Staff editorial: A time for tolerance

The first few moments after a major tragedy tend to bring out the whole spectrum of ghastly human emotions.

There is, obviously, shock. Sadness isn't far behind. And mixed in among the chaos and confusion of the following days, the sheer helplessness of the situation can also bring about an unsettling mix of anger, frustration and fear.

Three days ago, this nation withstood the single worst tragedy in its history. The scale of loss -- most of which we can not yet even comprehend -- is sure to be immense. What we demand most now is answers. What we need most now is explanation. And what many of us feel right now, is rage.

We feel rage against the monsters who perpetrated such a heinous and unthinkable act. We feel rage against our nation's enemies, cruelly standing between us and a swift justice. We may even feel rage against ourselves, for becoming lulled into what was obviously a very false sense of security.

But what we must absolutely not feel right now is rage at those around us.

The developments of recent days have shown that responsibility for the World Trade Center and Pentagon disasters may well rest with extremist Arab terrorists, specifically agents of exiled Saudi millionaire Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden and his followers have been linked to a number of terrorist actions before, and even though his supporters number few -- especially within the Arab world -- some are now equating his actions and motives with those of all people who are of Arab descent.

That kind of response, which can manifest itself in a number of fierce and potentially deadly forms, is an ignorant and dangerous way to respond to this great grief. And what's more, it does little to bring about any kind of justice, and even less to honor the memories of those who have been lost.

We trust that this community -- which has proven so capable, supportive and compassionate during this period of strife -- will continue to keep that in mind during these crucial days.

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