What lesson did you hope to teach us by your coward's attack on our World Trade Center, our Pentagon, us? What was it you hoped we would learn? Whatever it was, please know that you failed.

Did you want us to respect your cause? You just damned your cause.

Did you want to make us fear? You just steeled our resolve.

Did you want to tear us apart? You just brought us together.

Let me tell you about my people. We are a vast and quarrelsome family, a family rent by racial, social, political and class division, but a family nonetheless. We're frivolous, yes, capable of expending tremendous emotional energy on pop cultural minutiae -- a singer's revealing dress, a ball team's misfortune, a cartoon mouse. We're wealthy, too, spoiled by the ready availability of trinkets and material goods, and maybe because of that, we walk through life with a certain sense of blithe entitlement. We are fundamentally decent, though -- peace-loving and compassionate. We struggle to know the right thing and to do it. And we are, the overwhelming majority of us, people of faith, believers in a just and loving God.

Some people -- you, perhaps -- think that any or all of this makes us weak. You're mistaken. We are not weak. Indeed, we are strong in ways that cannot be measured by arsenals.

IN PAIN

Yes, we're in pain now. We are in mourning and we are in shock. We're still grappling with the unreality of the awful thing you did, still working to make ourselves understand that this isn't a special effect from some Hollywood blockbuster, isn't the plot development from a Tom Clancy novel. Both in terms of the awful scope of their ambition and the probable final death toll, your attacks are likely to go down as the worst acts of terrorism in the history of the United States and, probably, the history of the world. You've bloodied us as we have never been bloodied before.

But there's a gulf of difference between making us bloody and making us fall. This is the lesson Japan was taught to its bitter sorrow the last time anyone hit us this hard, the last time anyone brought us such abrupt and monumental pain. When roused, we are righteous in our outrage, terrible in our force. When provoked by this level of barbarism, we will bear any suffering, pay any cost, go to any length, in the pursuit of justice.

I tell you this without fear of contradiction. I know my people, as you, I think, do not. What I know reassures me. It also causes me to tremble with dread of the future.

In the days to come, there will be recrimination and accusation, fingers pointing to determine whose failure allowed this to happen and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. There will be heightened security, misguided talk of revoking basic freedoms. We'll go forward from this moment sobered, chastened, sad. But determined, too. Unimaginably determined.

THE STEEL IN US

You see, the steel in us is not always readily apparent. That aspect of our character is seldom understood by people who don't know us well. On this day, the family's bickering is put on hold.

As Americans we will weep, as Americans we will mourn, and as Americans, we will rise in defense of all that we cherish.

So I ask again: What was it you hoped to teach us? It occurs to me that maybe you just wanted us to know the depths of your hatred. If that's the case, consider the message received. And take this message in exchange: You don't know my people. You don't know what we're capable of. You don't know what you just started.

But you're about to learn.

Leonard Pitts Jr. Miami Herald

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 14, 2001

Answers

NOOOOOOOOO BETSY, we're about too learn.

ever hear of=reaping & sowing??

too bad the lil' folk's always pay the price.

-- al-d. (dogs@zianet.com), September 15, 2001.

We'll go forward from this moment sobered, chastened, sad. But determined, too. Unimaginably determined.

Ha, infidels! You will soon return to your slothful indulgences. Your anger will not last past the resumption of the NFL (which they will justify as "healing"). Yes, opium is healing. We will bide our time. Americans, you are corrupt, all of you. Even you, oreo-nigger Leonard Pitts Jr. You will all die in Allah's purifying fire.

-- (cell97@Tledo.OH), September 15, 2001.

97, could you please tell me what Allah's purifying fire means?

Seriously, I would appreciate it very much. If you would prefer to tell me privately you can reach me at betsyrossamerican@yahoo.com

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 15, 2001.

Betsy, you ignorant infidel slut: Purifying fire

-- (cell97@Toledo.OH), September 15, 2001.

