To the stranger who took me into her home, gave me soup and tea tostop my shaking and a phone to call home, thank you. #BostonMarathon2013
— Judith U (@Autismville) April 15, 2013
We don’t know who did it.
We don’t know if he was a Christian, a Muslim, or a Jew.
We don’t know if he was left wing or right wing.
We don’t know if it was done with a political purpose in mind, or if his mind merely snapped, lashing out at a society of which he wasn’t a part.
At this point, we know nothing about the bomber at today’s Boston Marathon.
But I will not cower in fear.
I will not listen to the ones with the megaphones who are already using this as an excuse to settle political scores.
I will not hide in my room, or acquiesce to give up a bit of freedom for safety. Giving up one rarely secures you the other.
I will not pound my chest and say that the answer is more guns on the street, so that we’re all deputized, armed, dangerous.
I will not let hatred blind me.
I will run towards the danger, like hundreds of citizens did in Boston.
I will open my home to those who suffered and lost.
I will stay resolute that fear will not prevail.
I will trust that this country will feel its way towards doing the right thing. It always, eventually, does.
Our instinct is to give up on our fellow humans. One of my first reactions was to root for global warming to do its worst.
But that hopelessness is the one thing which will condemn us to extinction.
Hope is what keeps humanity going; it’s the only thing keeping us from falling into the abyss. Once we’ve lost hope, we’ve lost what makes us human.
I will not lose hope.
We don’t know what prompted the bomber to commit his act. But one thing we can assume with a clear certainty is that hope was lost in him.
I will not be that man.
I will not succumb to the thought that humanity is a cesspit, doomed to fall. One man bombed a race. Hundreds raced towards the explosions, to help out their fellow human beings. I’m with them.
I will not be afraid. That’s when I lose.
****
Chips: Follow Liberal Librarian on Twitter and read him at The People’s View
The Obama Diary 
Prayers. Tears. More Prayers.
Thank you LL…
Perfect and beautiful, LL. Thank you.
I echo that, Meta.
“One man bombed a race. Hundreds raced towards the explosions, to help out their fellow human beings. I’m with them.”
Beautiful. Thank you LL.
Inspiring words in the midst of despair. Thank you.
I have no words to say.
I like this.
Thanks.
This is perfect.
Boston news conference scheduled to start at 8:30. Can’t tell if I’ve missed it or it’s late. Check it out:
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/boston-authorities-hold-news-conference-on-explosions-watch
Starting just now.
Governor Duval Patrick:
Copley Square secured as a crime scene by the National Guard and will remain “closed” for a day or two.
There will be heightened law enforcement presence in Boston. Expect random checks of backpacks and other parcels when riding the T.
Ask people to be on heightened vigilance – report suspicious parcels…activity.
There have been a number of stories of extraordinary kindness shown to runners…neighbors and visitors. We so appreciate them.
Special Agent: Rick ?? (Delorea)
FBI is taking lead in investigation, asserting Federal jurisdiction as a potential terrorist incident.
Urges anyone with info to call 800-CALL-FBI
FBI bringing substantial resources to bear along with ATF and all the law enforcement agencies.
US Attorney Ortiz:
Dept of Justice will provide all resources necessary for the investigation. Very thorough, active and fluid investigation. There’s been a bit of misinformation. We will investigate, get to individuals responsible, Dept of Justice will assist all the other agencies.
Police Commissioner
Offer sympathy to victims. We’ll turn over every rock. At least 3 people have died. We will not have hard figures on those dead and injured until tomorrow. There is no suspect at Brigham & Women’s hospital – as has been widely reported in the press. Boston PD is on emergency deployment working 12 hour shifts. Please give space around Copley Square as the crime scene is investigated. Any photos, tips 800-489-TIPS
Speaker???
Victims can count on our very best and seamless work. Seconds after the bombs went off we saw civilians running right alongside first responders…that’s what Americans do, we come together and help one another. Moments like this – as terrible as they are – show our strength, not our weakness.
Now questions –
not commenting on number of explosives found, analysis is ongoing.
The cordoned off crime scene will not be accessible for normal traffic. Questionable about whether people can get to work in the area.
They are getting reports about suspicious packages…still actively pursuing every lead.
Not confirming the death of the 8 year old child – will have more info in the morning.
Very powerful blast – serious injuries.
