This is the Week

This is the week that an American tradition, formerly known as "The Boston Marathon," became known by a new name - Soft Target.  Soft target is a military term referring to unarmored/undefended targets needing to be destroyed. The soft target can be one person, a gathering of people, or anything that is undefended.

Since 9/11 we have been warned to beware of terrorists as they would surely strike soft targets in the US and abroad.  So now the concept has been graphically defined for us with the bombing at the Boston Marathon.  The soft targets were four innocent, undefended people who lost their lives.  The soft targets were 140 + innocent, undefended people who were injured.  The soft targets are their families whose lives will be changed forever.  The soft targets are all of us who feel less secure, more vulnerable, and subject to random acts of violence by people who wish us ill - for oblique, incomprehensible reasons.

This is the week many of us learned the term "shelter in place."  It is the first time that millions were told to stay where you are.  Be secure where you are.  Do not take the time to go home, but rather "shelter in place."  This is the first time that the actions of a few brought restrictions to the movement of those on U.S. soil.  For close to 24 hours, the inhabitants of Boston and surrounding suburbs were the first among us to be told "don't feel free to move freely among yourselves." 

This is the week that a small town in Texas suffered a catastrophic explosion capable of moving the seismic needle, yet the town was left to deal with the tragedy largely on their own.  The rest of the U.S. public were focused on the identity and capture of two cowardly terrorists.  Dozens of people, many first responders, were killed in Texas.  Hundreds were injured.  We need to re-focus our attention to Texas to determine their need and the sorts of support that will be helpful to them.

This is also the week that Americans found their collective voices.  Just as we did immediately following 9/11, Americans have found patriotism.  Large sporting events (or soft targets) across the country commenced with a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.  Everybody sang with passion.  Why does it take a week like this for Americans to find a voice to sing the American anthem?  Why don't we belt it out before every game?  How long will this last this time?  Let's step it up folks; sing it out at every opportunity.  Show your pride.

This is the week that we have politicized, again, gun control laws.  There is too much to say, not adequate words, to do justice here. Maybe, we should find our collective voices in dealing with those who represent us in Washington and in our states.  Stand-up, make your voice heard. 

This is the week that we had common ground.  The week when we looked each other in the eye with an understanding that we are in it together.  I hope we look at each other like that next week.  I hope we continue to be kinder, gentle; take a moment to appreciate our families, our friends, our neighbors and co-workers.  Next week.  I hope we carry lessons from this week forward and yet continue to find our voices and hearts.  Next week.