socialism and democracy

S&D Statement
Regarding the Terrorist Attacks
of September 11, 2001

            We condemn in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks
of September 11.  We consider their perpetration to be completely alien to
the tradition of democratic class struggle to which this journal is
committed.

            At the same time, we insist that this vast assault on innocent
lives must be squarely situated in its historical context.  While every such
tragedy has its distinctive traits, the present one cannot be understood
outside the context of a long succession of atrocities associated with U.S.
foreign
policy.  We reject the accusation that by drawing this connection we are in
any way questioning the gravity of the crimes committed on September 11. We
recognize the complexity of mapping an appropriate short-term response to
those crimes, but we also affirm that no long-term response can be effective
unless it takes as its point of departure a critical approach to the
structures and practices of U.S. global dominance.

            In future issues of this journal, we will explore the current
crisis in all its dimensions, including the question of alternatives.  The
fallout
from September 11 includes diversion of attention from a whole range of
issues that are vital to human survival and well-being.  Perhaps such issues
can
eventually be reconsidered with a greater appreciation of how, in any sphere
of conduct, indifference to the lives of other human beings can have
disastrous
consequences.

Victor Wallis & Eric Canepa

 http://www.sdonline.org/hl/Sept11.htm

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