Well I need not even comment as people pass their own opinions of the previous month...

Hi Chuck.

Just read your September 14 piece on the P.E. site. Must congratulate you, you hit the nail right on the head. Brilliant piece of writing. The masses seem so naive and buy into almost anything authoritarianly propaganda’d to them. I’m in the UK and am of mixed race, English mother and Arab father. The bullshit that’s on the news is unbelievable. All of a sudden it’s Bin Laden. Where’s the evidence? not one scrap as far as I can see, but the propaganda machine has worked and without a shadow of a doubt the people of your country and mine without hesitation know it is him for sure......see how good this machine is.

Already I can feel people viewing me with slight contempt due to my heritage.....see how fickle people are. I am the first to say that this was a barbarious and terrible act. But how may barabarious and terrible acts have the Western powers inflicted across this world. I admire your music and it is even more refreshing to hear someone speak what others (and there are alot) want to say with regards to this situation but dare not. You tell it like it is and I admire you for that. I think of the Palestinians and everything they have gone through and many a time I have thought "who is there to help them" it seemed no one.

It will be interseting to see how many innocent people lose their lives in the Middle East on this latest "crusade".

I hope you read this chuck, if you do , could you drop me a line, it’d make my day.

John A.................................UK

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Word up gee!

I think exactly as you, a shame that most rappers nowadays only talk crap and are caught in the "money making on other people shitting system". Cause that is what they promote... We need more voices like yours that reach publicity.

What I fear now is that the "terror against Amerikkka" makes everything worse. More security, more "mass media opinions that are not critical enough" that people will share, we will now move faster on to the direction of systems described by Oswell and Huxley. sigh... Greeting from Germany Filtertyp p.s. Capitalism is a hidden dictatorship.

p.s.2 Did you hear: A man could save his life and flee from the towers shortly before they colapsed. Outside he could not see anything, was full of dust. He wanted water but there were people that only wanted to SELL them the water...

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Chuck

Thanks for your words of common sense on the current events in the US and the Middle East, as seen on the PE website. Here in Europe many of us are afraid that the US pro-Israeli/anti-Arab frame of mind will drag us all into a major International war. With the International media increasingly joining in the flag-waving, it feels that we are losing a sense of proportion. The UK government is your government's greatest ally so we would probably be the first to join a war. A Capitalism vs Religion war (dressed up as Freedom vsTerrorism or, worse, Christian vs Muslim) would be very damaging to the whole world and could make prisoners of religious minorities in our own countries. You're also right to say that it would be the innocents that would suffer: civilians, conscripts and political prisoners especially.

I hope that the internet will remain free whatever happens so that people like you can keep telling it like it is. By the way, I saw PE play in my home town of Bristol, UK, last year. You rocked!

Respect Adam

"It wouldn’t hurt to remember that the boys who shot up Columbine High School planned to finish their day by hijacking a jetliner and flying it into - yes, that’s right - the World Trade Center."--Stephen King

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Hi Chuck,

(America - the slavemaster has tasted the whip again?)

America should clean up the shit indoors then they can go outdoors. America always seem to have friends who suddenly become their enemies. The schools should be preparing the children for a rough ride as the enemies are waiting, China is watching the state’s status they are many, and they don't play the coolie.

I read your mail regarding the New York disaster and I thought it was well written, I think you are a very clear writer and if politics wasn't so sick I would suggest you find a position there.

Unfortunately, this action was coming and there will probably be more as the masses are irritated by the way in which the northern and western monarchys work. Remember the young man demonstrating in Genoa for a more liberal system, his brains were blown out without a second thought, this was not showing mature behaviour. I think these so-called acts of terror (Muslim or another McVeigh) have less to do with religion as to do with the divide between the wealthy westerner and their few supporting slaves who help to keep people in poverty (no reperation with rice).

I am pissed when I see how blacks all over the world get deeper into health & wealth problems and those few who could risk something just slide further into the devils net, God is with the poor not with the rich, I do not remember Jesus having lunch with such people. Blacks are working as hard as anyone else but they are still being paid a slave wage or being locked up, I'm in Austria where a black man was killed by cops and it happens all over Europe. The right wings are spreading so how long will it be before the black people crack and do their own kind of tower inferno, I think not long.