Working closely with the families to see if there’s any people unaccounted for.
The End
Thanks Susan.
Just beautiful, LL. Thank you and bless you and your Mrs. I hope she is continuing a good recovery.
To the comment on the last thread: I agree about CBS……it may be finding its soul again.
It’s only been a few hours and somehow people expect to know who did this and why? This will take time and expertise. Not some junior cable jockey paid to set their hair on fire.
Streamago live stream of BBC World. So that you don’t throw things at your tv: http://www.streamago.tv/general/1916/
Awesome! Thank you.
LL, this is one of my very favorite video speeches of our First Lady talking about fear. It was one of the first speeches I heard her deliver. The rest is history but I found how much more I love POTUS and FLOTUS at that moment. She speaks clearly of the truth.
It was posted on the previous thread. I had to use it.
Oh no———-reminds me of all the fancy graphics and music accompanying “shock and awe”, bombs away, at the start of the Iraq War. I couldn’t believe it.
Oh sweet Jesus. It’s just another excuse to fucking sell Cialis.
I’m watching the Pelican Brief and browsing Twitter. I have no time for the mass media.
I’m watching my sitcoms (with sound muted and closed captioning on) and reading here. I cannot handle tv news channels.
Absolutely despicable!
Boston TV station WCVB has live feed
http://livewire.wcvb.com/Event/117th_Running_of_Boston_Marathon
My dear Boston, my heart aches for you tonight. My family has such deep roots there, this feels like something happened to my family. As some of you may have read from me, there is only one baseball team…..The Red Sox. One of my earliest memories was my father listening to a Red Sox game on the radio. Ted Williams was my first hero, because he was my dad’s.
Twice I took a group of literature students for a study trip to Boston from OKC. They loved it. Boston was welcoming, fun, and educational. They loved to ride the T, and the governor just said there would be random checks on the T tomorrow of backpacks and packages. I doubt that anyone will complain.
I hope this event does not have to change the nature of the Boston Marathon. It is, as someone just said, one of the last amateur/professional free sporting events in the world.
I must say that I love to hear the Boston people speak…..the accent feels like home to me.
carolyn, I love to hear the Boston accent too (and also New Yorkers, my passion). My son loved, loved, loved the Red Sox (until he became disenchanted with baseball, and I hope someday he recovers his feelings for it). I have been remembering today my first trip to Boston; it was my first plane ride. When you land at Logan, you see water … scary and beautiful at the same time. We were there for a conference, hubby and me. We stayed at the Marriott at Copley Place. Had dinner one night at the Top of the Hub (in the Prudential Building); went to Cheers, of course. and we walked a lot around the area we were in. I love cities, and Boston is one of my favorites.
From the Backroads Girl on FB…
The Backroads Girl
It is difficult to find the words to express the sorrow in my heart over the deaths and terrible injuries which occurred in Boston today, so I just ask that we bind together tonight, agreeing in faith that no darkness or fear or hate can overwhelm us, that we will pour out prayers, love, and support for those who are suffering from these attacks.
There is a nut job reporter asking some very loony questions.
About “false flag” operations. Shorter loony: OBAMA DID THIS!!!
Brilliant post, LL. We needed that today.
I got to say, it’s all very depressing.
{{{{{amk}}}}} it surely can be, my friend.
excellent post. thanks LL!
Thank you all for your kind words. I needed to write. And we’ll all need all the hope we can muster over the next few days.
I’ve read it several times LL, balm to the soul on a day like this. Really beautiful, powerful words, thank you so much again.
Thank you for your strong and steady words. You echo the thoughts of so many of us. I’ve been at work all day and couldn’t listen to this in front of the kids in my class….will read and catch up tonight. Thanks again, LL. Boston is a fabulous city….Gov Patrick even mentioned all the kind people coming to the aid and comfort of strangers. My heart is with them all.
{{{{{{{LL}}}}}}}
Yes! Thanks LL.
Super post, LL!!
We are alive. We will never allow terror to deter our love for each other. We will always run to help each other. We know no other way.
#FORWARD Together
thank you, LL
Thank you so much Chips and LL – beautiful and thoughtful. Sad day…my heart is aching. I am sending my prayers for the victims, their loved ones, and the City of Boston. Also, many thanks to the First Responders…how blessed we are to have these dedicated professionals who are fearless. Also, to the marathoners who did not hesitate to help their fellow citizens.
