We live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, so for those of you who know college football, it's rather an intense time here in the fall. Last week's game was cancelled (fine with me), but was rescheduled for this week. There was a LOT of concern about people being safe during the game, as it's the largest college attendance anywhere in a stadium. Security was a little tighter; anyone who had purses or backpacks had them searched in a separate line, but all in all, it wasn't much different. People were pretty patient. We usually have numerous small planes flying with advertising banners, but the athletic director pleaded with the FAA, and the stadium was declared a no fly zone, at least for this week. Normally there are Big Ten flags at various points around the stadium-this time they were all American flags at half-mast.

Now the really nice part: over 109,000 people, crammed into a stadium, trying to get on with their lives. There's always a raising of the flag and the Star Spangled Banner; for the first time, all the players came out and stood for it (normally they're in the locker rooms during this time). There was a moment of silence pre-game-imagine 109,000 people and a DEAFENING silence. I couldn't believe how quiet it was. Then at half-time, both bands came on the field together, played "God Bless America", and held out a huge American flag. Normally, I'm not particularly a flag waver (I was around during Vietnam), but I felt extremely patriotic. I was with my husband of 23 years (today!) and a girlfriend of 30 years, as well as her parents (who are like my second set of parents), and other friends...some of us shed tears; all of us were very affected. It was a very dignified, poignant ceremony, and for me it has helped the healing begin.

Wow, what a cool story. I can almost picture it. Thanks for sharing it with us, Mary.

Mary...thanks for sharing...today was the memorial service at Yankee Stadium,,,I was trying to stay away from the TV but wanted to tune in for a bit...ended up watching the whole service. I have been on vacation all this week, we were suppose to go away last Weds. cannot believe it will be two weeks already, I have to go back to work on Tuesday,,,can't even imagine that far ahead yet,Or even walking into the hospital. One of our doctors lost his son. I'm still waiting for the healing to begin....still feels like limbo here.

For Hockey Fans... Everyone loves or hates the philadelpia flyers...During the second period intermission of a pre-season game with the rangers they started showing President Bush's speech to the joint session.. when the game was supposed to resume the public address system announced that the speech would continue to be shown in concourses as the game would continue.. this met with overwhelming opposition of the crowd.. which chanted "leave it on". which the Flyer organization did.. and the speech was watched by the crowd and players (american and Canadian) who cheered an applauded throgh out.. the third period was cancelled and the speech concluded with the players from both teams meeting mid ice to shake hands.. a custom normally reserved for post -season.. God Bless Our Northern Neighbors

Jason...I couldnt agree more.....We are truly lucky that way!

Meryl, I heard about the memorial service, and really wished I could have been there. Please understand that is very NORMAL to feel like you're in limbo, and to feel disjointed and disoriented. I am a counselor who has been trained in trauma reaction (as I've said on previous posts), and believe me, all of this is expected and within the norm. One thing I would suggest is to talk, talk and talk some more to people who are your friends and support system. The worst thing you can do to yourself is to ignore the pain you're feeling and try to be stoic about it. Research shows that the more you get it out, the less long term damage it causes. Seek support from those you love. Please feel free to e-mail me if you need or want to. Mary

Mary...great moment..goosebump time.

Meryl...I am in the same limbo as you, my friend. I too watched the memorial service (middle of the night here with the 11 hour time diff) and I did find some healing, but not near enough. I am mending, slowly, but surely.

My traditional way of healing and mending was in helping others, thus changing my negative energies into positive energies. Being here has inhibited me tremendously since everyone wants to help me by talking, etc. Don't want to talk, want to act....

If you want to talk, you can email me, too. That goes for anyone out there .

I believe a low profile will be warranted here for a few weeks to say the least. The 'sweeps' have already begun in Central Java and when we attack Afghanistan, there will be most likely larger sweeps in Jakarta and Solo.

It's such a shame, there are sooooo many good people here, too. I can only hope and pray it doesn't become violent for the sake of all here.

