Hey, wsssup... The October month was one to read thru 945 e-mails and distribute them across the wil, wil, web. With the Sept 11th incident my E's quintripled... if that's such a word. November is here and I've started to write bi-weekly for a 15 city black cultural events weekly newspaper, ROLLING OUT. I'm writing galore with the Terrordomes, Elemental, Hip Hop Connection and an occasional liner note... So, the Terrorbox buys some much needed time with some well written letters...

Some of you have not heard from me in some time. Anyway, here I am today. Most of you know what I am trying to say and saying. Thanks. Looking at all the patriotic frenzy, flag waving, photos in the newspaper and all, I had a feeling of this situation, as many before it, not acknowledging, or acknowledging at the lowest level, people of color. People of color have been given no place to grieve their losses in this tragedy. I wrote two poems to say that. Please indulge me.

I Ain't Feelin' No Red, No White, Just Blue

I ain't feelin' no red, no white, just blue. I ain't feelin' no red, white, and blue. I ain't feelin' no red and white. I am feelin' the red blood of the whites, blacks, browns, yellows and tans, I am feelin' the blood of every man Woman and child Who had no idea men would be that wild And kill themselves as they killed others, Fathers, Mothers, sisters, brothers, Going about their day to day, Thinking things would be OK, Making plans, planning ahead, Having no idea they would be dead As they hit the ground. I ain't feelin' no red and white, just blue.

What Does It Take To Open A Heart?

What does it take to open a heart? Even in tragedy, we stand apart. Images flashing, newscasters casting Aspersions, allusions Pointing fingers, laying blame, Accepting no responsibility, crying crocodile tears, Calling on God's name. Where are the stories of the other than whites Who were on that flight? Where are the families of the blacks, tans, browns Working in the Pentagon? Those who worked ignored, not important. Not noticed unless needed. Those whose being was not heeded. Those people deserve recognition Even now as never before They, too, are the victims of this spiritual war.

Create peace wherever you are. Share it with all those around you.

Darlene McKnight

*****

Dear Sir It's been a long while since the rawness and politics of hip hop enthused me the way it did when artists such as yourselves were at the forefront ... now most of it either depresses me or makes me sick. Because of your music I read about Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam and I began to look more closely at the relation between "whites" and Maori in New Zealand.

Your concert in Wellington in 1991 was a musical highlight, and the following day I was lucky enough to meet you all, although I don't expect you to remember. Anyway, despite my lack of "faith" in hip hop these days I am still interested in the words of Mista Chuck.

When the horrible events of September 11th occurred I watched with the world in awe as the towers came tumbling down. But as events were unfolding I began to feel, not sympathy, but great anger... Anger that America finally pushed someone far enough to justify (to themselves) that they needed to retaliate against their perceived oppressor, America. Angry that innocent people were dying. Angry that the US government had created so much hate in this world. And angry when I realised that the consequences are probably going to far outweigh the attacks themselves.

Let me give you some background. I have long thought America is in itself one of the world's greatest modern "evils", so much so that about a year ago a I recorded a song called "F*ck America". I have several thousand CDs, but my own song has become my most listened to track in recent days. Why? Because it sums up the frustration I felt then, tenfold now.

Anyway, I am a firm believer that Americans themselves are not bad people (my beliefs are being seriously challenged by some of the arrogant shit that is being written though), as I am of the firm belief that no nation of people can possibly all be bad. I work in Japan, and therefore have several American friends here ... it has been interesting to note that many of those who live here are not supportive of Bush's war effort, and have even said they are happy to be away from the States.

It was with great interest that I read your Terrordome newsletter, and I have to say that it is refreshing to see that there are people like yourself not allowing themselves to get caught up in this horrific hate frenzy that is happening right now.

Byard J

*****

On 9/20/01 7:53 AM, Rob A wrote:

I just want to tell you that your words have helped me during this time. I have had a copy of 'Fear Of A Black Planet' since, oh, '93, let's say. Back then, for me, listening to rap music was part of my bad-boy image, my march to my own drummer. You know, it felt kind of dangerous to have it playing, like I was some kind of revolutionary, since rap had not become so pop-culture back then. This is the only P.E. I have.

