given yourself time to think about it. Consider what the other person is going through and don't get so bent out of shape if something is said that doesn't sit well with you.

If we enter into this thing with an eye for eye and a tooth for a tooth mentality, we're as bad as those who pervert the teachings of Islam for their own twisted purposes. A bunch of sightless maniacs with no bite. Only throwing wild punches that in the case of Tuesday's masacre, found it's mark.

They've done nothing but awakened the sleeping giant.

My concern is that this ongoing threat to worldwide peace be dealt with and eliminated once and for all. As Senator McCain said, "God may show you mercy, but we will not."

This is a good time to reflect on some of those ideals upon which the United States was founded: protection of the innocent, punishment of the guilty. If we abandon those ideals, where is our greatness?