Letters in support for Al-Jazeerah  and its Editor after threats and shut down of the website

April 21, 2003

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Hi
 
Don't let these problems get you (and your site) down.  There are plenty of bullies and idiots in the world but the sort of power they have is based on an illusion - their trick is to make you believe they have all the power and you have none...and if you had no power why would they be bothering to threaten you and trying to shut down your site?  The only way you can beat them is by refusing to play their game.  Do what you decide to do for your own reasons and don't let their stupidity and fear bring you down to their level.
 
The world's media is in an appalling state.  I am learning Arabic (very very beginner) so that I can read some of the articles on Al-Jazeera because it seems that it is the most free news source there is.  In the UK, where I live, the news we receive from the BBC and ITN is, in my opinion, both laughable and depressing at the same time.  The coverage of the war in Iraq in particular was/is terrible, and I have stopped watching it because it makes me feel physically sick to think of all the non-thinking ignorant people who swallow the government propaganda and believe all they are told with little questioning. 
 
In this climate, the continued existence of a site like Al-Jazeerah is extremely important.  If the big news corporations wont publish anything controversial or seek the truth or present balanced ideas and views then this must be done by lots of small news publications.  I agree with a lot of the opinions I see on Al-Jazeerah, but even if I didn't I would think it essential for these opinions to be seen and discussed. 
 
I 
Thanks - keep up the good work
 
Allie Schumi 

 


 

I am sorry that you feel you have to close the aljazeerah English site. It is interesting that people who think they are saving the American way of life are, in fact, destroying it.  It is so important in a free society to have all points of view expressed, for it is only then that democracy can truly work. Good luck to you and I hope you can find a way to get the site back up soon.

AL

 


 

Dear Editor:
I want to thank you for allowing me to have a greater perspective on the events you have covered so well.  Our media now amounts to little more than fantasized one sided myth.  Worse, one network, (Fox) is nothing more than cheering propaganda for the far and highly dangerous right wing.
I commend you and admire the important work you do, and pray our news media shall someday returns to reporting truthful current history.  Keep it up, and perhaps the truth shall one day set all men free.  God bless you, one and all.


Sincerely,
Jerry T. Polverino
Cudjoe Key, Florida 33042
USA

 


 

I am very sorry to hear that you have been threatened because of the great work you are doing.
 
In times where the media is controlled by big business and government, it is a blessing to have someone like you dedicated to reporting on the truth.
 
It is appalling how biased the media is, how it is simply a propaganda tool for the greedy US war mongers. It is sad that most people simply watch TV and think that is the truth.
 
At least for those that take the time to look deeper, there are web sites like yours that show reality rather than a version of the war that has been 'hollywood-ized' to make it more palatable to the average American Citizen.
 
Thank you for your efforts and may God be with you.
 
Blessings on your work!
 
Dwight Branscombe
Cameron Park, CA

 


 

I am very sorry (for what happened to) your service. It was THE place I went to for updates during the military take-over (colonization) of Iraq. I am a red-blooded American that believes in protecting ourselves... But this war was unjust and without world-backing. And ALL media outlets (other than possibly NPR) have jumped on this with a hawkish grin.

I hope to see you back online soon.

Kindest Regards,
Eric McNew
Knoxville, TN, USA





4-21-03
My name is Samar Hennawi.  I live in Florida, and I want to thank you for the superb coverage, especially in these trying times.  You are a very reliable and informative source of information.  I commend you for raising the level of awareness about the Arab and Mullim plight, as well as raising the standard of journalism.

 

 


 

Dear Dr Hassan El-Najjar

Just blame it on the ignorance of those who threatened you. They do not

know any better.

Also blame it on the media's negative coverage, I believe that they are

the primary instigators.

Do not be discouraged.

God will be with you in your relentless search for truth.

Most of freedom fighting, peace loving, educated Americans appreciate

your work and are with you, and they are MANY.

We will be very happy to see your web soon back in order soon.

Good luck

Jamal Awad

 


 

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your efforts contributing to a greater universal

understanding of the truth. In my mind, the truth is in the center.

Both sides are wrong, both sides are right. Only by fully

understanding the actions of our political leaders, can americans come

together over what we agree on, rather than are many differences.

I feel that it is your duty to freely express the arab opinion in the

united states. Since this cannot be done on commercial u.s. stations,

you must keep this site going. Thank you again. May the holy spirit

protect you. There is no religon higher than truth. Allhu Ackbar.

John Forsyth

 


 

To the Editor:

I just wanted to thank you for your work.

These are dark times. It is a sad and pathetic world when journalists

face peril for simply writing a story or taking a photograph.

It just goes to show that the pen is, indeed, mightier than the sword.

Michael C.

 


 

I neglected to sign my previous email. I apologize. I would also add that

you should reconsider your decision to add a section for "balance". This is

not necessary or desirable. If someone wants to hear pro-war opinions, they

are as close as ABC/NBC/Fox/Clearchannel's 1200 stations/ or any corporate

media outlet. Do the Freepers have a section for contrary views? Does Rush?

Does any conservative website? I think not. Please do not pollute your

site with a right wing echo chamber. The pro-war types do nothing but

parrot the NRC talking points and the right-wing radio ranters. They have

no original thinking or new knowledge to contribute. The entirety of their

argument may be gleaned with a half-hour visit to any of their websites. If

your site has a capacity problem, don't waste it kowtowing to the ignorant.

They have MORE than enough outlets to air their simpleminded views.

Pete M.

Tampa, FL

 


 

To the Al-Jazeerah Editor

Dr. Hassan A. El-Najja

Dear Sir ,

it's already a little bit late , but please take the sincere Thanks from

regular readers from Switzerland . Among others , Al Jazeera.info + us.

provided important and needed information on the Iraq-war and other issues ,

thus contributing to a real opinion and freedom of expression , avoiding

censorship of the american-kind . Now we have to take notice that you got

under threat , maybe exactly for this clear posture and stance . Therefore

we wish you safe and protected and all the courage to continue your good

work !

With regards from real democratic Switzerland , where freedom of expression

and free speech are more than just written words in a dead constitution ,

but our daily basic rights !

Jan Ackermann

 

 


 

Sir,
I pray for your safety and the health and well being of you and your family, Arab and Moslem peoples everywhere, and for the brotherhood of all humankind. But you must not take anything for granted with regard to your safety. ..... 

I would hope that mankind would seek non-violent solutions to all problems, for violence only begets violence. Yet, the Arab and Moslem peoples have a responsibility to defend their lives against those who hate them and would exterminate them.

Please serve the truth, and work for peace and brotherhood, and I will pray for your health and well being. I am an American, born a Christian, and I hold Islam in high esteem. Bill Hailer, Sugar Grove, WV

 

 

 


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