It wasn't easy for me to hear some of the ideas you were expressing and I would say that back then, I was only hearing the anger in your words, not the hope and love each and every song embodies. So, on 9/11/01, I slid the cassette into the car player, and turned it up loud. "Some foriegn power, some group of terrorists..." that's what I wanted to hear. that's what I needed to hear.

I have thought about sending you a message many, many times, not just this past week, and I was delighted to find an email address on the P.E. site, which I just checked out for the first time. I have wanted to tell you that I feel you, man. I have wanted to tell you that your message is vital, and to thank you for having the courage to say what needs to be said.

Thanks. Rob A

Well, I hope that you are at peace with your thoughts... Peace Chuck

*****

Chuck,

I wanted to sincerely thank you for coming to Kansas State and sharing your thoughts and wisdom with us all. For the past year and half (or so) I have been logging on to rapstation to read your columns and catch your top 10. It was such a privledge to be able to finaly meet you face-to-face and listen to you. And I mean that. You are as wise as they come. Way more than your years. I appreciate the fact that you spoke with us after your "time" was up. Not many key note speakers would do that. Senator John McCain certainly didn't. I value your opinion way more than his and he probably has more power over my life than most anyone in this country. So what does that say. You truly have a grasp on the human spirit and what it means to humble.

I wish this whole nation could have listened to you talk tonight Chuck. It scares me how people are so willing to jump on George W's bandwagon train to hell. You are right: Be careful what you wish for. War is what we want, war is what we'll get. The Taliban said so today. I'm scared man. I wish you were in the politcal world. We need people like you in government. Someone who knows the way it really is, the way stuff really works. I don't want some 65 year old gray hair telling me I have to go fight a battle because he and his buddies acted the way they did toward that region (and the world)...arrogant. They say ignorance kills. So does arrogance. And I fear that our nation's arrogance might do just that.

You are a natural leader Chuck. Even if you chose to never do it professionally, I hope that you'll always keep carrying your torch because it is the small things you do like talking to a bunch of kids at the Union at 11:00 on a Tuesday night that make such huge differences. You've been a huge inspiration and have helped opened my eyes to the politrix that go on. Thank you for being you.

Peace.

Jackson S

*****

Dear Chuck,

This e-mail is long overdue. I'm a 27 year old white female librarian (probably not the typical PE fan demographic-- just a guess :) and have been an admirer of yours for the past 10 years. It wasn't until I read your latest posting on the Terrordome re: the terrorist attacks that I decided to write.

I wanted to write and sincerely thank you for injecting some MUCH needed sanity and perspective on the attack. Yes, the fact that it happened and that innocent people died is sad beyond words BUT how many times has the United States been the ones with blood on their hands? Where was our outpouring of support for those victims? I'm honestly not trying to minimize the recent tragedy but in some parts of the world, loss of this scale is virtually commonplace.

I've heard so many people say that they feel a strong sense of community right now and it just baffles me. I feel so completely alienated from all the ugly jingoistic flag waving and the "let's bomb the brownies back to east Jesus" racist rhetoric (boy, the rednecks have come out full force for this one...). The fact that any minority participates in this is nothing short of disgusting. As a woman and, consequently, somebody who makes $.73 for every $1.00 a white man makes for equal work (on average), there is no way I would put my life on the line for this country. Gee, if I only had the almighty penis and could be worthy of the full dollar... (though, as you're well aware of, if you are fortunate enough to be blessed with said appendage but were cursed with black skin you're probably makin' even less than me. Sooooo fucked up...). (Side note: that's one of the many things I've always loved about PE: your lyrics have always been respectful of women. Why doesn't N.O.W. acknowledge that??)

Have you been watching Dubya? Jesus. He's more inarticulate and bumbling than ever. I loved it how they flew his goofy ass to Louisiana and then Nebraska on the day of the bombings. When I saw that I thought, "What, was his plane hijacked, too?"

I just wanted to write and thank you for making me feel connected to something in the midst of all this chaos. You, as usual, eloquently expressed everything I had been feeling but was too verbally clumsy to express. You've always been an inspiration and a hero. I hope you, your family and friends are safe.

