Our Main Hope

I am one of millions of Americans right now who is reeling from the most recent act of mass violence that occurred in downtown Boston at its annual marathon. Once again, multiple people were killed and even more seriously injured. The main difference between this horrific act of violence and ones our nation has experienced in recent months is that this time bombs were used. Past acts involved a shooter. No one I know takes any comfort in that distinction. If anything, what happened in Boston  affirms the reality that when bad people decide to do harm to others, they have numerous options on how best to do it. This only makes things worse.

What happened in Boston adds fuel to the current debate going on throughout the country, particularly in Congress, regarding the registgration and availability of firearms. In many quartes, the debate is as heated as it emotional. It involves people of good faith and, in some cases, not-so-good faith; people genuintely interested in reaching a consensus with others and some who are not; some who are well informed on the issue and some who are not; some who are rich and influential and some who are not. In other words, it is typically American. These categories of people are the same ones who elect membes of Congress, judges and even the president.

I do not see that caste of characters ever changing. Given that, it is no wonder the democratic process that distinguishes the United States will be forever imperfect. Sometimes good decisions will be made and sometimes not. Sometimes good people will be put into positions of power and sometimes not. This realty is how our country rolls. Our only chance of coming even within range of perfection, is found in how well we communicate with each other. Do we do so in good faith or not? Will the ones we look to as our premiere communicators, including the media and public relations practitioners, strive to maintain the highest level of honesty and integrity in what they do? I, for one, sure hope so.