There’s an empty chair at Mesa Verde Elementary School in Tucson today. It’s the seat of nine year-old Christina Greene. What a tragedy.
I always think of the “what ifs” when I hear of a bright, young person dying before their time. I always wonder about the unrealized potential concealed in that person, the enduring gift inside that package.
I don’t just think about little Christina, but I think of it when somebody dies in a car accident. I think about it when somebody dies in war. I think about it when somebody overdoses on drugs. I think about it when somebody dies of cancer. I think about it when I hear of an abortion.
Somebody cured polio. Somebody founded Microsoft. Somebody painted the Mona Lisa. Somebody wrote the Declaration of Independence. Somebody stood up to Hitler.
Did one of these somebody’s have the cure for cancer? Did one of these somebody’s have the answer for global warming? Did one of these somebody’s have the answer for renewable energy? Did one of these somebody’s have the answer for conflict around the world?
What greatness did we lose?
We’ll never know.
What we do know is that somebody, in this case, decided to take all of this one person’s hopes and dreams and potential away.
What a waste.
I again agree with you Tom, and sadly one does not have to be a Criminal Lawyer to know what the defense strategy for the offender will be once the exercise of justice unfolds. We are already seeing it in the media coverage. ie: References being made to his troubled past, his nihilistic philosphy, etc. etc.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with the victims, survivors and their families and it is with hope that the penalty to be handed down in this case will be an honourable reflection of 'justice' and not one favouring excuses.
-Brenda-
Hi Brenda,
ReplyDeleteSince a judge was one of the victims, it is going to be an interesting exercise in justice. Will the presiding judge work so hard to look like he's (she) impartial that he (she) adjudicates in a light handed manner. Charles Manson still lives.
Tom