Got this from a Aussie friend and I thought that although amybe a litte extreme, it made some very valid points. I did verify the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in 1985. What do you think?

I am personally not a supporter of a lot of GreenPeace's policies, but I find myself in a position where I feel compelled to defend them: The aggressor is Areva, not GreenPeace and there is a track record.

Here is the background: Areva is historically tied to the French Nuclear industry and Government which turned the coral atoll of Moruroa into a nuclear waste dump over the on-going strong objections of our friends the America's Cup host, New Zealand. Areva is absolutely not as innocent as they want us all to believe. In fact I am surprised that New Zealand accepted the French entry knowing that it is sponsored by Areva. One of the most blatant acts of terrorism of the 1980s occurred when the French secret services bombed Greenpeace's flagship in Auckland Harbor killing

one innocent journalist. This terrorist act performed on New Zealand soil by thugs sponsored by organizations such as Areva is completely unacceptable and sets a terrible track record for the French sponsor.

We should be very suspicious of the account as put forward by Areva. (They actually now have recanted their "original story"). It is also clear that the sailing team racing on the boat has no knowledge of the Areva legacy.

Otherwise they probably would not sail for such a sponsor as it would essentially be like sailing sponsored by such a terrorist organizations as Hamas or Osama Bin Laden. Areva, directly or indirectly, has innocent human blood on their hands, that of an innocent journalist murdered in Auckland harbor.

If this latest incident with GreenPeace ends up being what is now surfacing: Another manipulative move by Areva, I suggest that the America's Cup management seriously reconsider accepting the Areva challenge. After all, the Cup is going to be run in Auckland, right where Areva and their associates spilled human blood through a henious terrorist act. It may simply be unsafe for the competitors and the spectators to have sponsors such as Areva.

The 2003 America's Cup promises to be one of the most exciting in the history of the competition. Let us not let deceit and manipulation tarnish a wonderful event. Our sport deserves the best.

05/24/200