Out of Darkness Came a Bright and Shining Light of Goodness

COWARD. I can't think of a more degrading word to call someone.

Most of my friends and loved ones are thick skinned, and can take almost anything we throw at each other. Even in the heat of an elevated shouting match. Slurs, profanity, and really mean spirited words are bandied about, and while they hurt, there is nothing that hurts more (at least in my eyes) than to be called, or labeled, a COWARD. Nothing.

Yet these two brothers from Chechnya are just that. COWARDS.

Coward # 1 died in a bloody shootout with Boston Police on Thursday night, and Coward # 2 was captured by the police on Friday night. Their reign of Terror ended less than five days after their cowardly act. But not before these two cowards destroyed so many lives on Monday. Patriots Day. The traditional running
of the Boston Marathon. Changed forever.

I am a native New Englander. And while I have traveled all over the world, I have only lived here in New England. (*Except for my time in the military.) So I have grown up, and had been very much aware of our historical landmarks, battles, and traditions.

I have lived in Boston for many years. Went to four years of college there. And later, had a deep loving affection, with the whole Boston music scene, for a good chunk of time back in the 70's and 80's. So I can proudly say, that I am a bona fide New Englander. And I guess(according to others), I have a bit of that Boston accent.

So I have grown up with the Boston Marathon. And more specifically, Patriots Day. Lexington Green. Bunker Hill. This is
my home. My life has always been centered in and around Boston and the surrounding communities. So like a lot of you.

I'm pissed off at these two losers.

I'm not trying to pontificate here, or cast out any undue judgment on these two cowards. But, when you knowingly place a bomb next to an innocent child, in a crowded peaceful gathering, like the Finish Line at the Boston Marathon? I'm sorry. That changes everything. You are no longer innocent, until proven guilty.

You are guilty. GUILTY as sin. And yes...you are COWARDS.

Four lives gone from this earth forever, because of those cowards. And 180 more wounded. While thousands were deeply affected by the cowardly acts of these two cowards.

In fact, I don't want to continue to give the two cowards any more space here. Because out of the darkness of that day, came a bright and shining light of goodness. Seen by all who were there, and by the millions who sat riveted to our TV sets,
radios, cellphones, and computers.

The police and first responders came and faced the darkness with a determined and stoic stance, to help and protect those directly affected by the bombings. The National Guard. The many civilians who helped. Every single person, who turned, and ran towards the blast to help, should all be acknowledged. So Thank you.

Those of you who know me well enough, have heard me say as recently as the benefit for Rick Sav that, "There are more good people doing good, than there are bad people doing bad."

That was clearly the case in Boston and beyond this week.

The will to live, and the desire to help one another, is a trait that seems to manifest itself in the face of darkness.

The human spirit, that "good" human spirit, lives in each of us.
We all have it. You do not have to look very far to find it.

It's right there in your beating heart.

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances:

If not for the incredible news story in Boston this week, the Texas story would of been huge. In fact, I'm sure it was all of that and more for the folks who live there. The Fertilizer plant explosion killed over 14 people including 5 firefighters. Hundreds more wounded, and thousands lost homes and businesses. Just an incredible explosion and fire that destroyed the small community of West Texas.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those directly affected by the
explosion in West Texas.

The man who lost both legs last week in the bombing had a few
surprise visitors at his bedside in the hospital. Again, passing it forward.
Celebrities and first responders following their hearts.

If I find out that Coward # 2 had any connections with Radical Islamic Terrorists like this bonehead KSM? I will be relentless in my public humiliation of him. Hey, it's the least I can do. Sharing my photo shop skills at the expense of terrorists. One week at a time.