“Boston is a tough and resilient town,” Obama added. “So are its people. I’m supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way.”
In times of crisis it is good to remember that we can put aside our differences and work together to help people. Tonight doctors and nurses and public health workers will be working over time to treat the injured, counselors will calm the grieving, police and firefighters will work to contain any further damage and protect our city and state, I am also confident they will apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice. I was 12 on 9/11, huddled at the (old) Longfellow School with my 8th grade classmates as the events unfolded. We were all wondering how to help, but also another lingering question of who to blame. I was just as jingoistic and even a bit excited to see my country strike back at those who damaged it’s heart. Looking back, we have been a nation at war over a decade, and my first and only thoughts today were with those I loved.
I was riding an “L” train when Facebook started lighting up with comments about the tragedy, I had just talked to my parents this morning in Maine and knew they were okay but I called and texted my brother and different friends to make sure they were ok. I checked in with a friend who I knew was running to make sure she was ok. And I am just hopeful at the stories of runners continuing to run directly to MGH to give blood, people running towards the blasts to offer help and comfort and aid, and the splendid work the BFD, BPD, State Police, and our elected officials have done so far. The only question to ask is not who to blame but how to help.
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