In case you were worried, I’m still alive.

My thoughts and condolences go out to the victims of yesterday’s attack. I’ve spent the past hour or so reading Gill’s online journal and looking at his pictures. I really don’t understand what drives a person to such acts of violence, but then, I don’t think I’m capable of any form of actual violence, on even the smallest level. I wish that people realized that there are other options and other ways to be. I wish we could always show each other kindness and compassion. I wish that we would respond to … well, President Clinton was quoted by Sarah Vowell in her essay Ike was a handsome man, and perhaps he said it best (at that time at the Oklahoma City bombing memorial service):

When there is talk of hatred, let us stand up and talk against it. When there is talk of violence, let us stand up and talk against it. In the face of death let us honor life.

I’m avoiding linking to articles about it. The news is too sad as it is, and certainly easy enough to find and even hard to avoid. As for me, I’m fine, alive, and not afraid. I’m just so sad that things like this happen to people, both the victims and the shooter. Why must it come to this? It’s a question with no good answer.