The events that took place during the Boston Marathon were graphic. They were dastardly and despicable.
They were atrocious. Unforgivable.
But also something that can remind citizens of America and the world that we, as a united group of people, are steadfast and resilient. There can be a positive. First responders ran towards the explosions, rather than away, to help people, reminding us that where there is evil, there is good. Boston Fire Department displayed its human ability to coordinate under duress, in the worst possible circumstances— all while knowing that their friends and family could be among those wounded in the blasts.
Americans need to remember that with unity and teamwork, the people of our nation can overcome any obstacle that comes in our lives. And this event needn’t be total calamity, but a time that stubbornness and sympathy can join together for positive.
The bombs, which were made from household cookware and filled with ball bearing and headless nails, were meant to cause the most pain and suffering possible.
FBI special-agent-in-charge of the Boston office, Richard DesLauriers, asserted, “The person who did this was someone’s friend, neighbor or coworker,” discouraging the notion that the attack was carried out by foreigners who entered the United States.
Domestic terrorism is, unfortunately, not new to America. There are several cases annually, and the FBI generally thwarts any such attack before it happens. In Cleveland, a group of anarchists planned to blow up a bridge, apparently for no other reason but to create chaos. FBI Deputy Assistant Director of Counter-Terrorism Michael Clancy spoke to Congress in 2012 about such events.
“In recent months, the FBI has seen numerous examples of domestic terrorism and violence committed by lone offenders or small cells,” Clancy said. “For example, this year the FBI proactively dismantled an anarchist extremist cell comprised of five men who planned to blow up a bridge in Cleveland, Ohio. Four members of the cell have pleaded guilty, and the fifth member is going to trial. In November 2011, four members of a militia in Georgia were arrested for planning to acquire silencers and explosives to use against various U.S. government targets in Atlanta, Georgia. To date, two of the subjects have been sentenced to 60 months incarceration and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess an unregistered destructive device.”
Let this also remind America that while tragic events do occur from time to time, there is also a well-trained and dedicated group of people that work long and hard in order to protect U.S. citizens. There is a group of forensic experts that are working around the clock to trace the purchase of the materials used and gather biological evidence that could be used in prosecution of suspects.
President Obama affirmed that “any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice,” during his address to the nation on Monday.
“Boston police, firefighters and first responders as well as the National Guard responded heroically, and continue to do so as we speak,” Obama said. “It’s a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on our behalf every single day, without regard to their own safety, in dangerous and difficult circumstances. And we salute all those who assisted in responding so quickly and professionally to this tragedy.”
So to the readership of The Express— do not let these sad events go without pride in the people that surround us. Let the events in Boston be a vivid reminder that while the world can be a crazy place, there is now, and always will be, good to triumph evil.