FBH Family,

  I cry for humanity this week like never before.  No one can comprehend the
stark images that have been replayed before our eyes and in our minds, let
alone the loss of thousands of innocent people.  Thankfully, we can only
imagine the horrific scenes that so many were subjected to first-hand.

  As we all struggle with the polar-opposite emotions of rage for vengeance
and desire for peace, the only hope I have is that something positive will
emerge from these tragedies.  Tangibly, we all pray for the recovery of many
survivors and strength for our leaders and those lending support of any kind
across the globe.  Intangibly, we wish for the recovery of our collective
psyches.

  Incredibly, the new millennium is just nine months old.  On that occasion, I
hoped that humanity would be united and that mankind would seek to find the
common essence that makes us brothers and sisters.  Obviously, any loss of
life is too high a price to pay for this; but we are seeing the peace-loving
countries of the world coming together.  It has been said that the world
will never be the same again.  Let's pray that the inevitable change will be
for the common good.   

  Individually, we can take global unity to heart by personally making a
commitment to it.  America is the most diverse country on earth, and that
diversity is the greatest source of its true strength.  Reaching out a hand
in aid or in solidarity is what is called for right now, not
fractionalizing.  America must be united if it expects to lead a united
global effort toward a new world order.

  Deep down, our faith in America is not shaken.  While we grieve, we know our
country will persevere and transcend in the face of any circumstance.
While our enemies accuse us of past evil deeds, I'm willing to put this
country up against anyone in a test of karma.  The US has been a friend (and
even savior) many, many more times than a foe.  Our humanitarianism must
continue to grow and cowardly acts against us should not be allowed to
change who we are as a nation.  In fact, we must use these events to become
stronger and more committed to our ideals of peace, freedom and
humanitarianism.

  May the power that binds us together keep us safe and strong in these coming
months, and may Love be restored as the pervasive emotion throughout the
world.  My best wishes of peace and comfort go out to all of you and your
friends and families at this time.

  God Bless America.

Roy

p.s.  As we stagger toward some semblance of order, I'm sure the last thing
on anyone's mind is something as comparatively unimportant as games.  At
this stage, we don't know when the NFL will resume its schedule.  When they
do, our league will resume, however, those of you who wish not to pick may
elect to take .500 records or a default (like home teams) until you feel
ready to rejoin us.  Obviously it would be understood if some wish to
withdraw entirely this season.  Please let Ralph or me know if we can be of
any help.