CNN & the others have made a killing from the story. Sad as it is in New York at the moment, I beleive if you steal something from someone and you don't give it back he will probably retaliate one day and that's what this is all about it's about people taking their respect back from very desperate situations. America has missed the point again just as they did in S. Africa and now they will steer themselves into a Muslim confrontation which will include all of us who are still human, religion is like a coat you can take it off, some people can do that with their humanity too.

I am not not taking sides even if it sound like it, but the Afghans are humble people so they are our brothers and sisters and we should speak with them as we would wish them to speak to us in times of trouble.

I hope your family, Flav, Griff and their family members & friends are safe and no harm came to them.

Peace and harmony.

Alexander M

P.S. I love your last album I still play it a lot it's a pity that so few hip hop albums can touch me in a similar way.

P.P.S. My track twosome of the week is the late great Leon Thomas - "shape your mind to die", a wonderful song from his "Blues & Soulful Truth" album. 2. Leon Thomas on Pharoah Sanders "Shukuru" album - Sun song.

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Hey Chuck,

This is me again, I did not mean finish the last e mail like I did. I touch send by mistake but what I was saying that it makes alots of sence the things you are saying. Because people and some black people are still sleeping while standing up. And lots of them trying to get rich and we as people are still dying. I read what you said about what happened on Sept 11 2001 and I agree whith every thing you said because I was saying some of the same things and most of the people though that I was tripping. But I was and still is serous about what I was saying. I am sorry for everybody and their family who lost their life and got hurt all because someone with influence and power and money used opressed people for their own personal gain in the name of religion. Oh by the way Chuck my name is Jerreal. I am looking forward to hear and see you again and you know I read about the new CD coming out by Professor Griff and words turn into flesh special appearence by you. I can’t wait. I also read sneak attack by KRS-One. I work for a magazine company in Atlanta airport. Every time new magazines come out I look to find anything that your are talking about. I have a lot of pictures and quotes. I remember when you and Napster was one of the first ones launched the internet music thing. But yall still made the whole game better for everyone else. Well Chuck time to go for now. Talk to you later the hard rymer.

Jerreal M

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Chuck,

I totally agree, I think the media is a huge part of the "game", especially when it comes to the recent attacks and racism against Muslims and other Arabic cultures. The media on one hand condems the attacks, but it makes great news, and the commentator looks all concerned... Whatever.

And it sickens me to Jerry Falwell on TV "Geraldo live" saying it was homosexuals, anti-abortionists, etc. fault for this attack... What!!! I am not religious and this puts a stamp on my non-belief. Anyone who twists death and slaughter in the name of there faith is insane. But God has forgiven him so I guess it is all ok.

I can only see one good thing so far that has come out of this, people are beginning to learn about our different beliefs, cultures and ways.

Thanks for the many years of teaching,

A fan

Craig M.

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Dear Chuck:

As usual you are right on point (my opinion), but please remember there are so many here in New York that don't believe the hype and we do care, and we do see, and we could care less about the physical outward appearance of others.

Organized religion has been the downfall of many civilizations since the beginning of time.

When will people realize that the CIA funded Bin Laden (or whatever the fuck his name is) to get the Russians out of Afganastan, whose #1 export is heroin, so certain individauls of the US government (and Israel who smuggle ecstacy into this country on a daily basis and then launders that money through their places of worship).

All I can say is grow up America, grow up, or there won't be a place for any of our children to live and prosper.

Mlneal777

*****

I am sitting in London England, having sat in a bits of a black film festival with my creative freinds and met your cousin, Jon Marc, who has a poise and centeredeness and grasp of where we are at in business and artist terms that makes me love your family.

I am here, having checked all those I love in NYC are alive and safe, having lived in a news vortex for 48 hours and your words work very well. Also, having come out of my news vortex and doing the BBC/ Channel 4 thing and finding out that the no. one enemy is CIA trained. I read a piece today from an Afghan fighter who was in the war against the Russian invasion and noted that "we fought for 3 days to take that (hill) The Arab guys came in and took it in 1 and a half hours. It was full of landmines. They just ran up it. 150 must have been killed. They had no fear... " and there was more which I don't remember about the no fear.. as in trained to be fundamentalist fearless fighters. That was then. This is now. Same training. See The Guardian newspaper: 19 or 20/ 9/ 01 www.guardianonline.co.uk.

