What we saw Monday, in this area I call home, was evil in its pure and unadulterated form.
The evil came from the usual source. As I write this, we don't have a person's name or any organization with which to link it, but it is the usual source nevertheless. It came from so little moral sense that the destruction of innocent lives serves as validation of a miserable and pitiful existence. It came from senseless violence that somehow seemed the right thing to a disordered and diseased mind. It came from an intellect that lives under a rock, a slimy and squirmy thing that hides from the sunlight. It came from a filthy and cowardly animal who would like to see us fearful, but who deserves - and will receive - nothing more than our contempt.
We also saw good, the best that people have to offer.
The good also came from the usual source. It came from those who run toward an explosion, to help those injured, rather than doing the wholly natural thing and moving away from the danger. It came from those who immediately set up webpages for people to offer help to those who needed it. It came from medical personnel who worked feverishly to save who and what they could, and who also made the hardest decisions in deciding that a limb must go in order to save a life. And it came from the police, national guard, armed forces, and others, who searched out, at risk of their own lives and limbs, the remaining explosive devices that were detonated harmlessly instead of causing further suffering.
My good friend, Michelle Hickman, reminded me of something I've pointed out here on occasion. She posted this photo to my Facebook page.
The good came from the helpers.
The evil may or may not be found. Obviously, it would be better if it were, and then excised like the cancer it so readily is; destroyed, with a vengeance. The good, though, always appears immediately. And that is what keeps me from giving up on the world, even at a time when giving up seems, at first glance, the most reasonable option.
This is what Boston has said in response to evil: We're not running away. We're moving toward you. And there are way more of us than there are of you. You are the one who needs to fear.
40 comments:
Amen
I do believe there is evil in this world, but I still pray for those who allow it to work in their lives in this way. I also pray they are stopped before they can inflict any more pain and suffering, though. Love that image of Fred. I'm going to share it on FB, too, and link to your post. Thanks, Jim (and Michelle!)
Well said.
Your words are perfect.
Very well put. You've expressed what so many of us notice at these horribly ugly times. The pure of heart amid the evil.
I can almost hear Fred Rogers' voice....
Thank you and Michelle for sharing.
Wonderfully written, Jim.
Unfortunately, without the evil, you cannot always see the truly good in mankind. In a perfect world there would be no need for people to step up to the plate and risk their lives to help others...to run toward the chaos to help those in need instead of running away...in a perfect world there are no heroes. Luckily, it seems, when all is at its worst...there are so many people who are much better than anyone (even themselves) ever realized.
Well said...
Writing like yours deserves a byline and a paycheck
Dear Jim,
as we heard about this horrible act of cruelness, my first thought was 'Oh no! Suldog and HIS WIFE often go to see the marathon. I hope they are alright.' It's good to see that you are here.
I'm so sorry for all the people who are affected by this and hope the person or persons responsible will be found.
My thoughts are with you all.
There will always be more of us and eventually there will be none of them. Glad you are safe and hope all those you know are.
Glad to hear you are OK - I did wonder. And you are so right about there being more good than evil in the world, thank the Lord.
Yes..find them and exterminate them
Hugs
SueAnn
I don't know what to say. There are no words in my head to describe such evil. Such horrific intentions. My heart goes out to Boston and the USA. The hurt, the bereaved and the helpers too. As you say, Jim, the perpetrator of this unforgivable act may or may not be found, but if he (or she) is apprehended, that won't make the evil go away, and that makes me very very sad.
Thank you for posting this, Jim. You are so eloquent! I'm pissed off, I can't even tell you. A classmate of mine was injured.
You are preaching to the choir, giving us new hope and reason to stand when we are weary.
Very well said my friend.
Amen.
to ruin a day where celebration was key is horrific but surely that was the intent ... i can only hope the culprit(s) are caught and punished .. .. Boston is strong its people are strong like New Yorkers they will not be made to hide and cower ...
Well said Jim. I wholeheartedly concur with IT. You should have your own byline and the paycheck to go with it. Talent like yours is rare.
C/M - Was too stunned yesterday to think straight. I hoped that you and YOUR WIFE had not decided to attend this year. My grandson, Adam and his girlfriend were in the Panera Bread restaurant quite near the explosion. Thank God all those that I love and cherish are safe. My heart and prayers go out to all those whose loved ones were killed or injured and I pray that there will be no further deaths reported and the injured will find the faith and strength to pull through. XXXXOOOO
You were one of the helpers in your own special way. You shared information about people who were opening their homes to those who needed a place to stay. Even such simple acts of kindness need to be recognized.
Well said Jim.
I'm a peaceful guy, but I'd shred the bomber(s) to bits, slowly, using blunt instruments and salt.
Shocked and disgusted.
I love that Fred Rodgers picture, he was really a fantastic human.
When they find the guy, they should make HIM run the marathon route and invite the entire city of Boston out to "watch."
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your fine city, Jim.
There is good. We all need to remember that in times like these when the world feels so full of evil.
I used this Fred Rogers quote in my post today as well.
Jim, spoken like a true patriot; the bravery and courage demonstrated by the people of Boston will not be forgotten. The coward responsible may hide for a bit, but his day will come.
It’s exactly what I was looking nice job for posting this.Thanks lot for this useful article, nice post
I'll add my "well said," as well.
Yes...... we must always remember the helpers. We were all sickened by the news over here. We are also having The London Marathon this weekend and of course Maggie Thatcher's funeral tomorrow may provoke an attack.
No one is safe, it seems.
Hope the culprits are caught and dealt with.
Maggie x
Nuts in May
Wonderful point. I love Fred. My heart and prayers go out to those affected. Thank God for those helpers... way to go Boston!
The evil came from the usual source...very well said.
Love that quote from Mister Rogers.
Well said and excellent points!
Amen. And, thanks.
Jim - No one else can write some of the crazy, zany things you post and then, turn around and write a piece like this, that speaks for the emotions that are roiling around inside everyone, across the globe today, who are not part of the fiendish few that try to perpetrate such evil on society. I'm accustomed to reading your posts and laughing so hard I am crying. But when you write and show your serious side, you really bring the tears out then. To revert back to a different challenge and era, but something that rings true in this horrific event -"We Shall Overcome!" Just hope that someday isn't hundreds and hundreds of years away though.
boston and her best people are in my heart. the cowardly scum who perpetrated this will be forgotten. the heroes and the helpers and the victims will be remembered.
I find tha the madder the world becomes, the better I love living out in the country where I can lose myself in gardening and making the most of Orchard Cottage...when it gets so bad, I go out and pull weeds, feed the plants and try to sooth my seething soul...I ask why, but no answer is good enough. Great read on hellish subject
Sandi
Well stated Sir Sully.
And Patton Oswalt wrote a touching tribute to the good found amongst the evil at Huffington Post. Hope you don't mind me posting the link here. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
There is so much more good in the world than bad...
Pearl
Loved the picture and the message Jim. In time of disasters, natural or man made we get to see the best of human nature. I was saddened to hear about the injured people. We have fought hard to get rid of diseases like polio and in a matter of few seconds, so many people lost their limbs because of these sadistic morons.
Its hard to find words to describe the overwhelming surge of every single emotional response to such a swing of polar opposites - from extreme fear to extraordinary acts of kindness - but even out here in Arizona we're Boston Strong. I hope you and yours are all safe and accounted for Jim. xoxo
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