I had my English students (4 classes) write about the attack and it helped me to see that they (mostly Muslim) hate what is happening. Some strongly wrote that America shouldn't be in the Middle East, but that we didn't deserve that type of attack and that it put a 'black' name to Muslims.

These are students aged 13 to 33. That helped me a whole lot to know their thoughts (they were honest, believe me - it wasn't all sweet and honey about Americans, but the terrorism was/is abhorred here)

BTW, I've been asked about Bali future diving trips. At this time, I would say, Bali is safe. It's mostly tourist trade and the radicals are on the main island Java. However, after saying that, I would take a sit back and see what occurs after our retalliation. I'd be happy to keep anyone informed if you have or are planning a trip to Bali or anywhere else in Indonesia.

God Bless you all and be safe.

Mary, Barry,,,and everyone else on these boards , just being here helps! it is comforting to hear other people talk about what I feel. Alot of friends and family of mine in Ny have started to get on with their lives and no longer want to "dwell" on this. Although I keep myself very busy day to day, I cannot dismiss this from my daily thoughts. Your words are a comfort to me though.

Barry, what are the 'sweeps'?

Meryl, I can tell you that the people who are "putting it out of their mind", so to speak, may be the ones who will have longer lasting problems later on. Trauma experts stress the need to talk it out, talk it out some more, and talk it out again. It has a cathartic effect. That being said, it is important to function again, even if it feels like you're going through the motions. People feel safe with routine, so it's important. But don't let anyone tell you how long this is supposed to take, or that you should be over it by now. It's way too early for that, and everyone has their own way of working through it (I prefer that statement to "getting over it"). I read somewhere the the mind has to reconstruct how life is going to be now, and that will take time. E-mail me if you need or want to.

Barry (and Dean),

I saw a newsblip on CNN last night that indicated that some militant muslim groups in Indonesia had warned Americans to leave Indonesia if the U.S. attacked Afghanistan.

See http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/09/23/ret.indonesia.muslim/index.html

Good luck Barry - sure it isn't time to go to someplace safer? :-)

Jake

Not a good outlook...Barry, you keep safe, and God bless you also.

I had many thoughts and concerns about Barry this last week end. Barry find yourself a deep hole to hide in, if (and I pray it does not) all hell breaks out. I really, really do not understand this hatred of all things American. Any insight you get from the locals is appreciated. Stay safe.

Thanks to all for the many good thoughts and well wishes. I think I'm pretty safe here and it's not as bad as it seems - yet.

Let's address 'Sweeps' first...there are a few Muslim minority groups that are all bent out about America's interference in the Middle East. These groups, especially strong in Central Java (far from me), have been 'sweeping' hotels and airports.

You first have to understand that each politcal group has its own militia for protection (best way to describe it). It's these guys that assert their influence to sway the people to side with them. Although it's radical, they aren't killing Americans or anything like that. It's a very high degree of intimidation and harrassment.

A Sweep is these groups going into hotels and harrassing the management, sometimes overpowering them, to inform them of Americans (and sometimes other Westerners) that are staying they. They then, in force, intimidate these tourists, sometimes with sickles and machettes. They tell them to leave Indonesia immediately or they will be in bad trouble.

The sweeps sometimes include airports where they influence the airport personnel to reveal how many Anmericans came in over the last several days. They then go to those hotels.

This is what is happening now in Solo - Central Java. It happened a few months ago in the Solo area and here in the clubs of Jakarta.

The particular sweeps yesterday and day before were to 'warn' Americans that if there is an attack on Islam, they will come back and expel them from the country.

Now, the authorities in the past turned and looked the other way, but with our new President, the police might confront these 'sweepers'. The hotel owners are putting up a much bigger stink with the police, too. There's too much money to be lost now (Bush's financial aid promised the other day).

BTW, the sweeps corresponded with the President's denouncement of terrorism to Bush. There will be a lot of unrest among the people here, for most are against the 'sweepers' and their politcal views. They are also against terrorism.