I'm ignorant? That link doesn't work and I'm ignorant? If that's the best work you can do, I'm not too afraid of your kind.

BTW, it is obvious you don't know me. I was a virgin when I married my deceased husband and I have no desire for another man until I remarry. (IF I decide to remarry.) YOU would just like to think I'm a slut because it makes it easier for you to hate. Too bad, pal.

Now, do you want to try that link again? Or should I consider our conversation over?

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 15, 2001.

Do a search on "purifying fire". The concept is common in Islam, Xtianity, Hinduism and elsewhere. I intentionally gave you a link that denied you access because you are an infidel.

Return to your superficial American pleasures.

-- (cell97@Toledo.OH), September 15, 2001.

Sure you did (wink).

It looks like you and I are both sharing an American pleasure (the Internet). Why do you think you are so much different than me?

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 15, 2001.

Ok, 97. I did a search for purifying fire and found this. Are you trying to tell me you believe in our Purgatory?

-- (Red White @nd .blue), September 15, 2001.

Yeah, that was me above.

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 15, 2001.

betsy you need help

-- (takin@notes.), September 15, 2001.

Betsy female infifel,

I am not different from you. I am better than you.

Allah alim

-- (cell97@Toledo.OH), September 15, 2001.

You may be right, but I seriously doubt it. You can't even post a link.

Save me some time searching through search engines, what does Allah alim mean?

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 15, 2001.

Do not waste my time woman. As I said before,

I intentionally gave you a link that denied you access because you are an infidel.

-- (cell97@Toledo.OH), September 15, 2001.

I think you're full of caca. I know you fucked up that address because you are inferior. Come on "big" boy. Show me what you can do.

-- Betsy (Red White @and .blue), September 15, 2001.

Betsy, I do hope you realize that cell is just joking; sick humour at that.

He's actually in padded cell #97 at a mental institution in Toledo

Come on cell, quit scarin people

-- (Catherine__Linton@hotmail.com), September 15, 2001.

You might want to check with Z about this:

"Zarathushtra, in his prophetic revelation, gave Fire a new meaning. It is not just the fire of the hearth, or of a specific god, but a universal fire, and a metaphysical fire. The Zarathushtrian fire now has an ethical and theological meaning. It is the fire of justice, the symbol of the Divine Attribute of ASHA. Its purifying properties are now extended to the ethical world, and fire becomes the means by which the wrongdoers will be purified in the afterlife. It is also a fire of intellectual illumination. As Zarathushtra says in the Gathas, Yasna 31.3, "The happiness You grant has been promised... through Your mental fire and righteousness." (Ali Jafarey translation) The words for "mental fire and righteousness" in Avestan are mainyu athra-cha asha-cha which literally mean "through mind, through fire, and through ASHA (righteousness)." Thus when Zarathushtra talks about fire, one of his meanings is inner illumination, the fire of enlightenment through which God gives knowledge and courage to human beings. One prayer which devout Zoroastrians say every day (excerpted from the Gathas) says: "Who will, O wise One, give me protection, when the deceitful threatens to harm me, other than your Fire and Mind?" (Jafarey trans.) Fire is therefore a primal unifying force between God and humanity."

http://www.pyracantha.com/Z/atarsh.html

-- flora (***@__._), September 15, 2001.

Ok, flora, quit scaring me!

-- helen (ack@ack.ack), September 16, 2001.

"Betsy",

I'm not a terrorist. I'm just trying to ridicule the bin Ladens of the world. Sleep tight. Sorry to upset anyone.

97

-- (cell97, NOT@Toledo.OH), September 16, 2001.

can we leave the light on?

-- helen draws the covers over her head (no@sleep.this.year), September 16, 2001.

You think you are "ridiculing the bin Ladens of the world"? That's the flimsiest excuse I've ever heard.

I checked that broken link you posted http://www.primenet.com/~subru/Islamic.html" , and it can't be found in any search engine. You have to have personal knowledge of it, and that's what makes me think you aren't kidding around.

