Bombs In Boston- What Matters
The bombing in Boston today made me heart hurt and my blood boil.
But in situations like this I remind myself to do what Mr. Rogers said and look for the ‘helpers.’ I look around and I see how many people are trying to do whatever they can to help.
I see more good than bad and it restores my faith in humanity.
Don’t Hide Behind The Castle Walls
I am not a pacifist in any sense of the words.
If you punch me in the mouth I want to reach into your chest and rip out a few vital organs so that you and others will understand that you are not allowed to treat me or anyone this way.
But I don’t take that as reason or license to act without concern or regard for justice. I want the people or person who are responsible to feel the weight of our collective boot on their neck.
And I want them to see we aren’t hiding behind the castle walls. We are not living in fear. We are still going to the park to play and hiking in the mountains. We go to the beach when we want to spend time at the sea and when it is time to travel we fly on planes.
Whomever is responsible needs to understand we have already won. We play the long game and not the short. You did something awful and changed lives. You hurt people, but you didn’t win because we are still here and we will find you.
Good People Are Everywhere
Good people are everywhere. This is not just something I believe. This I know to be true because I have seen it and will continue to see it because most people are good.
Believe in people. Believe in humanity. Believe in each other.
We are worth it and we deserve it.
Betsy Cross April 16, 2013 at 12:19 am
My best friend had a scheduled appointment as Brigham and Women’s Hospital yesterday. I was going to go with her. We were goin to roam around Newberry Street and stop in at a friend’s art exhibit at a gallery on the street. But, she was tired and instead of sticking to a planned outing with me, opted to get in and out of the city without any side trips and go home and rest. I’ve never watched the marathon in person. We would have been there had she felt better. I got a call from her on her way home, right before the explosions. We talked and laughed. For us, thankfully, it was another normal day.
I love that you look for the positive among the terror and terrible.
Thank you.
Jack April 16, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Hi Betsy,
When terrible things happen I look for the good because it is the only way I know how to make myself go forward. It is a reminder that while we can’t change everything and make all the awful just disappear we have a choice about how to deal with it.
I am glad that you didn’t go to the marathon. This was a good year to miss.
bridgetstraub.com April 15, 2013 at 5:34 pm
There are no winners because this is something done by someone who is sick. It doesn’t matter if they acted alone or as a part of a group because they did something awful because their thinking is warped and allows them to justify such things. Here’s the truly frightening part that most people won’t stop to consider, what if it was your child who did this? We need to have campassion (which is not to say this person shouldn’t be locked away) for everyone involved. We also have to address mental health in this country.
Jack April 16, 2013 at 9:26 pm
Hi Bridget,
When my son was an infant a friend asked me what I would do if he grew up to be an awful person. He asked what I would do if g-d forbid he murdered someone.
The answer then and now is I am not entirely sure. I want to say I would do the right thing, but who knows.
I agree that mental health is a huge issue and that we need to do better here. But if it is a question of terror based on politics than I do see winners and losers.
We win when we don’t let terrorists dictate how we live.
Stan Faryna April 15, 2013 at 5:06 pm
We are not afraid and we don’t need government to take authoritarian measures to guarantee our peace and security.
Mark April 16, 2013 at 4:01 am
Unfortunately, most are and that’s why we don’t enjoy the freedoms we once did. You may not feel the repercussions of those actions just yet; but our children will. Give any government power over your life, give up your rights and they will eventually take full advantage of the peoples ignorance.
Elected officials are not like us. It would be very hard to find any ‘good’ people there. They believe they are above the average citizen. In order to serve in government today, you must leave your ideals of representing what’s best for the people and serve the same ‘special interest’ banker a_s holes the rest are serving, including the President.
What I don’t like about government, law enforcement, court systems is there are more bad people than good. There is zero integrity. And they can be bought. A cop will go on the stand, swear on the bible and lie their a_s off… all in the name of justice.
Most are lairs. They do not care about your rights. Winning elections, getting promotions, gaining more power is obtained at the expense of the most important trait of all; Integrity.
I can fully relate to why an organized group of criminals banded together to fight their government to death. And then start what would become the most powerful nation the planet has ever seen. The United States of America.
That’s because the individual was the most important piece of the puzzle which was reflected in the constitution and bill of rights. That is bye, bye. It is no longer the case. Gone.
Unfortunately, we are right smack dab back where it all began. Because the people are afraid and lazy, the government is their night in shining amour and nobody seems to care that they get lied to all of the time. I guess they just prefer to remain ignorant. Some are just stupid. Just about everything that has transpired since 911 is the result of lies.
And a nation cannot continue to lead and prosper on a foundation of lies. Period.
Josh, you should go into the boot making/ training business and teach others how they are applied to the necks of anyone who thinks they’re above the law.
Stan Faryna April 16, 2013 at 4:13 am
Testify, Mark!
Jack April 16, 2013 at 9:36 pm
Hi Mark,
I am not sure that I agree with you here. I think there are significant problems and reason to be concerned, but I can’t say there is zero integrity or no good people in office.
But I do agree that many people prefer to be ignorant and are lazy about protecting their rights.
Jack April 16, 2013 at 9:27 pm
Hi Stan,
I hear you.