I don't want anyone to get upset over the next part, but I actually feel safer here than in America during this time. I know the places to avoid and I'm in a safe area of Jakarta - most of my street is ex TNI (military) and Golkar party (3rd largest party). My street is safe. I'm 5 minutes from work and Andrea is on maternity leave. We are not held captive in our home, but we know the places to stay away from. We will still go out (with 34 inch aluminum baseball bat in the car) and we'll use our driver so as to free me in case of emergency.

As said before, most of the people here are really kind, thoughtful and law abiding (not withstanding corruption which is common place). I fear more for my kids, grandkids and you guys in America than I fear for my newborn son, Andrea and myself.

Of course, after the retribution attack, all hell could break out, but we would flee to Singapore or Bali depending on flights.

And there is one other, rather foolish thought (only thought, not deed) - they would be messing with one rage-filled, pissed off American just looking to vent on some radical Muslim if the reason arose. I'll not only protect my family here, but I'll revenge my country, too. (All dumb talk, and probably no action )

My prayers are with you all for peace and safety.

Barry, one of the things that occured to me about your situation. Here in the states there have been alot of hate crimes against Muslims and good people have taken to protecting the mosques 24/7. Since there are good people there maybe they would offer the same service for yourself and your family if required. Non-violent action is always more powerful and lasting than violent action (ask the Danes in WW2, they beat the Nazis with non-violence).

Cecil...I don't think the people are that civic minded to come to the aid of anyone in public. I think they would tend to shy away. One always hopes that there is a hero or two among the meek.

Having said that, in our neighborhoods it's different. Try to picture one street (ours is Songai Sambas) with several streets eminating from it. I live on S. Sambas VII (there are 8 in my section)

Now, each 'area' has guards at each access point, with swingdown barracades. We pay our block leader about $1.50 a month for security. In the event of trouble, the barracades come down and the guards don't let anyone unauthorized into the neighborhood.

If mass trouble occurs, there are men (mostly employees of the homeowners) who stand 'guard' at the end of the streets in addition to the security gates. This was done during the '97 riots.

The security guards are somewhat protective. An example: last week my maid, trusting as she is (was), gave my ladder to a passerby who wanted to 'borrow' it. Borrow here translates to sell it to for the highest price they can find at the end of the block ....anyway, she got took - and the next day, the security guards were at the house (word got around fast) to tell her to be more careful in the future and to not be so generous with her employer's property.

They know I'm an American - not much gets by anyone in the 'hood'. Especially when you are the minority .

As I said before, I feel very safe here and protected. I believe my neighbors/security people would come to our rescue (they also know there is a little baby here) if necessary. The network is through the maids, nannys and drivers....and we treat ours with respect and kindness, which goes a long way as far as public relations among the servants.

This is a non-violent way of protection - it's called acceptance and we all stand together.

It sounds very scary at first, but it's normal throughout Jakarta, so it becomes 'white' noise/background and just demonstrates the resolve that each neighborhood has to protect it's residents. One doesn't feel intimidated by all this either...it's like the security gates to a set of apartments in the states, etc.

And if all that fails - I have my temper and baseball bat - hahahahaha. They will see a 'real' crazy American in action.....

Follow-up report: Sweeps in Indonesia

The police and the government have publicly stated that it will not tolerate 'sweeps' of any kind and will take swift action to these unlawful acts against Americans. This is because of Bush's generosity and also the $2 Billion that the Texas investors promised Megawati (Indonesia President)if investments and American citizens were protected from trouble.

I see a change a coming here. Thank you Mr. Bush and Texas oil money (God, I can't believe my moderate liberal mind wrote that )

HA! - bin Laden had no idea what he unleashed in the world. He underestmated the world and especially the largest Muslim nation in the world. It tickles my funny bone everytime I hear, see or read about the solidarity against him (Muslims)....what a healing effect it is....more, I want more....

