I have a wonderful application on my phone that sends me updates whenever there is an article posted in the New York Times. This was how I found out about the Boston Marathon Massacre. I was lost for words when I read the headlines. I could not believe that there was another terrorist attack on American soil. Because I was working and the limited amount of information I didn't learn to much about the event right then. For the next twenty four hours I would catch little pieces of information here and there. Stories of the severity of injuries, heroics, and investigation. It truly has been an event of tragic proportion. Comparatively a minor event compared to bombs that go off almost constantly in other countries, where lives just as valuable as those in Boston are profoundly effected but nevertheless a tragic event. A stinging event that has one again brought the realities of the evil beliefs and philosophies of twisted men right into our very own homes. However I see from the aftermath a victory in the American people. To the perpetrator/s of yesterdays bombing who very well could be sadistically sitting back and smiling as they scroll through the pictures of panic, blood and carnage that became the finish line of the marathon, who with psychotic pleasure mark a new tick mark for every new death and a tally for each injured, I would like to draw your attention to the stories and photos that you are purposefully overlooking. The photos of people pushing through the crowds and running TOWARDS the explosions. Police officers, emergency responders, servicemen and women, and plain ole every day volunteers. Men and women who's compassion and sense of duty and loyalty in the face of danger and chaos drives them to put their lives at risk. People who even if they had known about the two other bombs that did not go off would have still done the same things. Also pay attention to the stories of the runners who ran right through the finish line and keep going until they reached the hospital to donate their blood to your victims. Look at the pictures of people holding each other and comforting one another. Look into the eyes of these people and they will tell you who America is. Yes there is worry and there is panic but stronger then that is a resolve to stand and help whenever and where ever possible. I know that these people were scared, but true courage cannot exist where fear does not. You will always find this unrelenting courage whenever you sucker punch us. Its the American way. We will not be intimidated. We will not be scared. There is just one simple thing I want you and every other enemy of America to understand. There is only one thing that can destroy the United States of America. That is our selves, the path America could travel down to destruction will be that of self destruction. When intellect overrides common sense, greed envelops giving, indulgence destroys prudence and pride eradicates faith; this and only this will cripple and destroy US. But rest assured we will always stand united against whatever threatens liberty, including terrorism which destroys the freedom of living without fear.
To the victims, their families, and those who have been shaken by this tragedy, know that you are not alone. You are supported and prayed for by millions of Americans who have sat glued to their TV's and radios learning about your stories. We stand by you and behind you. and we have faith and know that our petitions to God are not unheard. Perhaps you have already felt His hand comforting you. Quite possibly you will feel it carrying you and helping you pick up the pieces. Turn to Him, the master physician, the only one capable and qualified to heal a broken heart, and you will find peace. May God Almighty ever keep and watch over you.
