This week has also seen "heros" emerge from the crowds... People running into a situation to help victims. Communities coming together to assist people they've never met and might not ever see again. Expressions of love and caring from all around the world.
This past week has also seen way too much hatred.
I wish that I could focus on whatever hatred or pain the Massachusetts terrorists may have been feeling. I wish that a focus could stay in one place, reliving any confusion or pain. But not this week, again.
As I watched the social media light up with all sorts of finger-pointing and accusations, as well as every news outlet trying to get the "better scoop" (for example, one outlet was going to interview the relative of the neighbor of the boat owner - that might be a little far fetched).
People tossing wads of vomit about Muslims or the Islamic faith. But the terrorists were extremists. For example, after the Okahoma City attack some years ago, no one ever talked about "the Catholics" or "the Republicans" (Tim McVay was both). I don't recall near the hype about the NRA back then either (Tim McVay was a member).
People throwing crap-pies about what they thought they saw. First, if you don't understand what's happening, then why fight a battle in which you know you'll lose? For example, there was talk about how the government "must have" known something because there were bomb-sniffing dogs around the Marathon finish line. Yeah, and...? So what if there were dogs? It has been the common scene since 2001. And for those who ague that the dogs couldn't pick up a scent... well, it was a pressure cooker. Have you ever seen one explode in a kitchen? If so, was there explosives being cooked?
People shoveling manure on assumptions. Whether you like the government or not, or whether you like the President or not, how can people point fingers at a baby? The 19-year old was a baby when he and his family came to the United States. And how was it Pres. Obama's fault? I haven't heard a word about Pres. Bush yet (he was the President when the family immigrated).
Here's an idea - instead of feeding into the hype, crap, junk, lies, and hate, how about we stop and pray for everyone affected by all that has happened around the world? How about we give thanks for what we are blessed with? How about we face facts, like our own, and learn to stop the hate and promote the love and caring that has been more evident this past week (trust me, it's there - you just have to open your heart).
Stop the hatred, racism, ugly, or whatever else causing division.
Start loving - plant a tree in honor or memory of someone. Buy a stranger's lunch. Hold a door open. Smile at people. Pet a dog. Cuddle a cat. Hold a baby. Whatever.
Just love.
