Sir, - I would like to add my voice to that of the thousands of Americans who, in addition to being heartbroken and angry at last week's horrendous events, do not support any retaliation that causes greater suffering to another population in the world.
Through e-mail and phone calls I have spoken to numerous friends and colleagues in the States who are opposed to the terminology of war now being used by the United States and a few other governments. We want the individuals who are directly responsible brought to justice, but without the bombing of another group of civilians. I want to urge people living in Ireland to lobby the UN Security Council to monitor any response to this attack. As an American I do not want my government to do equal damage in my name.
I also want to urge Irish people to remember the thoughtful day of mourning, during which many religious leaders asked for humanity not to be lost. This means protecting and defending the numerous people living in Ireland of different religions and races, who are faced with increasing verbal and physical racial acts of violence. - Yours, etc.,
G. Ray, Whitegate Lawn, Kilkenny.