My son was in New York last week in his office very close to the disaster area. He phoned his wife to say that he saw it happen, was covered in dust and surrounded by rubble but thankfully still alive.

My neighbour was also awaiting news of her brother who also works in that area. I am sure there must be many other local people who have been particularly affected by this appalling event and, understandably, will react with anger and will want revenge.

But can anything positive be learnt from this? Whilst terrorism is an evil that cannot be condoned, it is another manifestation of the insanity that is characteristic of the human race at large. We have built a "civilisation", a structure, that is so fragile that systems we had thought foolproof can be reduced to dust in a matter of minutes. We spend millions using technology to protect ourselves from one another. There are wars going on because of centuries of grievances and deep suspicion. Sometimes the problems seem so huge there seems to be no answer.

But we have to find an answer. And it lies within each and every one of us. I believe that at heart we all want peace of mind and harmony with our neighbours, but many of us have lost touch with that and act out of fear instead of love. I know I do this myself. Every time I hold a grievance or pass judgement on someone I feel diminished, less true to myself and separate from my fellow human beings. Recently I was speaking with some local lads who "hang out" together, with little to do, and who keep together for perceived safety from other groups, who also keep together out of fear, and so it goes on with grievances piling up and suspicion increasing. And the tragedy is, there is so much fine potential in all these lads, as there is in everyone if we are prepared to look for it.

There is a saying "Think globally, act locally". We can apply that to this situation in New York. Whilst we can pray that those in power can work for solutions that will not add to the hatred and suspicion in the World, we can look into our own hearts and minds and see what we can do to spread more light in our own immediate environment. Events like these are a "Wake Up!" call - don't let us waste the opportunity. Good can come out of evil if we have the will.

June Ross, Merryl Cottage, North Littleton.