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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

On finding the good amid evil

"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, 'The good outnumber you, and we always will.'"
Patton Oswalt
I've been uncharacteristically quiet since terrorist bombs turned this year's Boston Marathon into a scene of senseless carnage and loss. I'm filled with anger that some among us are capable of such cowardly, monstrous acts. I'm frustrated that humanity can be so dark. I'm sickened that some folks actually celebrate the deaths and injuries of others.

Seriously, is this what we've come to?

But then I realize that to cave to the despair is exactly what they - whoever they are - want. I realize that to capitulate to the terror is to let it, indeed them, win. And that just won't do in my world view.

Then Mr. Oswalt wrote words that reinforced, to me anyway, why good will always prevail over evil. It has to. We can't allow it not to.

Your turn: How do you find the good in the wake of something like this?

5 comments:

  1. Sadly, it seems that tragic events push human nature to do the right thing- to become more aware of their surroundings and others... to not leave it up to someone else to be proactive... I read the article of the person u posted here... You can tell by the views he has blinders on and fixated only on what he has been conditioned to believe.. I discount rantings of illogical views.

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  2. I found good by going for a run and seeing many others out doing the same. I hope it continues. Sharlene / wend.ca

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  3. I found good by going for a run and seeing many others out doing the same. I hope it continues. Sharlene / wend.ca

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  4. You pose an question I'm not sure I can answer Carmi, truth be told it sickens me when I think of what transpired in Boston... it's ruthless, cowardly, demented and makes no sense to me whatsoever.

    I don't watch the news, I think that this is my form of denial of the evil which lurks in our world, if I don't hear about it I can live in sunshine and light, but on the other hand am I living a deluded life? I know evil exists, and when I hear of something such as the bombing I offer a prayer... so the round about long way response to your question is I turn 'it' over in prayer and I continue to be as kind and loving as I possibly can. As Gandhi said "Be the change you wish to see in this world." I'm far from perfect but I try to be a 'good' person with a pure, kind, and loving heart.

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  5. I like to think of what Mr. Rogers mom said "find the helpers". As luck would have it, here in Boston we had plenty.

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