Below is a rather interesting article from the LA Times that I thought you might enjoy. Please take care.

*****

Dear Chuck,

As a huge fan of PE since the days of YO! Bum Rush the Show, I was eagerly anticipating your view on these horrific terrorist actions. As a Danish person living in London, New York seems far away and we should feel safe. But we don't. I am not worried about terrorists bombing London or Denmark, I am not worried about planes crashing. I am worried about the reaction of George W. Bush. The man is, to put it simple, an idiot! He is getting a lot of compliments for his handling of this episode and fair enough, but you can see in his eyes that he wants revenge! Why does he want revenge? Is it to please all those Americans who are screaming for it, or because it is the right thing to do? He needs to consider WHY the terrorists committed these actions, and not who? The reason is clearly that the USA has been playing big brother to the rest of the world and their foreign policy has been to dictate other countries, instead of going into dialogue... Both Denmark and the UK are part of nato, so if a war is on the cards, we are sure to be involved. I loved it when Bush said that he would not only go after the terrorists, but also the countries who help these... Hmm, am I mistaken in saying that Israel, a country built on rape, violence and terrorism, was helped a great deal by the United States? Did the United States not sell weapons to their prime suspect, Bin Laden?

Again, I must stress that I sincereley condemn the terrorist actions, but this is not the start of the war. It is only the peak (hopefully). The war has been going on for a looong time.

Just wanted to let you know how some Europeans feel about it... And I am as white as they get.

Regards, Kim J

*****

Hey Chuck

I was in Downtown Portland Oregon during the tragedy. At a candle light vigil we had in Pioneer square a few days later I heard references to war and religion. It seem to me that the only time people act proud of this Country is when tragedy and war happens. I'm not proud to be American, why should I be? Every thing cruel is American. We invented Tim McVey. He was as American as Apple Pie. I turn the T.V. on and learn that Congress gave a lot of power to a trigger happy Cowboy. I can't understand how war will ever bring closure to this atrocity. I hope that through this mess Patriotic people will stop being so arrogant.

(peace) (hopefully)
a Public Enemy fan
David L

*****

-----Thanks for adding a sense of logic in your column to an otherwise mass population of bloOd thirsty war hawks......well thought out and executed editorial.

-Ben in KC

*****

God bless brothers like you who always keep it balanced. The so-called Hiphop Summit aka Elitist Businessman Summit showed me how balanced you are no matter who got offended. peace KvnRoc

*****

Hi there...

First of all, u will have to be pacient about my english. It used to be good. I'm a 23 year old Brazilian boy who works hard and tries to live in a country of the same 50 plus white men who decides what's good or not for Brazil, but these guys have a higher boss: George Bush. Third world still lives on the rules of your Amerikkka and we are completely dependent of BUSH and his terrible international politics. For him, we are just another country like Mexico and he doesn't care about any international people that were inside that buildings and planes. When I spent some time in California, I realized how Americans live and how racism rule about all places with black people, mexicans, yellows, etc. I really care about those who died in this tragedy and I pray for their family to be strong in this moment but this time all the world is in dangerous because your goverment. It all started when in the cold war, your country gave money and trained Osama Bin Laden to kill. USA helped that country against Russia with missiles and guns. USA helped many countries that today are against you. What for?? How much do you need?? I really liked your article about what happened in NY Tuesday and I was shocked just like you, but I really don't like to say and I know that it will not be right but your country deserve it. You looked for it. Bush should talk about a lot of things that would help the world to live a better life in spite of thinking about missil shild. Start thinking about the Kioto's protocol. What country would you like to live in the future??? Would you like to live in a permenent dust just like the dust of WTC??? That's you future if you (black, yellow, red, everyone) don't make something to stop it. You guys have the power, not them...

