Our sympathy

[Oz Referee]

Altough it is dificult to find the words, I would like to pass on my sympathy to everyone that has lost someone in the recent tragedy. Luckily for us in Australia, the direct consequences are few, so far 74 Australians are missing, with just 2 confirmed dead.

I can only imagine what the atmosphere must be like in America, and especially NYC and Washington DC. I'm sure almost everyone has lost someone, or knows someone who was killed or injured, or has some other personal link to this atrocity.

An event like this does put things into perspective - there are things far bigger and more important than basketball.

Finally, if there is anything that we can do, from so far away, I know that all Australians are willing to help however we can. The Red Cross has already started collecting blood ready to be shipped to the USA, and there has been a huge response.

I only hope that the American government finds those responsible and brings them to justice, but that they do so in a controlled and measured manner, ensuring that they only punish the true perpetrators, and not innocent bystanders.

Our thoughts are with you all.

Duane

[Peter Devana]

We in Canada feel the same way as OZ. Stay in there everyone- we support you fully!!
Pistol

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by Oz Referee
Altough it is dificult to find the words, I would like to pass on my sympathy to everyone that has lost someone in the recent tragedy. Luckily for us in Australia, the direct consequences are few, so far 74 Australians are missing, with just 2 confirmed dead.

I can only imagine what the atmosphere must be like in America, and especially NYC and Washington DC. I'm sure almost everyone has lost someone, or knows someone who was killed or injured, or has some other personal link to this atrocity.

An event like this does put things into perspective - there are things far bigger and more important than basketball.

Finally, if there is anything that we can do, from so far away, I know that all Australians are willing to help however we can. The Red Cross has already started collecting blood ready to be shipped to the USA, and there has been a huge response.

I only hope that the American government finds those responsible and brings them to justice, but that they do so in a controlled and measured manner, ensuring that they only punish the true perpetrators, and not innocent bystanders.

Our thoughts are with you all.

Duane

Duane, Pete and all our friends abroad,

Thanks for your thoughts at this time. This is going to be
a tough time, the prevalent mood here is to take immediate
action & let God sort the good from the bad. Sadly I must
confess I hold this view as well. This seems justified in
light of the news that NYC authorities have requested 6000
bodybags from the federal govt. I'm afraid when all is said
& done Palestinian children will have little reason to
continue celebrating in the streets. It's a much different
world we all live in, for better or worse. God help us all.

[Peter Devana]

Do what you have to do. Keep a stiff upper lip. Everyone in the sane world , free or not, is behind you and your President. God Bless you all in this your darkest hour.
Pistol

[BktBallRef]

While, at the moment, this may be an act by a faceless enemy, I'm sure many faces will soon be put to these cowards. This was not the act of a single person or group. It was a well planned, well coordinated conspiracy. In the end, I'm afraid that we will find that several groups are involved, possibly including the intelligence community of one or more countries. If such is this case, I have no doubt that the President, the Congress and the country are ready to take the necessary action. Wars have started over lesser events. I shutter to think what the outcome may be.

[Tim Roden]

Tuesday found me on the road and in fact I was within 15 miles of president Bush when he stopped at Barksdale AFB as I headed south on IH 49. This is a day that will live in infamy. I have watched the pictures and heard the stories.

I am thankful for the Aussies and Canadians and all who have shown support over the years in times like these. I have heard it jokingly said that in the canadian national anthem the line "We stand on Guard for thee" should be sung proudly by Americans. But you have stood on guard for us this week and we thank you. You harbored our planes on Tuesday night and took traffic that we didn't want. I did enjoy watching your version of the news on Tuesday as several cable channels replaced there programming with yours.

Keep up the good work. I can't wait to get back to basketball.

BBAkll ref: I am 99% sure this will lead to something worse.