Again?

Professor J,

Here I am again posting after a horrific event. Of course we all hope each time will be the last and sadly, each of us knows that isn't likely. It's very disturbing that we are quickly becoming a people who cannot simply enjoy simple public activities with crowds of people without having to feel wary. We are more and more often reminded to become perpetually vigilant. Funny, didn't someone say that being ever vigilant was the price of freedom? They  could not have imagined the seemingly unglued world we currently find ourselves in.

*This is usually attributed to Jefferson but there's a bit of confusion about it being original to him isn't there? Can you clear that up for us?

In the midst of this sickening crime, we saw what we see so often, people rushing to help. While exhausted and stunned runners crossed the finish line, having accomplished a feat, I myself cannot imagine, first responders and everyday citizens rushed to do what they could. People helped each other, put the well being and safety of others before their own personal safety, they rose to the occasion.

And then there are the other reactions. The front page photos that are doctored. The conspiracy theories that radio talk shows spew before the smoke has cleared. A child's trauma, up close and personal, used to sell magazines. It's always surprising to me how often the bottom line really is the bottom line for some. I wonder if the public's overall emotions match mine when we have this kind of tragedy. Immediate shock and dismay, followed by pride and thankfulness for the heroic actions we see, and then eventually disgust and disappointment at many in the media.

And then we have the Family Guy hoax.

Read about that psychotic piece of nonsense here: No, Family Guy Didn't Predict The Boston Marathon Bombing. 

After 9/11 we were admonished to get use to the "new normal." Is that how we can categorize these events and the accompanying circuses? I know I've asked this before and it may seem like a recurring theme, but, is this who we are? It's terribly sad when fellow citizens make these matters worse for everyone.

Is anyone else just really tired?