This cowardly act will not shatter our resolve.
“Hope is what keeps humanity going; it’s the only thing keeping us from falling into the abyss. Once we’ve lost hope, we’ve lost what makes us human.
I will not lose hope.”
These good words, Lib, but it’s going to be hard to tamp down the fear quotient of this despicable cruelty.
We’ve been warned for 12 1/2 years to be wary of being in crowded public spaces, and now the same terror that the streets of London and Belfast had to endure during Thatcher’s tenure will be hyped by our unethical media.
I didn’t realize it was Jake Tapper (teaNN) who spread the lie that Waco (1993) ad Oklahoma City (1995) both occurred on Patriot’s Day.
Not true. Patriot’s Day is the 3rd Monday in April, and Oklahoma City happened the following Wednesday.
This may be a minor point. but the U.S. media worships at the altar of ratings $$$, and don’t care about the consequences of stating non-truths.
I really hate our media and our 1% (who produce nothing, but are paid BILLIONS):
Hope is what keeps humanity going; it’s the only thing keeping us from falling into the abyss. Once we’ve lost hope, we’ve lost what makes us human.
***********************************
The Audacity of Hope!
LL, well said. love that. My prayers to Bostonians.
Your writing is beautiful, LL…I feel honored that you share your heart and talent. Thank you.
Agree with you completely, Kathryn – we needed these beautiful words so much, thank you again LL.
Ditto this…..
Well said, Kathryn K. Liberal Librarian words were very inspirational! He called on all of us to focus on our humanity and reject all those who will use terror and fear to destroy our hopes for a better world.
What does it say…
Well, Islamist terrorist groups usually run to claim credit. Now, this isn’t always the case; 9/11 is a perfect example: no one claimed credit for that attack until years later.
Lone wolves or right wing groups, however, rarely claim credit. So, you can make certain assumptions.
But the fact is that we know damned little right now. However, I think the media is scared toothless that this is another OKC, not another 9/11.
“I think the media is scared toothless that this is another OKC, not another 9/11.”
Oh, so true – because they might finally have to shine a light on what’s going on in that corner of America.
If the bomber was a Muslim (or bombers), they can just carry on doing what they do, demonizing.
I see…thanks..
I well remember that immediately following the OKC bombing, some commentators rushed to judgment that it had to be Muslim terrorists, and a long time OKC resident was arrested at his home for no other reason than he was Middle Eastern. By the evening of the 19th, the day of the bombing, Timothy McVeigh had been found in Perry, north of OKC. The other man was released, but damage to him and his family had been done, and many of us in the city were humiliated by that rush to judgment.
This is under President Obama’s watch, so I doubt that any rushes to judgment will be made. It will be a steady, tedious, thorough investigation that they can take to court. The OKC investigation had holes of carelessness.
This 24/7 cable entertainment just lends itself to speculation and fear. Not everyone is responsible, to say the least.
LL I agree with you. I suspect the MSM is becoming increasingly worried. CNN is now speculating wildly – grasping at straws almost.
LL, as you know I refuse to participate in speculation.
Will just note that it was not a suicide bomber – fact.
Will also note that US corporatist media & their racist, bigoted #NEWSTAINERS without any doubt most fear that a white dude with posters of Beck and Rush on his bedroom wall …..
I’m not the only one thinking that the MSM is scared shitless at the possibility that this is a RW attack. If it is, it will soon find that Barack Obama is NOT Bill Clinton.
Roger that!
You speak TRUTH, LL! Which ever evil individual/ group, foreign or domestic, committed this heinous crime, the most important thing to remember is that the vast majority of people do not condone what happened today in Boston.
Two noted terrorism specialists on WBUR (Boston public radio) said that it could indicate home-grown, right-wing terrorists; not foreign.
I’m guessing that means if it was a group like al-Qaeda they would have taken ‘credit’ for the attack by now, as they usually do when their attacks are ‘successful’. But having complained about speculating all day, I’m doing it now.
I don’t like to speculate wildly but there are times when things simply don’t add up and we can make reasonable guesses about what might be going on. CNN is speculating wildly and playing into the usual racist stereotypes. Now they’re saying that a Black man wearing a hood is being questioned.
