Monday messages

Responding as a University to the War

Dear Colleagues:

We were waiting for the other shoe to drop, and now we hear the tramp of combat boots. The war against terrorism moved forward Sunday with attacks on Taliban strongholds, the bombing of Osama Bin Laden hideouts, and
the deliverance of food supplies to the Afghan people.

Here at home we feel our fear begin to grow, just as it did on September 11th. Will there be attacks on U.S. civilians? How safe are we, half a world away from the explosions?

What role should the university play in the days ahead? I suggest four ways that KU as a community might respond. You may disagree, and many of you may have richer ideas. Please feel free to share your thoughts.

USE KNOWLEDGE TO COMBAT FEAR

Fear will rise in direct proportion to our ignorance. If ever there was a time to read the newspapers and watch the news shows, it is now. Urge your students to take advantage of the Student Senate newspaper readership program, which supplies free copies of local papers as well as the New York Times.

KU has begun a number of seminars, non-credit courses, and information exchanges which will help supply knowledge about these world events. Scholars and journalists reveal new perspectives almost by the hour. Some of the arguments my be contradictory, some of the views different than our own, but the better we are informed, the less likely we will be to panic, no matter how ominous the news.

HONOR AMERICAN SACRIFICE

Last Friday, KU honored Senator Bob Dole by breaking ground for the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at KU. Senator Dole attended the university from 1941-1943, before he was drafted to serve in World War II. He was sent to Italy, where he was severely wounded.

Senator Dole served his country at great personal sacrifice. Others are doing the same right now, and they deserve our respect. Casualties from this war on terrorism will occur. Some will be wounded. Others may be killed. Lives will be disrupted. It is important that KU honor such sacrifice and be supportive of those called to service. These people defend our freedom. They deserve our esteem.

MAINTAIN CALM

It is difficult to go about our daily lives as though nothing had changed. In fact, the world has changed. We live our lives differently because of September 11th and its aftermath.

By the same token, however, we must live with the calmness, thoughtfulness, and equanimity that makes us productive parents, devoted family members, good neighbors, dedicated employees. No one reaches their human potential in a state of distraction. The kids still need help with their homework. A co-worker wants to share a joke. The Muslim family across the street could use a neighborly call. In a world at war,
individual acts of kindness sustain our hope for the future.

THINK ULTIMATELY OF POLITICAL SOLUTIONS

No nation-state can be at war forever, nor can the world remain continuously at high military alert. Sooner or later Osama Bin Laden will be found and brought to justice - either before God or a jury of peers.

Tensions between Israeli and Palestinian, Iraqi and Yemeni, American and Anti-American ultimately must ease, as we all seek to share the globe in some form of peaceful accommodation.

My generation grew up in the Cold War, where we were taught to hate and fear the Russians. Now the U.S. and Russia are allies helping Uzbekistan join in the effort to control terrorism.

Study today's conflicts with an eye toward the geopolitics which will serve our children. Don't despair at the anger and violence. Victory against terrorism will be won, but no single nation will be the victor. Have faith that the United States will ultimately find political solutions. We always have, and our way of life has been preserved.

Bob Hemenway, Chancellor