Wack yes, but around as long as other wack shit and caused by and causing death and bereavement to the main peeps who suffer in all of this. Working peeps, serving peeps, regular peeps, poor peeps, fugee peeps, and all. Anyone who breathes those who earn less most. those who are not mainstream.

Thank you for your take and its place and balance. Bonnie Greer who is an ex pat American writer living in London also had good things, as in meaningful not war mongering, cos that - sentiment I agree but the time place needs to be right - as it is.. so not cool to say. They might be posted on the BBC web site under BBC 2 late review. www.bbc.co.uk.

I wanna find the address of your other website/ interactive, creative etc. Jon Marc mentioned it. Also an email to contact him would be good. I forgot to give him mine.

I wish you peace and love. Peace and love. Few other things (place , space, equality - the freedom to live in peace ) are worth fighting for .

Adeola xxx

Me: I'm a songwriter and singer. I'm Canadan Nigerian English and doing fine. thanks. love to you.

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Peace Mistachuck,

I've just finished reading your latest Terrordome as I must say you're on point like a decimal. What I notice after the attack was the passing of legislation that gives law enforcement unlimited power to stop terrorism. Now I understand the necessity of all that, but being a black man I hate to see jake with anymore power. To quote KRS, "who will protect us for you?" Granted they have been using all type of tactics on us for years, but now it's going to be in the name of National Defense. Okay maybe I'm off base with this. My question is what can we do to stop this?

Taylor C

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Hi Chuck:

Like everyone else, I've been watching the media since this tragic incident happened. I've even been angry myself, I mean, this were innocent people. "Innocent" in terms of deserving to die like this. Then you hear survivors saying "I was blessed"...hmmm, so the other 5,000 killed were evil and unblessed? I'll go for LUCKY. Praise GOD that you were lucky and survived.

USA history is full of shames. Even now the powers that be are still striking, searching for Money, Political Power, Oil, Weapons, and all around World Domination. Do we have here a case of "what goes around back in time (and the present) comes around"?

Most important, I've been waiting all this time for a representation from the church and any of it's important figures to talk loud and clear AGAINST this counterattack from the US Goverment. Are they afraid? Are they being treatened? Do they forgot about the Ten Commandments? Maybe it's not convienient $$$.

This whole thing can easily become the beginning of our end. Congress G.I. Joe mutherfuckers have a good excuse for a war now and it's not going to be pretty. I'll just say one thing: CHEMICAL WARFARE

Let's pray GOD we all get lucky...

Jos/ S - Puerto Rico Original PE follower and still...

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My brother, Chuck D,

I ask myself why DJ Kuttin' Kandi only ask to pray for American victims of a war? We have to pray for all victims of violence in the world.

We have to stop and think about why American people's life is more valuable for us than so many lives, for instance, in Africa where many countries are in a civil war since so many years ago and dieing coz malnutrition, coz AIDS and being also killed by terrorists and military power. Or for instance, in my country, Brazil... where you can see 3, 4, 5 years-old-children being killed by the police without any reason.

Why aren't we shocked about all those facts like we are about this terrible crime that happened in States?

As you said in Terrordrome, Chuck D, "people on the earth have long suffered, and swallowed the bullet of the greed of governmental rule and arrogance".

There is no country more important than other ones. The center of the world doesn't exist... it's only a point of view. What kinda world we are living in?

Forbidding to play those Clear Channel 150-song-list and striking Arabian and Moslem people on the street is not the way to solve the problems.

Let's pray and ask God to put wisdom in our minds and hearts to think about the world we are building for the next generation.

Peace, wisdom and human-rights for ALL human beings. Paula C (Brazilian, 30, writting from Spain)

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You wrote: Is not what you say you are its what you do to prove who you are.

And in the case of the movement of world leaders its what they do, that proves what they are not.

