Fear the great motivator

One of the first emails in my mailbox yesterday was from the Rutgers president in regards to the recent news. Thankfully, unlike much of the media coverage and other talk I've heard swirling around this tragedy, McCormick first and foremost extended his sympathies to the victims, the survivors, the families and the community at Virginia tech. From there the email was what is to be expected after a school shooting--what procedures are in place and what can be improved upon. I'm saddened to see that it takes a tragedy to motivate such reevaluations. But fear, the unexpected..quite the force to contend with.

I honestly haven't followed the story that closely, though its hard not to be aware of the new developments with all of the media hype. I stumbled across a few commentary pages and was appalled to see people using it as an outlet to blame, to criticize to point fingers. Instead of coming together, some seem determined to push apart. And as writings and video of the shooter are released I can't help but wonder how many more alienated individuals are out there. Perhaps not on the verge of anything as heinous, tragic or violent, but longing, alone. Needing but refusing. It reminds me to smile at the stranger. Make eye contact when speaking. Say hello. Not to push through life in my own isolated bubble.