How should we respond to the attack on yesterday's Boston Marathon? In very large part, we should not respond at all. Of course, those who know the victims should comfort them, and law enforcement should investigate. Those who felt the emotional sting (as I did) should take this as a reminder that life is short and uncertain, and reach out to their loved ones for comfort. But beyond that, however,we should not respond at all.
The manner in which we respond to adversity defines us. The running community understands that better than most. We should not allow the crazy/hateful people behind the attacks to turn us into fearful/angry people. Instead, we should go on with our wonderful lives. We should start training for next year's Boston Marathon; I'm proud of my friend who announced, with hours of the attack, that he will not alter his plans to run next year if he can qualify.
Some will urge that we implement more security measures, but that would only be counter productive. It is impossible to stop terrorist attacks of this nature. If we place security at the marathon, they will go to the ballpark, the shopping mall, the supermarket, the freeway or any other place where people congregate. We would have to shut down society to prevent such attacks, and even then it probably wouldn't work. Indeed, by responding to the attacks we encourage the next crazy/hateful group seeking attention.
And for what? Terrorism accounts for a minute portion of injury and death in this country. Far better to shut down the freeways to prevent car accidents than to shut down a marathon to prevent terror attacks.
So, how should we respond? Perhaps by getting in shape, qualifying for Boston next year and then making plans to join in that wonderful celebration of life, health and a free and open society with thousands of like minded friends.
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I'm trying to find the yelp reviewer Ollie D. If that is you, I would like to use the following quote in my book on customer loyalty:
Once upon a time, there was a local chain known as "I & Joy Bagels," which baked really good bagels in several locations around Los Angeles. They were bought out by Manhattan Bagel, which promptly filed bankruptcy. Most of the locations closed forever.
This, to my knowledge is the last one, now reincarnated as New York Bagel and Deli. The bagels here are the best in Los Angeles, to my taste, anyway. The service is just what you'd expect -- some guy or gal behind the counter tosses bagels into a bag for you, with a bit of an NYC attitude. What more can you say about that?
bennett.mcclellan@gmail.com
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