A Life's Pursuit: Amish Gothic...Somewhere, America

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Amish Gothic...Somewhere, America




5 Girls Dead In Amish School Shooting
Written by MARK SCOLFORO, Associated Press Writer
QUARRYVILLE, Pa. - A man who laid siege to a one-room Amish schoolhouse told his wife he had molested young children decades ago and left a note saying he had "dreams of molesting again," state police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said Tuesday.



It is a headline not unlike many others of late. It is odd that we can remove ourselves from the conviences of this modern day and still be broadsided by the reality that "in our humanity lies our darkest fears and capabilities" which we take with us to our secret places. I don't believe the "why" really justifies the act; certainly not in this case. Besides "I'm sorry" doesn't erase the pain or loss. While I don't know if this is an Amish on Amish crime; I do know that it is an attack on all that's good in humanity....our children: the brave, innocent hope of another attempt at another chance for better.

Once upon a time, there were "safe grounds," "sacred grounds" that everyone subconsciously agreed "don't touch," don't go there," "time out." These were churches, schools, children, families,etc. Something was "fair" about staying away from these "sacred grounds". Lots of people blame the media for erasing or smearing some lines that nobody years ago could have imagined gone—true for the positive and the negative. Will we never have "sacred ground" again? Some grounds must be preserved at all costs and regained with great investment. If our children aren't worth that, then what?

It is true that we can be forgiven for just about anything; but it doesn't say there is a magic wand that wipes away the "due consequences." Yes, everyone involved or touched or responsible for this tradgedy needs our prayers, help and forgivenesses. Yes, as communities, we must become reaquainted with our neighbors and their needs at least as much as our own. Yes, we can all be different. But we MUST agree to be the same on "sacred" gifts entrusted to each of us. To run with the wolf is to eat his prey. What does our diet consist of? Where do monsters come from....humans unchecked.....

But alas, much like before 911; such a time of "sacred things" is just an illusion of innocence and safety and naivity. We have always had those among us who have preyed on their young and any other living thing, as my pensive co-worker so surgically reminds us....





2 comments:

Bendy said...

So very, very true. What has happened to humanity? News stories like this sicken my stomach and hurt my heart. I pray to God "Please bring back the good!" The only way for that to happen is baby steps. Individual by individual, family by family. Reclaim the good and banish the darkness.

Linda Russell said...

Where do heros come from?
Do they rise up because of the monsters?
Can we be heros without the dark side?