September
21, 2001
The world was changed
 JOHN
AMAGOALIK
In the morning hours of Sept. 11, 2001, along the skyline of
Manhattan, within sight of the Statue of Liberty, life imitated
art, and the world was changed.
This was not an act of one religion against another. It was not
an act by one race against another. It was an act by evil elements
of society who hide in shadows and behind their religion and race.
This was a crime against all humanity, all religions and races.
This was an attack on you and me. It was an attack on our liberty
and freedom. This was an attack on all peace-loving people. We
have right to be outraged.
In the words of President Bush, the United States is “angry”
and its response will be “fierce.” The United States
has declared war on the “evil-doers” of the world. They
also say that this will end “in a way and at an hour of our
choosing.”
We can expect the first military action, most likely in Afghanistan,
to be devastating and may be sustained until the Taliban regime
is toppled. From there, the war on terrorism will turn to other
groups in other countries around the Middle East. There will be
tighter security at all airports. Air travel will be more expensive.
Ground zero in New York reminds one of the first two verses of
Matthew 24:
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples
came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.
“Do you see all these things?” he asked. “I tell
you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another, everyone
will be thrown down.”
Another passage from the Bible has been quoted countless times
in the past week. It comes from Psalm 23:
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.”
There is evil in this world. All religions and all races must
fight this evil. The United States will unleash its military might.
In the end, kindness and loving our neighbour will be the most
effective weapons in this war.
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September
14, 2001
Shame
JOHN AMAGOALIK
Shame on us for having spent the first half of our precious summer
buried in garbage. Shame on us for being the dirtiest, stinkiest
and ugliest capital in Canada. Shame on us for having to steer
tourists away from our dirty city.
Shame on us for abandoning our young people to the streets with
nothing to do.
Shame on our government leaders who have failed to seize the
moment and make a difference. Shame on our finance minister who
still lives in Yellowknife.
Shame on some of our Inuit leaders who think they can treat their
employees like garbage. Shame on our organizations for the leadership
vacuum which has paralyzed many of them.
Shame on us for being the heaviest drinkers and smokers in the
country. Shame on us for the violence and self-inflicted pain
that still plagues many of our families.
Shame on our territorial government for failing to walk the talk.
Shame on the federal government for their cold-hearted attitude
towards the baby of the nation.
Shame on us all.
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