It doesn't matter what I think though. I contacted the FBI last night, and they will be the one's who will find out if you're a Muslim or a sick wacko with access to a computer.

I hope you rot in hell either way.

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 16, 2001.

Oh, and one more thing before I go. I expect you to write a formal apology to Leonard Pitts for this remark: "Even you, oreo-nigger Leonard Pitts Jr." And then I want you to post it on this board.

Black people have died in defense of this country and will continue to, and YOU are nothing but a goddammed coward. Fuck off and die, asshole.

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 16, 2001.

Betsy dearest, did you receive my email? Please wash your mouth out with soap.

97

-- (cell97@Memphis.TN), September 16, 2001.

Betsy , is there some crime in being a Moslem?

-- (cin@cin.cin), September 16, 2001.

No. But it should be a crime to be as stupid as you are. Saying this IS a crime: Our next assault will far exceed the WTC. It will be nuclear, chemical, biological and cybernetic. So is this: "You must be destroyed. You will be destroyed." It is illegal to threaten on the Internet. Now, as for you, 97. Yes, I received your email. If you think I'm going to believe you're not Moslem just because you wrote it, you're nuts. Which am I supposed to believe? The time you said you were, or the time you said you weren't? There is no way to know unless I meet you in person, and that's not going to happen. You left me no choice but to contact the authorities. I'm still waiting for you to explain that link. That, in itself, would help you to establish your credibility. You added a quote mark at the end of the url and that's why it didn't work. To save everyone a little time, I'm going to post it correctly here: http://www.primenet.com/~subru/Islamic.html You will find this message:

"You are not authorized to view this page
You might not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials you supplied."

In case some of you still don't get it; he had to have prior knowledge of it because it can't be indexed by a search engine. How many of you have knowledge of a Moslem site -- that isn't indexed? I believe he is a Moslem and he meant the things he originally said. He only said he was joking around after Unc contacted him, which essentially tipped him off. The bottom line is it doesn't matter what I believe, it only matters what can be proven. (To borrow a phrase from Jonathan.)

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 17, 2001.

Let's try that again.

No, cin. But it should be a crime to be as stupid as you are.

Saying this IS a crime: Our next assault will far exceed the WTC. It will be nuclear, chemical, biological and cybernetic.

So is this: "You must be destroyed. You will be destroyed."

It is illegal to threaten on the Internet.

Now, as for you, 97. Yes, I received your email. If you think I'm going to believe you're not Moslem just because you wrote it, you're nuts. Which am I supposed to believe? The time you said you were, or the time you said you weren't? There is no way to know unless I meet you in person, and that's not going to happen. You left me no choice but to contact the authorities.

I'm still waiting for you to explain that link. That, in itself, would help you to establish your credibility. You added a quote mark at the end of the url and that's why it didn't work. To save everyone a little time, I'm going to post it correctly here:

http://www.primenet.com/~subru/Islamic.html

You will find this message:

"You are not authorized to view this page

You might not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials you supplied."

In case some of you still don't get it; he had to have prior knowledge of it because it can't be indexed by a search engine.

How many of you have knowledge of a Moslem site -- that isn't indexed?

I believe he is a Moslem and he meant the things he originally said. He only said he was joking around after Unc contacted him, which essentially tipped him off.

The bottom line is it doesn't matter what I believe, it only matters what can be proven. (To borrow a phrase from Jonathan.)

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 17, 2001.

Betsy you really are N U T S

I laugh at your lameness

-- (duh@duh.duh), September 17, 2001.

Betsy,

The fact that this poster posted from his own IP should be enough to convince you that he was merely engaging in bad taste. Do you HONESTLY think that a real terrorist would leave a trail to himself that is SOOOOoooo open even I can find him?

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), September 17, 2001.

Betsy boob and others,

Cell97 was a troll. It was a troll in bad taste, but it had a point. I wanted to convey the mindset of people who hate enough to do such a thing. They hate us. Period. Blind mindless hate.

