2 Skinnee J's offer our deep and heartfelt condolences to those who have been touched by the events of September 11, 2001. The horrific acts of barbarism that resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives should sadden all human beings worldwide. We would like to thank all of you who have inquired about our safety. Your thoughts are appreciated. At the time of the attack, however, we were not in our hometown of New York City, but were away in Los Angeles recording more music for our upcoming album. Horrified, we watched events unfold at a distance. We would also like to take this opportunity to honor the work and efforts of the firefighters, rescue workers and police officers who have put their lives at risk to save others. Their actions are true examples of heroism and selflessness from which we should all learn. As our country prepares to respond to the events of September 11, we urge our government and people to be reasoned and cautious. The Afghani people are not our enemy. They already live in one of the poorest nations on earth and under threat of daily terror at the hands of their own unelected government of religious zealots. Moreover, they have lived with constant revolution and political upheaval since the Soviet Union invaded their nation in 1979. Any actions that cause undo pain to these already suffering people will be as unjust as the actions that brought us to this point. It is important to remember that we enjoy the extraordinary priviledge of being citizens of one of the safest, freest and wealthiest nations on earth. Let us also be wary not to play into the hands of Osama Bin Laden, who looks with relish at the thought of polarizing the Western world against the predominantly Muslim nations of the Middle East. An untempered, violent response to these terrorist acts could serve his purposes quite well and could sink our world into a global conflict from which we will all lose terribly. It is indeed during the times of greatest division and conflict that it is most important for all human beings to extend to one another the sympathy, compassion and love that is our only hope for a peaceful future. Eddie, Joel, Lance, Noah and Steve <---- back