Then Again, There Was Anger.

I sat in front of the television screen this morning with goosebumps. Watching the U.S. Secretary for Homeland Security Michael Certoff detail how insane extremists were planning on killing thousands of innoncent people by constructing bombs aboard passenger aircraft made me stir with a range of emotions I rarely feel at the same time.

First, there was awe.
I was amazed that there are people in the world who want to do blind harm to others. It can't be in the name of religion. The masses assembled on aircrafts flying overhead are of all races, religions, and creeds. Why these psychos want to blow up planes is beyond me. But I still have to tremble knowing that there are these people in the world. And you and I are their targets.

Then, there was anger.
Why are we their targets? What have you or I ever done to them? In another time or place we could have been born their brother or sister. We are being persecuted because of where we live, and barely that. These are angry, random acts that are being planned and those who seek to perpetrate them must be hunted, questioned, and killed.

Then, there was sadness.
I am brought to near tears for those who could have been hurt by these madmen. Sadness in that we can never be free from fear that there are those among us that want to do us harm. These aren't robbers or thiefs. These are murderers. They are insane, mass murderers who want to kill us. Why is the world like this?

Then, there was determination.
They have to be stopped. But we cannot stop. These lunatics deal in fear. Their primary objective may be to kill, but their leaders want the other effect... Terror. The economy shutting down, the transportation infrastructure grinding to a halt, people living half lives. They can't win. Book those flights, don't be afraid. We are protected. Don't play into their hands.

Then again, there was anger.