The recent attack at the Boston Marathon happened to
occur on April 15, which is the deadline for filing taxes. According to the FBI, one of the suspected bombers attained citizenship on September 11th of last year. With this in mind, dates may be of symbolic importance and significance to the perpetrators of this horrific act. One can then deduce that because this attack happened on the same day as the American tax deadline, that these terrorists were perhaps attempting to create widespread doubt about who was responsible, whether domestic or foreign terrorism. This theory is supported by the fact that no group, foreign or domestic, took responsibility for the bombing to begin with.
We can not let rogues tear us apart. What is so appealing about America, and what has sustained it for well over 200 years, is the fact that we can disagree, argue and even flat out dislike one another; however, we still stand united as a nation because our ongoing dialogue of free, if sometimes disagreeable, speech is what maintains our strength. This is the advantage that a free society will always have.
The word politics comes from the Greek word, "polis" which essentially means engaging, or argument. It was argument that kept the Greek city-states strong and united, which led to the successful defeat of the Persian Army during the first and second Persian invasions of 490 and 480 B.C.E. Without argument and requisite dialogue, views cannot be expressed and therefore ideas are stifled. Just as ancient Greece was successful at repelling foreign invasions, so too we will persevere during these volatile times of terrorism, violence and often unreasoned hatred.
We need to remember that we are Americans first, and Democrats, Republicans, independents, etc., second. What will make this country stronger is the ability to compromise and to give everyone the opportunity to be heard, and acknowledged.
We will get through these tough times - but not alone - together.
