Addendum

I seldom do two blog entries in one day, but I felt compelled to add to my earlier post concerning the Boston Marathon as an event for internationals who are wealthy.

 

I abhor the kind of violence which occurred today in my city. I abhor all violence, as anyone who regularly reads my blog can attest. Blasting explosives among peaceful civilians is the work of maniacs, cowards and ruthless governments. The sociopolitical realities of any culture are never resolved constructively with this kind of terror. In fact, this kind of terror solidifies disparity and inequality as reactionaries use it as an excuse for repression.

 

I am saddened that this form of terror has come to the streets of my city. As I was gardening this afternoon, I heard sirens blaring for hours. Each siren wailed out some personal horror: A burn victim, a blown-off limb, a dead body. Horror brought to civilian life. As a nurse, I can fully appreciate the implication for those who were directly affected.

 

I am angry as well. Since 911, we as taxpayers and citizens have expended vast resources and suspended some of our freedoms to the Department of Homeland Security. Yet someone was able to plant a bomb at an international event in the heart of my city. There are no suspects. There is apparently no intelligence which would have foretold this danger. Why? I hope time will answer these questions as well as shed light on the motivation behind this senseless act.