THE DOWNSIDE UP

Miscellaneous writings which include humor, politics, and poetry. (Copyright protected.)

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Welcome Back Jill


Journalist Jill Carroll survived her 82 day captivity by Iraq terrorists. It is an international victory.

After the airing of her tearful video, a sick feeling settled around the nation. Undeniably her future looked bleak and it was impossible not to project what the next video might portray.

Yesterday, Jill’s sister appeared on Al Arabiya television. She thanked the Iraqi people for their support and made a plea for information. Hours later, Jill is free.

It’s hard to ignore a demand for life or death confirmation that arises from the core of the soul. But then that’s what terrorism is about: keeping everyone on edge; no predictability; fear of what might -- or might not -- happen.

Jill will surely provide a prepared statement which thanks her many supporters. Whether she will be able or willing to give us rare insight into the mind of her extremist captor is another matter.

In the meantime, Jill is back.

© Coninc., TheDownsideUp.Com 2006