Thank you for your article this month, your perspective matches your bravery. I feel bad that alot of good men, must suffer the stigma, of alot of stupid men. It must make your job, a difficult one. Never the less, you do your job, and you do it very well.

Thanks, Thanks for burning the vales of constructed propaganda and speaking the truth of what you have found under it.
Bon

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Courageous commentary... your inner strife is apparent, but unmistakeably faulting on the side of righteousness (as it ever has been (world with end (amen))). We all died in some way as New Yorkers, no matter what the twin towers may have represented they were in fact floor after floor after floor after floor of just plain ordinary stuff. Secretaries, consultants, mail room clerks, interns, visitors, family men and women, you, me, he, she, it. Every race, every nationality. No flag, no faith. Indignance. Indifference. Real terror, forget your dome. Really. Hate. Hate. Hhhate. PE continues to Chuck stones of the one eternally true point: Everyone is in the wrong. You, I, he, she, it, there, then. In making such a claim, you're still the only one who's right. Preach on, and let it never end.
ferrarajc

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Mista Chuck-

I received an email from a friend containing a document written by you concerning the events that took place on Sept 11, 2001. After reading it I promptly forwarded it to several friends. I am in agreement with you on several issues brought up in the email. What constitutes terrrorism and who is capable of terrorism needs to be addressed. I hope that out of this tragedy Americans can not only open their hearts to their internal pain, but also to the pain of others in the international community.

Monique F

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Hello, I thought I’d email you with a few points that you probably already know, but I’m bored right now so here goes...

The thing that scares me the most about this is the way the US Government has taken this opportunity to manipulate public opinion and tell people that killing everyone who thinks this act of terrorism was a good thing, regardless of whether or not they were involved. I saw an interview with a kid from Tennessee a few days after the incident saying that America should invade Afghanistan right away. I also saw a site called nukebinladen.com which I think has been taken down by now that said all acts of terrorism should be responded to with the use of nuclear force. I don’t think I need to explain why this is a bad idea. I don’t like the way this attack has made people have a "USA uber alles" mindset, without realising that most of the world hates the way America exploits its economic and military strengths to push around other countries. I also don’t like the fact that a lot of people assume anyone who has anti-American views is equal and in agreement with these terrorists. I think it was a great tragedy, but so was the incident where 200 Chinese fishermen were "accidently" killed by a US submarine last year and the incident where some American fighter pilots, for a joke, decided to fly under a cable car in Switzerland and killed even more people.

Personally I hope that this incident helps America realise that this is what it is like for people when they get bombed by the US, something which seems to happen far too often, but you have to justify that huge military budget somehow right?

thanks for your time.

www.besonic.com/dna www.besonic.com/vinylvandal

Vinyl Vandal

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Who do you think you are. Where do you get off telling us about our racist asses... lololololol

Tonlic99

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Hi Chuck

I am 25 and from Canada. I have been a P.E fan for the last 10 years and I think no other rap group is a politically conscious as you are. What first attracted me to P.E was your powerful lyrics and the fact that you spoke your mind.

I think all your albums are cool and there isnt a single song that is bad in any of them, but if I had a choice to choose your best album I would choose IT TAKES A NATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK. This is by far the best album I have ever heard no matter what anyone says.

My dream since I have know P.E. is to meet you guys in person and go to a concert of yours. I think FLAVOR FLAV is really cool and adds comedy to all your songs while TERMANATOR-X (NORM like you call him Chuck) is the best DJ I have ever hear too. I have all your albums, they are all original (Although I did download your THERE’S A POISON GOING ON in Napster which was the first ever full downloadable album napster ever had).

I have introduced your cool music and powerful lyrics too all my friends and they just love you guys. Well I have to go I hope you e-mail me back soon

yours truly SPAFY Israel P

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Hey Chuck,

I've been a fan of P.E. from the beginning, for real. I have always appreciated cats like you and KRS for having something real to say when you flow. The social and political kick that the Enemy gives keeps me sharp unlike some of the mindless, senseless platinum selling so and so of today. Pyrite is "fools gold" what's the word for "fools platinum"? Constructive crit. what you say is always on point, the beats have to compliment to escalate the message. A friend to the end Chuck,never stop.