One last one for the day: Cecil...hate crimes have been common here for a long time. There are two in particular that stand out.

Christians - the Muslims have always been against Christians. It's not just Westerners, it's also their own people who have chosen a different religion other than Muslim. This has been on-going for so long and continues today thoughout the country.

Chinese - during the '97 economic crisis and riots, the government in order to try to maintain control, diverted the Muslims against the Chinese. Rapes, murders, burnings raged all over the country. The Chinese are still discriminated against here, but the violence has subsided.

One of the most difficult things for me is having to state my race and religion on applications and most paperwork.....all ID cards issued have race and religion on them.....I really don't care about who and what I am, but I don't like the idea that I have to tell someone - of course, I normally say it's none of their business, with a determined look in my face and that, believe it or not, works...they are timid and won't push.

Let's also remember, I'm 6 ft, 205 pounds and not too many people want to stand up to me or push an issue. That goes for public altercations, too.

So, as said in my earlier post, I wouldn't anticipate public assistance if I was approached - Andrea is Chinese and I'm definitely Westerner looking, but I don't see our being approached in public - really, I don't. Maybe a bomb at church or the mall we go to, but not direct approach. That can happen and it does from time to time.

It was a hard adjustment at first coming from Bonaire to here, but so far, I have no regrets and look forward to a peaceful and happy life. I treat people with respect and kindness and I can see it is returned with a smile.

I'm dealing with our American tragedy with kindness to Muslims, not a hatred. It's not only me, it's the only way it shoud be.

Barry, sounds like you got security taken care of. As far as the good people everywhere; I always remember what Martin Luther King said about good people, (I paraphase) the one way to lose a struggle is for the good people to do nothing. That is the one really good thing that may come of this mess, there hopefully be more awareness and willingness to act by the good people in the developed world. Maybe there will be fewer East Timors, Yugoslavias, and Rawandas in the future.

Well, chére professeur, let's hope you're right. But for a little insurance, make sure you know where the embassy for Oz is.The Maple Leaf might not be available given our current partnerships. And I hate breaking in new teachers.K

I've just come across this website hence the reason for the somewhat late response to Mary's football story....
I live in Canada where football at all levels is also a big deal. Our Canadian Football League is by no means as large as the NFL and the rules are a bit different but the fans are equally intense. My son (who plays high school ball) and I have seasons tickets to watch our local team play. Following September 11, our sporting events were also cancelled and we went to the rescheduled game at our stadium one week after the attacks. The usual pregame order of things is that the starting line up for each team is introduced and our National Anthem is sung with all the players at their respective benches.
This game was a little different. Rather than introduce the starting line up for both teams all of the American born players were introduced by name and place of birth. After the players were at the bench, members of our Royal Canadian Mounted Police came onto the field, in full dress uniform, with a Canadian and American flag both at half mast. Our local police pipe band then proceeded to play Amazing Grace. The Star Spnagled Banner was then sung. We're a patriotic bunch, we Canadians and most everybody joins in when our anthem is sung before a game. American flags had been handed out as you entered the stadium with the word to the anthem on the back. I don't think there was a silent voice in the whole place during the singing. Finally, Oh Canada was sung.
Our football team,s emblem is a horse and everytime we score a touchdown the horse is ridden around the field carrying a Stampeders flag. During the pre-game anthems the horse was led around the stadium with the riders hat on the saddle. Maybe you have to be from a ranching community to understand the significance of that but is a way to show respect to the dead. Before we sat down, I looked over to see my 15 year old son wiping tears from his eyes - he wasn't the only one.
Sorry to drone on - just wanted to let you know that we Canadians have experienced some very poignant moments in the wake of the September 11 tragedy.

That is a beautiful and moving story, Cheryl. Thank you for taking the time to so wonderfully re-live the evening for the rest of us. Our friends to the North are, indeed, friends. There are no "real" boundries at all in this world...only the ones we place there, ourselves. Carole