Here's one of the best summaries of the day's events that I've read. A couple of initial observations.
1. When hidden behind the anonymity of the internet, people become stupid, heartless, know-it-alls. Perhaps being snarky or political is a way to create distance from the pain for those who can't handle it, but sometimes we need to step back and let the professionals develop the facts before we jump to conclusions. I really appreciated the example Bill O'Reilly provided today when he offered rare praise of President Obama's metered somber remarks following the attack.
2. Everybody wants to blame the person they hate. The most prevalent question seems to revolve around the color of skin, religion, or accent of whomever did this. One of the more compelling images of the aftermath was a middle-eastern man using his own shirt to treat the wounds of a victim.
3. There are still examples of everyday heroes. Not just people in public service, but selfless souls who will run toward the sound of danger, whether it be gunfire, explosions, or screams of horror, to see if there is anything they can do to help. There are also those who will merely gossip, cringe, or run the other direction. Both were present today in Boston.
4. Part of our nation's culture is glorifying violence in entertainment, but shunning it in real life, especially when we can personally relate to the victims.