Don't bother Unk "Betsy". He doesn't deserve it. My apologies to you Unk, none to "Betsy".

The bad link that frusterates you is found on Google.com

"Betsy", I suspect you of being a Communist. Consider yourself warned.

97

-- (cell97@Tupelo.MS), September 17, 2001.

And what, pray tell, word did you use to find it? We were discussing purifying fire and those words do not bring it up at google. It can't bring it up because people who don't have a client certificate can't view it. Make no mistake about it, that URL is reserved for private use, and is probably used as an internal site for employees or customers. You're going to have to explain your knowledge of that URL a whole lot better than that.

Unc, the only explanation is he's stupid or didn't want to waste time getting an anonymizer. Quite frankly, I don't understand why you're defending this.

One last thing, cell97. Your attempt to turn this around and make me look unamerican is laughable. It illustrates how desperate you are to deflect attention to what you're doing. It won't work.

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 17, 2001.

Betsy Boob,

Go to google, do a search on "purifying fire" + allah. Count down 9 links to "islamic html".

You bore me. Over and out.

-- (cell97@Biloxi.MS), September 17, 2001.

Defending what?

I am simply stating my opinion that "cell97" is not a muslim fanatic terrorist.

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), September 17, 2001.

So, you're asking us to believe that you went down eight of them and picked that one at random? I suppose it's possible, but I doubt it. I don't think most non-muslim people would think to put "Allah" in the search.

Unc, you have every right to your opinion :]

I suspect he is a muslim and got carried away in the heat of the conversation. Have you met him in person? How do you know he's not a middle easterner? It's possible he was fooling around -- and at this point in time that may be more than bad taste -- but how do you know that for certain unless you let the authorities check him out?

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 17, 2001.

I don't think most non-muslim people would think to put "Allah" in the search.

I am very intelligent, grasshopper

-- (cell97@Tampa.FL), September 17, 2001.

No, I can't see that you have any intelligence at all. If you were doing that to impersonate a terrorist, you wasted my time, Unc's time and whatever time the FBI spends on this -- at a time they should be spending their resources on actual terrorists. If you are not a terrorist, you went beyond any standard of decency.

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 17, 2001.

To make sure you don't get the wrong impression; I still think you did not come up with that URL randomly. Finding it had nothing to do with intelligence, it has to do with knowledge.

I'll probably never know for sure if you're demented or if you are a terrorist, and that doesn't matter. What does matter is that you are checked out and cleared or prosecuted.

Ta Ta jackass!

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 17, 2001.

Betsy,

I will restate here something I said to you in email. The FBI has it's hands full with REAL leads, why are you wasting their time with this silliness?

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), September 17, 2001.

That's easy Unk. She is using the FBI to get back at a poster who pissed her off. Wasting their time during a national emergency in order to soothe her wounded feelings. Red White @nd Blue my ass.

-- DOH! (silliness@yes.it.is), September 17, 2001.

Because I'm not convinced he's innocent.

-- Betsy Ross (Red White @nd .blue), September 17, 2001.

And she has the guts to say cin is stupid! LOL!

-- DOH (more@thansilliness.stupidity), September 17, 2001.

I'll bet Betsy goes on their "list" of wackos, and maybe she'll even do some time for obstruction of REAL justice.

LOLOL Betsy your shit is going to backfire into your face!

-- (duh@duh.duh), September 17, 2001.

Fire is an ancient metaphor for cleansing and purification, in all cultures.

-- (Roland@hatemail.com), September 17, 2001.

When did Betsy arrive here? I've read her posts and this is about the most saddest of all. Unc or whomever said she is wasting FBI time is correct.

Betsy, why dont you do somethin patriotic like make some more flags?

And shove a pole up your tush while at it.?

-- sumer (I@aint.sayin), September 18, 2001.

sumer, I'm so glad your back!

-- Debra (Thisis@it.com), September 18, 2001.