Cheers. Marco V

*****

Dear Chuck D

You are my favorite rapper of all time. I hope you are alright from what happened in New York. I read your comments all the time. You did a good job when you was hosting BET Tonight. Chuck, America is in a horrible state. Hip hop music is being attacked by big industries when the concept of making money is out weighing the concept of perserving the culture. This concept of money over culture is ruining black America. Black kids think life is all about money, clothes and hoes. Hip hop is more than just that. Hip hop has helped many people of different cultures to come together and has helped many people find inner peace, God, heritage and love for their community. This thug image makes me so sick. I understand it has to be in the music because thugs are in the culture, but this nonsense just has to come to a seize. The black youth are so evil to other black youth, but will show love and compassion to the negative things in the community such as white people owning the neighborhood. I notice in the black race to many of us has become thugs. We need more doctors, lawyers, and thinkers for the next generation and beyond. It is becoming hard to love the black race with all this negativity in the race. Any true hip hop listener understands this negativity comes from slavery, Jim Crow, police brutality, stereotypes on the t.v. and the miseducation in the school system. Chuck D, you are the man a hip hop icon a raw Mc.

Love Knowledge X

*****

For those of us who have lived under the terror of the KKK, Jim Crow, and all other unspeakable means of racism, in this country, we understand that Terrorism is Not by any means new to us! However, as we now begin to bear witness to this new wave of horror that has befallen our country we must pray for our leaders. Because, we better than anyone else, know for a fact, that only through God's amazing grace and long arm of limitless mercy, can we sustain the grief, hurt, and pain and thereby gain true victory over any enemy rather seen or unseen, known or unknown. Then, we cannot afford to loose focus on the mission at hand!

Many Black Americans died believing that we would pick up their cross and seek fulfillment of that promise of the mule and 40 acres. Their lives were and are no less of a value than those who have perished in this latest American tragedy. Reparations is an inherit debt that must be paid!

Therefore, as we pray for our nation and the world to overcome these dark days, may we also be thankful, for the life God has given, and the blessings he will send and bestow upon us, that are yet to come, if we simply hold steadfast to his unchanging hand.

MzWayMaker

*****

On 9/16/01 8:05 AM, Mahdi R wrote:

Assalam-wa-Aleikum Brother Chuck! I was feeling every single word you had written, it was like you were writing from my heart... I come from Iran and I saw innocent children dying using them like pawns, exactly what you said.

Nowadays so called Muslim leaders, who use the Islam like Hitler used Nitsche and Darwin, or Stalin used marx, for their ideology do the same and make a bad name for our religion in the entire world. The result of it is as I see for example in Iran, that young people stop believing in God and religion, because they only know the God and the Islam the government created. And the living of Muslims all around the world will get even more difficult due to the attacks... So I just wanted to let you know that your writing meant a lot to me...it was just absolutely brilliant.

Wa-Assalam-wa Aleikum.
Mahdi.

It seems the earth is still held hostage by the rope of religion twisted by the rich.. Peace Chuck

*****

Well spoken, I feel U. Alot of people say the incidents of this recent tragedy remind them of the movie Independence Day. The difference is in that movie the President who called for innocents (anyone who knew how to fly) to go to war also partook in that war as he was flying right along with them.

Naturner2001

*****

Hi Chuck,

I am from St. Louis MO. which is about 30 or so miles NorthWest of a major branch of the KKK (Red Bud Illinois). St. Louis is about as Amerikkkan as you can get. So needless to say, after all the B.S. that happened in NY and DC, I fear for my Pakistani friends who live in St. Louis. As well do I fear for my friends with The Nation who live in Ohio.

The editor of what is normally a "liberal" newspaper (The St. Louis RiverFront Times) is pretty much screaming out for "Muslim Blood". www.riverfronttimes.com/issues/2001-09-12/ray. html

I sent him a link to http://enemyboard.publicenemy.net/terrordome.p hp in the vain hope that he might pull his head out long enough to read and experience a bit of education. I doubt it'll happen, I may as well play the lottery.

However, it is refreshing to read a kindred point of view (yours that is) amidst all this Jingoistic B.S. that I gotta put up with.

