Sometimes, when the media presents information in o­ne way, I read along and listen along with a little voice in my ear saying, “Huh?,” which I basically ignore because nobody is seeing what I see so I guess I must see wrong. After all, who am I to think the o­ne original thought? But then, sometimes, a lone voice gets published saying what I was thinking. So it is with this piece, “Misinterpreting Osama's Message,” sent by listmember Rick Ingrasci, where Diane Perlman heard what I heard in the most recent communication from bin Laden — that he was talking about creating peace and not just threatening war. Here are some quotes from a very original, fascinating , and bottom line truth-telling article:

We unconsciously refuse to perceive what bin Laden is actually saying, as if understanding this evil person is a betrayal to ourselves and is letting him win. Our dangerous assumptions can lead to self-fulfilling prophesies…

Bin Laden's messages are misinterpreted as unconditional threats and vows to attack. This is incorrect. They are all conditional warnings that whatever we do, they will respond in kind. What is missed by media and political leaders, whether intentionally or unconsciously, is the conditionality, the centrality of our role in provoking retaliation or preventing retaliation and reducing terrorism…

We have an opportunity to avert disaster. We need to clearly and accurately hear messages even from our most hated adversaries. If we go to war, we will create more Saddams and Osamas who will emerge in future years. The stakes are as high as can be. It will take major miracles to prevent this war, but we can start with consciousness.

I end this by repeating bin Laden: “The road to safety begins by ending the aggression.” The choice is ours.

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