Holla back CIRKLCIRKLDOT

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Dear Chuck D.,

That piece I just read on terrorism is so deep & on point. Thank you for all the years of music & political righteousness. Much success to you & P.E. in the future.

I am a white, hip-hop loving, 25 year old. My cousin turned me on to rap back in 1987. Ever since then, I've been hooked. I listen to all kinds of rap (& other music). But lately, I've been listening to a lot of old-school P.E., LL Cool J, Rakim, BDP, Run-D.M.C., etc. & I enjoy it more than this gangsta/playa stuff. True...alot of rappers today have skills, but not alot of them know how to use it. Example: Eminem is a lyrical genius, but he uses it for the "forces of evil".

I have a dream of being an MC. I write all of the time. I'm just trying to figure out which direction (my message) to go. Which prompts me to ask...Is the BOMB SQUAD still intact? Do they still produce? The only reason I ask is because I'm not too swift when it comes to creating the music for my lyrics. I'd love to work with them & you, of course. You are one of my favorite MCs. I'd love to be a part of your SLAJAMZ network, how do I get involved. I can send you a demo, if you wish. The only problem is that I'm having trouble coming up with a stagename for myself. Everything I come up with is either already being used or not "flashy" enough. I want a universal-type name, meaning I don't want to be pigeonholed into a certain genre of hip-hop. I was wondering if you had any ideas. I hope you at least read this e-mail because I think it's the least you could do for a diehard P.E. fan. I understand you're busy, but please try to respond with any information about the things I have requested.

Thank you, Christopher Alan G

p.s. Tell Flav, Griff, Terminator X, the S1Ws, & the rest of the P.E. crew, "What's up?".

p.p.s. Have you ever thought about recording a whole album with KRS-1... now that'd be tight!

*****

I like what you have to say. I think for people like us who have constantly questioned the motives of our government, and educated ourselves about what is really going on and what has really gone on in the name of Democracy, this attack was no surprise.

I have always wondered how it didn't happen sooner. I did my part at the WTO here in Seattle in the Direct Action march, and in discussions with people who are intelligent but misinformed.

This is the key. Like VietNam, dinner table discussions that changed people's points of view. So I talk, I challenge people and I often learn from them. Like you say, the people of the world, we are at the mercy of the few. It's time to stop facilitating this terror on both sides. People are the answer.

When someone calls me unAmerican, I remind them that all they hold dear, 8 hour work days, anti child labor laws, civil rights, labor laws, were things won by people saying 'no more'. That is ultimately American, not blindly supporting government/corporate sponsored rhetoric and war.

And when people condemn billions of Moslems for this attack, I ask them this simple question: "Do you consider Timothy Mcvey to have represented America in the Oklahoma City Bombing?"

Thanks for your time, hoping for a wake up call in all of us soon. Wayne F

*****

I love your band and your stance and all the shit that goes along with it. I think you have the best voice in hip hop ever, and most of your songs make me want to think, but in a volatile way, and I appreciate and thank you for it every time I listen to your shit. It's unique and great. And I can see where you are coming from and I understand what you mean when you talk about our government, because I know you do your homework. But right now, to be a human being who is also an American, I think the prospect of justice is one of the only things keeping us sane. I mean, I come from a military based family, but I can still see a whole shit load of hypocrisy that lies with in a lot of the beliefs. But I do believe our military should go to Afghanistan, wipe out as many of these networks as they can, and don't stop till they are all dead. And the reason you do it is equivalent to when you are in fifth grade and someone throws a paper ball at the teacher while she's at the blackboard. And then she turns around and says," If no one tells me who threw that, then you all stay after." That's what I believe. I know you don't , but it's cool.

Anyway, your the man, and I want to thank you for getting me through some rough spots in my life.

Tim H

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as-salaamu alaykum

After quietly watching the events of September 11 and seeing the predictable response of the disbelievers, and the surprising response of some of our Muslim 'leaders', I felt it necessary to make some commentary. I admit my English is bad, but so what - dis aynt ma country anyways.

Amir Muhammad S

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I have to agree with you 100 percent on your words written on your website about governments. Its sad that in this day and age, with all the technology and money these countries have, it can’t be used on education and tolorence for other peoples cultures and beliefs.