Thanks a lot, Rich Q

*****

My name is Christopher and I am a poet representing Houston, Texas. I sincerely hope this e-mail finds you and your family in a state of tranquility. Ya know, I was just driving in my truck banging PE's "Muse Sick N Hour Mess Age" CD and I was blasting "What Side You On?" at high decibels. All kinds of ill thoughts were going through my mind about the recent situations in New York and in the Pentagon and it just literally amazed to read the latest posting on your website. That is so right and exact about what you said and to be 100% honest with you, until today I didn't know that during WW2 the Japanese were held in concentration camps. What I am so afraid of is the simple fact that within the next few days America will be sending troops to most likely destroy an entire country all in the name of retaliation. Can we say Hiroshima and Nagasaki? I am very afraid that thousands of Middle Eastern people will be abused because they are affiliated with that region. It's almost scary. And brother, you are so right on the money when you say that the "50 Whitemen" (including Powell... sell-out!) are calling the shots, but I doubt if we will see Dubya rolling in a tank or carrying an M-16!

Basically this is the jihad that has been talked about since I was in high school. It is here. Should we just go ahead and call this World War III... good question? Should America retaliate? Maybe I am being too John Lennon-esque here, but I do not want anymore bloodshed. I do not want to see any more killing or any more attacks on innocent people, however that is not reality and although I do not want to watch that, unfortunately that is all television has to offer.

--Christopher W
the "other" Media Assassin

P.S. Thank you for influencing me as a poet. I have admired you since I was 11-years-old and I look up to you as my role model.

*****

On 9/15/01 2:13 PM, Jason S wrote:

Chuck, first of all, despite what is happening I want to thank you for responding to your fans via email. Being an incredible rapper both skill wise and your direction with rap. You really care alot about issues affecting women and men all over the globe. I really respected and think your idealogy that first I am from earth and then a black man.

This whole mess has left me confused. I don't hate death on anyone until now. Is that right? I want to see those who did this punished. Your comments this week are so true. I think the hatred towards Islam has expanded, but it shouldnt. I think we have to find exactly who has done this and punish that group.

Chuck, your words are inspirational, you probably have millions of emails to read from fans and those who see you as an idol but I am glad you are safe. I was personally worried for your safety and your family and everyone in New York.

I have always thought with my heart in everything I have did. So I am hope I am being straight about everthing that is going on. Continue your blessed words.

I am from Canada but live in the Baltimore area. I saw you play in Montreal when Flavour was first allowed back in Canada.

Take Care and with alot of love,
Jason S

Thanx Jason..peace Chuck

*****

Good stuff indeed...

Alan

*****

Hey Chuck,

Thanks for posting your latest terrordome. Ever since all this shit went down, I've been going to the pe page to see what you had to say. I think right now a lot of us are looking past Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw (who cut off controversial author David Halberstam last night when they disagreed) and we are looking toward people like you and Michael Moore and Ralph Nader and others. I've read what Michael Moore had to say about this on the enemy board. He was right on point. Haven't anything heard from Nader. I'd love to hear what fellow muslims like Mos Def and Malik B from the Roots have to say about the attacks on arab americans and muslims. Still waiting for that.

Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for saying what you have to help us better understand.

Peace and blessings, Taylor.

*****

Yo Chuck, Wassup.

My name is Luke, I'm 14 yrs old and im from Australia.

People in Australia are extremely shocked about the terrorist act on the trade centre. I've never seen anything like that in my life. I agree with your points of view posted on the Public Enemy Website last week.

I own most of Public Enemys CD's. I first heard you guys rappin bout what you believe in on the local radio station and I was hooked after that.

I am currently finishing a school assignment on Public Enemy in music and I've got most of the information of the website.

CYA, Luke, AUSTRALIA

*****

Dear Chuck, Assalamu Alaikum.

I'm writing after reading your piece on Terrordome Sept 14th 2001. I've been a follower of your music since as long as I can remember.

Lemme give you a brief background on myself.. I'm now 25, of Asian-Indian origin born and brought up in London, UK. I've listened to you since Nation of Millions and undoubtedly your music, lyrics and views have helped shape me into who I am today. While I was growing up and in those character-forming years I was educated by your music which would open my mind and also teach me how language can be a powerful tool (as Prince is also doing now via his website and some songs). I finished school and studied media at university and have written since being at school by writing entertainment articles for various newspapers. I met you when you came to London to sign copies of Fight The Power and I thank God for your influence on my life and the way your music and words taught me to question situations, and not digest all that is fed to me without thought.

