OT - Explosion at the Boston Marathon
Two explosions are being reported at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Various reports indicate that "dozens" are injured.
Photos available here and here (WARNING: some are graphic, all are sad) on the internet but don't go look at them. Not sure what I was thinking.
We should make a thorough inquiry into how this happened, decide if we can prevent similar acts without sacrificing more than is worth it, and then act accordingly. There is, though, no point in treating this as any worse than the sum of the injuries and deaths suffered (plenty bad, of course). We play right into the hands of those who would terrorize us otherwise...I should say here that I used to live in Boston, that I've watched the finish of the Marathon only a few feet from the finish line, and that I've been texting with a worried friend since this happened. I "get it." I just don't want us to adopt the posture of a terrorized people. We can control that.
the work of the various engineering disciplines. We have not been terrorized by the bloodshed on the highways, we have worked to reduce it. Domestic terrorism need be treated no differently. Unleash the engineers sheepdogs.
dont be surprised if Americans done this. look at the date today.
It's Patriot Day. First time I've heard of it, but I do remember seeing something about it this morning as it related to the Red Sox opener.
The anniversary of the VA Tech massacre is tomorrow, the 16th.
April 15 = tax day. Maybe someone was disgruntled with the amount of taxes they had to pay and took out their aggression on the marathoners. It's a bit of a stretch, but I'm guessing that's where he was going.
I could see it if it had been a government building that had been attacked. I don't see what the attraction of the Boston Marathon would be.
There are a lot of people from a lot of different countries there at the same time. I'm not sure why you'd target them, but that was the only thing that came to mind...Another thought: there really aren't even a lot of people of any type at the finish of the Boston Marathon in my experience, so it is a strange target.
latest updates 2 dead, 64 hurt.
Cellphone service shut down in Boston to prevent remote detonations of explosives, official says: apne.ws/ZwBMKb -CC
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 15, 2013
Text messaging has been working in town, though. This whole thing is no good, you guys.
Does CNN have to show the detonation every three seconds? Jesus Christ.
Really the last place I'd thought I'd see Team Hole in the Wall. Former Camper and Staff. Amazing charity. Wish it was under better circumstances.
Terrifying. I have a couple of people at the race, and one running it. What a horrible day.
Oh CNN. You never cease to make me facepalm.
Yeah, what a horrible, biased news organization. I'm taking my viewership to MSNBC and/or Fox.
No fucking politics. Trust me, i've learned
How is that politics? I'm laughing at them that they're pointing fingers without any knowledge.
Just because I used the words "right" and "wing" doesn't mean I'm trying to start a conversation about politics.
April 15th, 2013 at 10:25 PM ^
Considering the history, it's not a stretch.
I'm hoping North Korea doesn't take credit for this. Today is there biggest national holiday.
This kind of shit makes me sick, I hope they catch the pieces of shit responsible
Shit like this makes me want to join the National Guard, Marines, Army, police force whatever... Thoughts and prayers to those affected by this...
Become a nurse or a doctor. We need more of those than soldiers or Marines.
Yes, we need more teachers, scientists, doctors, etc.
not more people with guns
oh, go fuck yourselves
This act of cowardice hits home for me as a marathon runner. I attempted a BQ at the 2011 Chicago Marathon. I was planning to defer my entry to the Boston Marathon for 2013. This would have been my attempt at the Boston Marathon. I ended up with tendenitis in my foot during the marathon and missed the cut off time for a BQ.
The aspect that is the most troubling for me is the timing of the blasts. The blasts went off at 4:10 when the majority of us normal runners would finish. What coward would plan an act of terrorism on a day and time that should be a joyous occasion. We train months if not years for marathons. It saddens me and sickens me. My heart goes out to the runners, the families and friends of those affected.
A people finder setup by Google
There are reports of runners, after finishing the marathon, running straight to Mass General to donate blood. There are reports of police officers and civilians running into the smoke to do all they can to aid their fellow mankind. With such tragedies, let us remember that goodness of each other, to remember our brothers and sisters.
Tonight I am reminded of the immortal words of Martin Luther King Jr,
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the people of Boston, and for all the runners, their families and their friends.
Another quote that comes to mind:
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" -- Fred Rogers
God bless the helpers today.
April 16th, 2013 at 12:22 AM ^
And to get those responsible
Here is a google doc for those in Boston willing to donate a bed for a runner or family looking for a place to crash.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dqIKVq6IqX4BVXqOW_a9-qmXt1KJ_4Nu3NPNnC1g1mw/viewform
As a foreign national with a Visa I have come to see the American people in a very positive, very welcoming and very respectful light. This is a million times different than the narrative so often played out in the world. I see events like this happen and I am saddened for the families but also for the American people who I have come to know.
Thoughts and prayers to the family and to the American people who deserve better.
This is not intended to be political, but I'd wish the news organizations would at least wait for the bodies to cool before they start in on the "who did it?" part of the program. So much ignorance being spouted on places where you'd hope restraint would be the order of the day.
Coming from a former journalist... it is unfortunate that the media tends to turn tragedy into 24/7 sensationalistic entertainment, but that has been the trend for years. It's one of the major reasons I left the business.
My heart aches for everyone affected today. Such a horrible thing to go through, on a day that should have been about celebration, achievement and joy. Just sickening.