I’m not about to argue that the Virginia Tech massacre wasn’t a tragedy in every sense of the word. What I find interesting is that, with all of the weeping and gnashing of teeth over what happened in Blacksburg, a Virginia Tech (or worse) happens virtually every day in Iraq. No, I’m not trying to minimize or make light of our latest domestic tragedy, but is the suffering of Iraqi parents of less import and gravity that that of American parents?
it would appear that we’ve become so numb and inured to Iraqi suffering that it barely even registers anymore, as if random senseless violence is a de riguer part of everyday life in Iraq. Hey, people die…. Over the past four years, with the constant, daily drumbeat of violence emanating from various places in Iraq, we’ve somehow lost our ability to experience revulsion and outrage- unless it happens to one of our own.
Yes, we should be grieving with and for those who have lost friends and loved ones at Virginia Tech. Tragedy always hurts more when it hits close to home. Nonetheless, this reality should in no way diminish the pain and suffering that characterizes daily life in Iraq. Imagine knowing that a trip to the market could be your last mortal act. Imagine having to live with the reality that anything and anyone could blow up at any time, and if you happen to be in the wrong place at the right time….well, that’s all, folks….
Imagine knowing that the mere act of trying to get an education could get you killed in a horribly violent and brutal manner. As it is in Blacksburg, so it is every day in Baghdad, where every day brings a fresh and even more senseless tragedy. If we are indeed the the caring and compassionate people we see ourselves as- and I believe we are- then we should be working to end senseless violence wherever it occurs.
We- all of us, whether Iraqi or American, Christian or Muslim- deserve better.
