Dear List, You know, it is amazing how things get twisted. I posted the original editorial from Gordon Sinclair entitled "America: The Good Neighbor" because someone sent it to me and I found it uplifting. I sure as you-know-what needed uplifting this week. I thought I would pass it on so that maybe others would find it uplifting as well, especially to those colleagues in NYC and DC. In times of crisis, it is good to know you are not alone. First, I am attacked and called stupid. Gee, thanks. Not that you have any right to judge, Miss Svensson; after all nobody died and named you God (and don't forget, a lot of people died this week). I, however, forgive you. Not because I am perfect or a Christian (I am neither) or an American, but because it is the right thing to do to make this world a better place for all of us. And, I believe the duty to make the world a better place should be above any religious or political agenda or belief. Due to cultural differences, I think that you may not have understood what others did: I was briefly uplifted again by the responses of others who understood that the uplifting aspects of the editorial (correctly stated that it is only an opinion and not a statement of fact) certainly outweighed the negatives of one historical misquote. I thank those of you who responded and hope that it uplifted your heart for a brief moment as it did mine. We are not alone. All of humanity is with us. I hope that our leaders respond with the same humanity, though I fear they will not. Secondly, I understand Mr. Mulligan's rage. I think it is something we Americans have all felt at some level this week. I think it only natural that at some point, when provoked, people explode. Perhaps it was not professional, but it was human. No apology is needed. I do hope that Mr. Mulligan's family and friends are OK, though I know that probably someone he knows is not. My thoughts are with all of you who lost so much this week. (We all lost something this week.) Thirdly, the editorial was originally written concerning Vietnam, but its core message was appropriate for this week: America needs our help and we should offer it readily, as that is exactly what would happen if the tables were turned. We have natural disasters yearly in this country, but seek no outside help. We have slums in our cities that look like third world countries, yet we still help third world countries. The message stands. Lastly, this entire discussion concerns museums because it concerns our culture and our people. And though many Museologists would have you believe that the "reason for being" of museums is its collection of objects, I would like to point out that it is actually people. It is the people who used the object, created it, visit it, preserve it, interpret it, collect it and value it who are the reason for museums. For without them, we would have no objects. And as preservers of our culture, the events of this week will forever alter that culture and how we do business. Furthermore, I find it very hard to think that focusing on our work without taking the time (and any forum available) to offer our support to colleagues is, quite frankly, inhumane and unprofessional. I have in no way intended anything negative by my original posting or this one. It is my hope that all of you will find something uplifting in the days and weeks to come, and I for one, hope you will pass it along. Sincerely, Lori Allen, Grad Student, UMSL -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Aaron Marcavitch Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2001 7:26 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: false rumours was: America: The Good Neighboor Ok folks, Lets back up here. I have four friends in NYC. None were hurt, but they were there. That is my qualification statement. Furthermore, I agree this is a horrible tragedy. However, all the reply's I have seen to Ms. Svensson's e-mail are a bit out of control. I am going to say that 1. Ms. Svensson did not use obscenity, she quoted it. That doesn't make it right, but she did say shortly after that remark that we should make sure our facts are right before we go nuts. Perhaps this indicates the difference in Europe and America in our unfailing patriotism even in the face of many facts that indicate we might not be the golden land we think we are at these times. 2. Mr. Mulligan indicated that many of the elements in the editorial are true. I would concur. However, the point of his e-mail was lost in the accusations. I dont think this is appropriate. Ms. Svensson, although it could have been done differently, was just indicating that we make sure we check our facts. There was no need to lash out at her. 3. The orignal e-mail was not in reference to anything that happened on Tuesday. It has to do with the other countries during the Vietnam war and their opinion of that police action. Dont confuse the two. 4. Another point is that we haven't asked for help in this situation, but we have gotten it. The current situation is entirely different than from the time of the original editorial. How does this situation have anything to do with draft-dodgers? Do we think other countries are gloating over our situation? Do we really think Ms. Svensson is? REALLY? Please people. We are angry and taking it out on others. Dont do that. Its unprofessional. 5. Lastly, and most importantly, to the original poster and to those who follow, I must ask how this relates to museums. I know that this list has from time to time changed topics, but I think at this time, there is no need for this type of discussion. Let us turn our attention to our work and our museums. Let us give help to those who need it on our personal time. This list isn't for that type of discussion. This response will probably get me flames. It might even cause me trouble getting a job next year. But I for one am a bit tired of this anger. Thanks for listening. Aaron Marcavitch Tennessee __________________________________________________ Terrorist Attacks on U.S. - How can you help? Donate cash, emergency relief information http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/US/Emergency_Information/ ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . 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