Bali A Lesson To Be Learned

Bali. Indonesia. I wonder what the world?s view of Balibusiness (although it is more a life choice decision to
is today.settle here rather than a commercial one), and all
Once, before October 11th, 2001 it was safe to betbusiness here are ultimately affected by tourism. It has
that it was thought by many to be in the south pacificbeen hardest on the 3 million Balinese, many of course
somewhere, courtesy of Mr. Rogers and Mr.lost their jobs as businesses went to the wall. Even
Hammerstein from the musical South Pacific. Afterthose of us who managed to keep going have been
that date it was perhaps seen as a Muslim militantunder pressure to keep jobs open.
stronghold following the horrendous night of bombingThe people of Bali are not militants. They have been
that destroyed the lives of so any when the clubs Sarithe victims of the out rage as much as the innocent
and Padi?s were targeted. This was strengthened byholiday makers who have been killed and maimed by
the bombs of October 1 2005, when once again,a few extremists. Still they harbor no grudge against
tourists became the victims as two more sites weretheir Muslim brothers. It is refreshing to see in today?s
bombed.world that often is so intolerant of others different
As a long time visitor to Bali I have to say that bothfrom ones self or others of a different faith than ones
views are wrong.own, an easy acceptance that not all are evil. A lesson
For one thing, Bali is in the Indian Ocean, part of theperhaps, many could benefit from learning.
Indonesian archipelago. Its people are predominantlyI hope the problems will abate for Bali. I hope reason
Hindu although there is a small percentage of Muslimstriumphs over fanaticism. I hope more people will come
living seamlessly together.and see for them selves what this charming island has
Those of us who have chosen to make this island ourto offer.
home, are bewildered by the events of the last years.I hope to see you here one day.
Most foreigners here, are engaged in some kind of