Sir, - As an Irish citizen living in the US, I think your readers should know that not all Americans share in the prevalent hysteria and bloodlust. Very many are dismayed at the national mood and try to get their voices heard, pleading that while the guilty should be brought to justice, the innocent must be spared.
This is particularly true of some of the relatives of the bereaved. For example, Deora Bodley was a 20-year-old student who died aboard United Airlines Flight 93. In a service at her college, the Jesuit University of Santa Clara, her parents called on the United States to embrace peace instead of retaliation.
Her father said: "We must not retaliate in kind as if our cause allows us to." He said of the (original) name chosen for America's mission: "Operation Infinite Justice frightens me more than the terrorist attacks. I shudder to think they chose it because they think God is on their side. That is what terrorists think."
Greg Rodriquez died on the 101st floor of the WTC north tower. Some of his relatives are in my parish. His parents have issued an urgent appeal to politicians: "We sense that our government is heading in the direction of violent revenge, with the prospect of sons, daughters, parents, friends in distant lands dying, suffering and nursing further grievances against us. It is not the way to go. It will not avenge our son's death. Not in our son's name."
Meanwhile I learn with a sense of deep shame that my native country is opening its airports to US bomber planes. This despite the manifold historical examples making it likely that civilians will be killed indiscriminately and without apology.
Is the new Ireland really losing its soul? - Yours, etc.,
Father Declan Deane, St Monica Parish, Moraga, California, ▄SA.