There is no doubt most of us felt rage when we saw the bombs go off in Boston and saw all the images of pain and chaos.
Many of us would like to see the perpetrator receive the death penalty, even those of us who think the death penalty should be abolished.
On reflection, however, those of us opposed to the death penalty then calm down and think again. We who are opposed understand the death penalty does not necessarily accomplish the desired result.
Let's cast our minds across the oceans and think about how the families and friends of those who have died because of our drones, or our troops on the ground, react to similar murders. Do they turn the other cheek and pray for us? Or do they swear vengeance, even unto the third generation?
How on earth do we make friends in the rest of the world? Does an incident that results in the death of a family member, or a child, or a beloved member of the community create a simmering hatred of the perpetrator that is, in many cases, the United States?
It takes a special person to refuse to seek vengeance.
Ann Rommel
Chatham