Field Report Epilogue from Seth Altshuler
(Readers, please note the 3 preceding posts before reading this one.)
Seth,
Your letters made me cry. Not because I felt sorry for you, but because you brought life to the people you describe. Because of the sinful, hateful conditions that are very real in this world. I think you did an admirable job writing about this situation without injecting your own ego or exploiting the Tamil families with whom you lived. It isn't exploitation to present their story to as much of the world as you can. That's using your privilege compassionately and bravely.
As such, I'd like your permission to reprint your letter on my blog. I can edit it in whatever fashion you like, leaving out your name or not as you prefer.
It's only a handful of readers, but I think people need reminders about the sick crazy world out there. We're a bit insulated here with our electric blankets and air conditioned cars.
Let me know,
John
John,
Feel free. I now realize more and more that this is their voice, so I need to use it. My main worry is that people (not including yourself and some others I know who do their homework) will simply take what I say and do nothing to understand more about it. I know it's not people's jobs to research everything their friends get into (especially me) but I want to have this be a forum for better understanding of politics and U.S. involvement and all the bullshit that goes along with it. Unfortunately, as with all news, it is hard to get a good picture. All I know is that things are pretty one sided at the moment, and people are fighting out of a corner...so they fight drastically. I admit, I am being self-righteous about this one, as it is one I know.
Things here are calming down, but the LTT is to put out a statement about where they will go from here. The BBC should be covering it.
Living in safety and some luxury is nothing to feel guilty about. The only thing that goes along with it is the responsibility to at least follow what happens outside of our circles. I know you and I try. I know we could try harder.
-Seth
Labels: Philosophy
posted by John @ 2:50 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Amazing, overwhelming, terrifying stuff; thanks to you and Seth for sharing.
I've received a number of private comments about Seth's letters and everyone has had the same reaction: "I don't want to comment unless I can write something really meaningful... something worthy." I respect that, but I respect Wendy (for just responding simply and honestly) even more.
Hey bro I hate to get rough yet again, but I could care a less about what you respect in this case because it's not about you. As I said to you privately I follow the dictates of my own conscience as I hope you follow yours. When I write or choose not to write it's not for props or recognition by a single individual, I write how I’m moved. It’s more important to me to be real and true to my spirit. Also, as I said I have numerous correspondences and writing projects going simultaneously so if I'm unable to respond it's because of the sheer number of things I have going at once. One of the biggest mistakes I've made and continue to make is over committing to projects or activities when I've already stretched myself so unbearably thin. Anyway...
Get it bro?
(God bless you Seth and all of your efforts!)
Clay - Trying ever so hard to keep it real
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