Article January 31, 2005 Issue

FOR A SAFER WORLD

By Casey Wright

Until recently, when I read newspaper reports about the continuing warfare in the Middle East — and especially in Iraq — and about starvation and disease in Africa, I felt frustrated over my inability to really do anything to help. Having served in the military in Vietnam 35 years ago, I could empathize with men and women in the armed services who are trying to restore order in troubled areas. But I wanted to do more than scour the news sources and fearfully discuss the plight of humanity with neighbors.

My answer came at an airport during a recent business trip. I noticed a man who looked Middle Eastern, sitting by himself in a corner of the waiting area. And I immediately began to wonder if he had been sufficiently searched by airport security.

Then I pulled myself together. I had been guilty of premature judgment. How could I possibly learn anything meaningful about this man's character or background just by looking at him across a room? Determined to be more loving and open-minded, I walked over, introduced myself, and asked the man where he was headed. He greeted me warmly, asked me to sit down, and confirmed we were on the same flight.

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