I believe what's happening in the US right now, after the horrible incident, is that the media is creating a hostile situation and creating the events of tomorrow. After surfing into various Yahoo chatrooms and analysing papers in the UK, I saw how there is a huge growth in hatred for Muslims in general because of the way this event has been reported and it scared me. It scared me because I love my religion and have lived always as a Muslim in a non-Muslim society trying to do what I can to help things make more sense than Non-sensical. The Muslim backlash has come here to the UK too, and I admit to being real scared especially after receiving many dodgy stares from people everywhere I go simply because people are glued to their TVs and have disregarded thought, allowing their minds to simply digest what it is being fed, not stopping to think for themselves at all.

Words of Griff and your group and the term Mind Revolution where the mind stops and actually ask questions rather than accept what it is presented with comes to mind. We need Evolution-aries and not Reaction-aries, so we can EVOLVE and conquer terror-ism. Their aims are to evoke terror in their victims, which is where they have succeeded, gain publicity where success again surrounds them, demoralise the government which is something that needs a wake up call anyway, and finally provoke a retaliation that would cause more mass destruction and ultimately breed further terrorism. Looks like they are winning.

I agree with a lot of what you said on Terrordome and gave me more food for thought cos like you I was disheartened to see Palestinian bros and sis' celebrating deaths of innocents, and that too while being broadcast across the globe every 24 mins or so to people who have no clue what they have been through or where they're coming from.

After reading your piece I feel rejuvenated again and my mind is ticking once more in overload and I'm going to do what I can and couterattack every media story that negates Islam and prove it wrong. We as a united people of all races, creed and religion can work this out, but only if we're given some positive stuff to think about.

I'm gonna star by hitting some Yahoo chat rooms right now and dispelling the anti-Muslim sentiments as I've been doing lately using arguments such as that one suspect Mohammad Atta was spotted drunk the Friday before the event, according to the authorities who are tracing his steps. If this was a religious statement or result of religous fanaticism then he wouldn't be in a bar consuming alcohol: the parts don't fit.

I just wanted to write to you Chuck to say Thank U and God Bless You. Thanks for feeding my mind everytime it gets hungry and May Allah Bless you and guide you.

Peace bro and thanks for being such a positive influence on my life. I am who I am partly because of you, and I love you for that.

Salaams, Fuad O London, UK

*****

CHUCK - Thank you. How cool would it be every angry, violently patriotic, ignorant Amerikkkan turned off the corporate TV news and took five minutes to read your last "Terrordome"? The stubborn, flag-waving morons might not get it, but it's always good to plant a seed - even it's outnumbered by the poison. I've gotten sick of arguing with people - last night I nearly got my ass kicked and was told if I even question the "war" then I should get fuck out of the country. Then there's the people who think they're being compassionate by saying that "we" should just get "him" and try not to kill too many people in the process. Whatever. The prophets always end up getting stoned.

I played "Dark Side Of The Wall: 2000" for some people last night and they were shocked by the eerily accurate prophecy of the song as it relates to "The Buildings Formerly Known As The World Trade Center". You were some serious Nostrodamus shit on that one. And I don't mean any disrespect to the families of the people who died and I can't say that I endorse violence, but my immediate reaction wasn't sadness or anger - it was hope.

Thanks for reading.
"patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings"
- JEFF

*****

Dear Chuck,

I have been listening to your music for along time. It has challenged me, provoked thought and forced me to widen my personal and world scope. But I dare say that some of the most serious wisdom you've ever put down is on this Sept 14th Terrordome. It's unfortunate that with all the news coverage your voice, or the voice of Naom Chomsky won't heard. Instead we'll get people like Chris Matthews etc... vodka lunch pigs slobbering for war because it'll be a ratings booster. I respect your opinions alot, and God knows at a time like this we need all the rational inetelligence we can get.

Sincerely, Rich M

*****

I think you totally hit the nail on the head with your Sept. 14 terrordome. With all the ignorance I've been hearing from damn near everyone I met in the past few days, it was good to hear a clear head. Let's hope some others get the message.

Peace, Mike L.