Honest Hopefruit, I smiled to myself when I heard one report (I think on CNN) talking about a “dark-skinned man acting suspiciously”. Is there any other way a “dark-skinned man” acts in their eyes?
Is there any other way a “dark-skinned man” acts in their eyes?
*************************
Indeed!
Yes, funny how CNN is now pivoting to the Black hoodlum did it angle. I guess they realize that it’s not likely Al Qaeda…
And yes, black men are the locus of major terrorist attacks in the US.
Now, this isn’t to say that it wasn’t a black man. They can snap like anyone else. But has CNN posited that this might have all the hallmarks of a right wing operation? At any point? Of course not. White folks by definition can’t be terrorists.
Now, apparently much of the RW media apparatus is claiming this is a false flag.
That was the first question asked by some lunatic with a press pass at the Boston conference.
I’m just waiting for them to bring on Robert Zimmerman to offer a comment. 🙄
That may very well happen – with Piers Morgan leading the chorus of “This is a blow to America’s war on terror” etc., etc.,
What else would you expect, Chips? That they would be thoughtful, bide their time doing research and wait for the FBI to update them? What kind socialist country do you think we live in where the people charged with keeping the public informed are smart, insightful and responsible?! :SMH: shame on you Chips, for expecting more from our idiot friends in the media. Shame 😉
Ps- My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy.
Pps- how’re you doing, Chips?
Oh Lisa, so, so, so lovely to see you, a bright light on a dark day. I know you’ve been through a tough time, I hope you’re doing okay? Really great to see you back here, we missed you. Lots.
Thanks, Chips. Glad to be back with the family again, but sad it’s on such a rough day. You guys have kept me going, I’m so grateful. And thanks to you especially, Chips. I really appreciate you keeping an eye out for me.
Missed you so much Lisa, as I know so many others did – especially our VC! You make us smile and think every single day, you’re the best. Come back to us ‘full-time’ when you’re ready, but only then – if that’s right now, then that’s pure bliss.
Thanks, Chips. 🙂
{{{{Lisaloves}}}} I. have. missed. you.
Oh, My Lisaloves. I have been wanting to ask where is my Lisa, but I did not want to be the little senior sitting on the porch saying,” Well, Marie, I haven’t seen Lisa is a long time, you think I should call?” Oh, I am sooooooooooooooooooooo happy to see you back home with us. I missed you so, Lisa. (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( You made my heart sing tonight through the tears))))))))))))))))))))))))) Love you dear one.HZ
“…… but I did not want to be the little senior sitting on the porch saying,” Well, Marie, I haven’t seen Lisa is a long time, you think I should call?”
HZ, you just made me howl!!! Sweetest thing I ever read!!
Well, my dear beautiful Chips, I am the happiest, when I can make you “howl.”(((I love you, my dear one)))HZ
Hi HZ. So glad to see you. Hope you’re doing well.
Hi Lisa. I really am so wonderfully happy to see you here. I am not going to complain because I am so grateful to just be here. I am feeling better each day. Lots of quiet prayers being said with a strong dose of faith and hope. Cures me everytime.
I am sending you lots of that now, okay?((((((((((((To My Lisa))))))))))))))HZ
Hi, VC. I missed you too. Glad to be back. 🙂
{{{Lisaloves}}} 😆 😆 😆
LL, what beautiful words. You were able to write what I have been thinking. Thank you for this!
LL, your words are powerful and surely are nourishment to my soul tonight. Thank you for taking the time to share your beautiful message all of us tonight. “I will not lose hope.”HZ
It’s Trayvon Martin’s ghost folks!
hopefruit2 I was about to say the samething. I was about to say did the black man with the hood have some skittles and can of tea.
((((((((((((Hugs all around)))))) To All the Tod’s family!
My heart aches…for the people in Boston…Mr. President we are with you through thick and thin.
Keeping everyone affected by this tragedy in prayer. Keep Hope alive….
Love always Winsl
“Those who love peace must learn to organize as effectively as those who love war.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
wow MSNBC has an article about how the Boston blasts likely to weigh on the stock market! REALLY?!
Our stockmarket has nose dived the last 2 days – nothing to do with Boston – but nothing like the media stirring up s–t
I am absolutely convinced that one of the greatest threat to the U.S. is our mainstream media. Instead of informing the people, the media strive to provoke fear and blind outrage of the people, by choosing to focus on sensational stories.