TRUST1164

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Chuck,

How's it going. I've been a big fan since yo bum rush the show, and I just wanted to say your comments about the terrorist attacks were right on the money. We are all just "pieces in one big chess game" and our government should have prevented this from happening by not going around and policing the world. I'm a journalist student at Ohio State and I'm also studying political science, and I thought your comments were the best I have seen on telling it like it is on this messed up situation.

The fake-Ness of people today makes me sick. Everybody loves each other (for now) and is a proud American, but this country has done nothing in the past 200 years to make most proud. Being from Boston the education mecca of the world (but the public school teachers are using most of their paychecks to buys books for poor students) and watching how these jackasses rule the city, it makes me sick. I could not even go to college in my own city because I could not afford it really bothers me.

But more importantly the real problem is with people just having no respect for anyone who is different, and nobody has any pride anymore. This country has gone to hell in the last 20 years (maybe more) because of messed up politicians that we have to vote for. We need more people like yourself to step up to the dish and tell it like it is. Anyway...I'm hoping you can come here and speak some time this fall or winter because I'd love to hear the truth. I look forward to hearing what you have to say about issues in society because of your honesty, and just keep on keeping on...

P.S. I hope you can have time to respond, and would love some advice on where to go with my career.

Mark G

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Hello, Before I state my opinion I want to know is this really you Chuck or just one of your assistance taking messages for you. See my lack of trust in famous people who are rich and made it in our free country is the same you feel for our Uncle Tom.

See as a common man and you as a well endowed common man u too could be like Def Jam c.o.'s turn' up their nose to a common man like me... Now I follow you back in '86 when I graduated from high school. I like you as an artist and you seem like a common man. But like u just wrote power can be funny and so can the money. Well I wish this is really you and not some lackey taking ur notes. I never wrote nor responded to any political nor entertainer. Well your my first at the age of 33. Anyway if this is you let me know... and if this is an assistance... well you have a Nice job to be working not only w/a famous person but a man w/a common ground to all. Even Uncle Sam... which unites us all... as a nation who is grasping on the reality that we all lost our freedom as of 9-11-01. God bless you Chuck and ur staff.......

Robert D

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G'day Chuck

You may or may not remember me, we briefly met in Hobart, Tasmania after your gig there 11th October 1998. Hard to believe it is almost 3 years ago. I was the one ratting on like a babbling brook, just excited to meet the man I credit with my education on REAL American history.

My heartfelt prayers extend to the families who have lost people in the US Tragedies. I sat up watching it live until 2AM, in shock really. I just happened to turn the TV on wanting to catch some local news when we arrived home at 12:45pm, around an hour after the first plane hit WTC. I said to my wife (You have met her too) Belinda, quick something major has happened in the world. Gradually piecing the events together, in amazement at the boldness of the attacks.

I have been searching the net for up to date info, links with biblical prophecy & anything else I can find, when I suddenly thought, Chuck will have the lowdown on this. Hope this mail finds you safe & well with some degree of normality returning to life.

I shudder to think what may happen next & for the first time in a while am happy to be tucked away in my remote little corner of the world. As for biblical prophecy, I can't find a connection, but I feel as though it could be a trigger to bring in the famous New World Order, quickly, effectively & without much resistance. Time will tell.

I would be very interested to hear your views on this, as I respect your intelligence & integrity. I have noticed a few references in your lyrics,. one about a man putting a code on a can? Where is this all heading?

Peace brother!

Jason S

*****

Chuck,

I must say, you always move me with your fresh point of view. If only there existed more thinkers like you in this world... As my subject header would denote, I'm writing you after reading your latest commentary regarding the WTC tragedy and the current state of affairs in the U.S. You cover a lot of ground in a relatively short piece (reminds me of some of your lyrics - not the subject matter, but your truly emotional and mountainous volume of cogitation). But since the main focal point seemed to be God, religion and various peoples' viewpoints on these, I was curious as to your considered faith. Do you adhere to an organized religion? If so, do you believe it shapes your outlook on world events such as the WTC bombing?

Thanks for always keeping it real,

James

P.S. - I consider myself to be agnostic in case you were wondering...