In a message dated 9/23/01 8:00:20 AM US Mountain Standard Time, AMXROADS-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: << On the one hand we see big hearted Americanism, and on the other, fearful, small-minded cowards! Unfortunately, I fear this mixed reaction is American also. As a people we have not been ennobled overnight because of this tragedy. We will still have scoundrels and nay-sayers amid the heroes. >> Well, I am not proud to say that the first killing, murder, of one American to another American happened in my side yard so to speak. The family has taken it real hard but they are also saying that things happen for a reason. That is true also. If we think on the beginnings of our great land it has been this way from the first white foot that was steped on this, at that time, strange land. The Euro-American wanted, decried, forced their ways on the First People they encountered on this continent. We have open doors, ports, so that anyone may enter and be free but also there are those that are not able to see past a skin color. In the beginning the First People was able to do that but then greed came into being on the white mans part and they wanted more and more land. We have opened our doors, ports, to all nations, skin color, religion, etc. Many are not living what they have been preaching. They don't seem to be able to LOVE THY NEIGHBOR. There has been a huge cry from many residence here in Mesa, AZ. that the sect that this family is from are Americans. They have opened their hearts, pocket books and are helping this family. The man is in jail that did the deed, he is being charged with a hate crime, which is good and just. He's bail was set for one hundred thousand dollars and I for one feel the man will not got off. He did two other drive by shootings that same evening and is charged with those also (no one killed). Our police are now watching groups that have threatened in the past to for stall another such tragety. This has been a wake up call for AZ and our nation to be good neighbors to all yellow, brown, white, tan, turbened, and we here have gotten educated to the fact that people are still comeing to this country because of religious repression. Some here are also in that game plan, and I am hoping that we can change that. Seems that history replays its self time and time again. Thank you all for being patient with me. May the Great Spirit Guide you in the days to come. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi Beej in AZ