Well, Jeff, these people turn to the God they believe in most–money. Doesn’t matter about the human cost, what’s matters is how it will affect profits.
At times like these words fail me so I read and watch and listen,…… and wonder about darkened spirits . Thank you, Lib_L, for sharing your talent by putting your reaction into words with which we can identify.
Piers Morgan is absolutely disgusting. He will get what he deserves in life. I will leave it at that.
what’d he say?
First of all he kept harping on the fact that PBO did not declare the bombing a “terrorist attack” Then he takes it a step further by asking if the incident is a “blow to America’s war on terror?”
Let us not forget that Piers Morgan comes from those London trashy tabloids. Do we expect anything better from him? I believe Chuck Todd also said something about POTUS not calling this a terrorist act. So stupid, so stupid.
Love BWD. Glad she’s still in there fighting the fight.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw she was back on Twitter LL! Along with Lisa and Alice coming back today, and your majestic post, an uplifting end to a depressing day.
I commented about OKC and the rush to judgment a few posts up. I hope what happened then does not happen now.
The thing that exists now that didn’t then is Twitter. Any scapegoating before facts are in is already leading to a backlash.
Piss.
https://twitter.com/Kahsai/status/323975313849716736
Beautiful, Kasai!
And, so true!!
Thank you Bob…It’s heart warming.
nice!
I don;t know who i hate worst…CNN or Fox news….
I haven’t commented here in a very long time, but I do read this blog everyday. My heart goes out to the families of this unspeakable act in Boston today and to all that have suffered from it. Brings tears to my eyes once again for all the victims involved. The President’s words sounded very honest, and there is no doubt he and his team will find out who did this. My brother-in-law participated in the marathon just last year. Very sad, In Canada we are getting reports of people that have lost limbs and 2 dead. 😦 Is this Al-Qeida? Or is it the republican/tea-partiers? I would hope it is the first, but right now I don’t trust the right wing.
It’s almost as if Hannity believes that the act was committed by a RW nut right here and is struggling to divert attention to the gun issue…
so did they use their own nutjob logic then? homemade bombs don’t kill people, people kill people, therefore homemade bombs should be legal. they are a necessary tool to protect one’s self from tyranny, right?
“F” Sean Hannity. At a time like this we don’t have time for such foolishness.
why do the reporters shout out their questions…
Watching a doctor of Mass General speaking. He has performed SIX surgeries on these victims today.
Yes, carolyn and his spirit was so moving. There was so much seriousness about him all wrapped up in compassion and patience. Just a gentle and brilliant young man. He also said that many of the patients will have to have more surgeries. He also asked people to donate blood.
I just loved his spirit, and listening and watching his patience with those reporters gave me peace that the patients he is tending to are in very good hands with him. May his work be blessed and his tired body be refreshed. He said he had been operating since early this morning and then this also. He works in the truama department of the hospital. I have been praying for the medical teams since this took place. I will continue to do so.HZ
The only thing that we have to fear is fear itself—FDR.
New post:
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/04/15/inane-political-discussion-about-right-nouns-and-verbs/
After a late day spring storm, complete with thunder and lightning, I stood at the window to witness a huge rainbow, away over the lake: a reminder of the covenant. L’arc du ciel, joining Heaven and Earth, the promise remains intact. Goodnight, may dreams of a brighter day tomorrow be yours. Love all around. Bless our President and First Lady.
Thank you LL for posting that video clip of our FLOTUS introducing then Sen Obama way back in 2008! I had never watched it before tonight. Wow, so powerful, so real, so inspiring and so appropriate to view on this very sad heart sickening day.
Thank You LL for your Words.
Marvin Gaye’s National Anthem at the All Stars in 1983. My Favorite.
Thank you Liberal Librarian for this beautiful statement! Thank you for refusing to surrender to fear, terror, and hopelessness.
Thank you, LL for writing this beautiful post.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Boston, and to all those families that may have had friends or relatives that were injured or killed today. I also wanted to thank the first responders and all the people that came to help those that were stranded.
Thank you so much Liberal Librarian!! It is much like what we used to say in the Faith-based actions I used to be a part of. I’ve sent it to our OFA group.
Sent from my iPhone