Post-Delegation reflection of BRIAN JONES –

October 17, 2008

Greetings All

I want to take this time to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.

This whole experience has not only enriched my way of thinking but also has provided me with a new perspective on life and the understanding of the human condition. As a philosopher, I tend to look at the outside world in an attempt to interpret its implicit structures and how "we" as human beings interact with one another and the objects that surround us. Never before have I stopped to question the use of human beings as objects of monetary value. This reduction of human worth shows the true nature of greed and the grotesqueries of our actions towards others when we set our sites on the wrong goal. I often read in the history books and the newspapers about such actions, but I never considered the daunting and disturbing task of placing a face, personality, name, and sense of identity behind a piece of clothing, our automobiles, and other necessities of everyday living.

I feel a strong sense of humility and believe it is my civic duty to do what I can to honor such a noble cause. But I must say that it is all of our duties, not as a citizen of a geographical location, but as a citizen of humanity. It is for the sake of this precise humanity that we ought to feel an obligation and privilege to serve the human community. When we try to think in these terms, we will see that this form of discourse is not only right but rational. Rationality embodied as a sign and a symbol of how we should act towards others.

For your help in the development of such considerations and many many more, I am delighted and overjoyed to share with you my lasting reflections. I often wonder what kind of impact, if any, would each new face that I encounter influence life. Because all of our experiences are different, the only way to expand our individual horizons is to share those experiences. For this, I am grateful, grateful to Julia and the CFO family, grateful to ATCF, and I am grateful to the individuals that shared the experience with me. Without you all, this trip and experience would not have been the same.

Thank you and Warmest Wishes

Brian Jones, Graduate

Department of Philosophy

Frederick Douglass Institute

West Chester University

West Chester, PA 19380