High in the Andean foothills, constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, sits Quito, a city whose nickname is, "Light of the Americas." This passed day, that light was dimmed, an assassin working his way in to gun down a presidential candidate.
This same day, in Provo, a city nestled high in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the FBI gunned down a man who boasted he would assassinate a U.S. president. Provo is nicknamed, "Happy Valley." On this date, Provo was not a happy place.
Who knows the connection between the two events. Societal illness? A hatred in the hearts of the people that leads them to thirst for the blood of others?
But, there are differences. In Ecuador, the nation was united in calling for an end to a rampant wave of violence. "The Ecuadorian people are crying and Ecuador is mortally wounded. Politics cannot lead to the death of of any member of society, said the campaign manager of the fallen candidate.
The many candidates united in decrying the assassination. "When they touch one of us, they touch all of us," said the front-runner.
And, in the U.S. how did the populace react? Was the president considered a precious part of society? "Did anyone say, "Politics cannot lead to the death of any member of society"? Did the two parties join together in calling out the would-be killer?
Of course many Americans must have been touched with concern for the life of the president, but I find myself not sure we could use the word, "most." Well, did most Americans feel anguish that their president was targeted?
On Facebook, I came across a post showing the threats the madman had posted on social media. There were 500 people who hit the laugh, ha-ha icon. Of the 604 who reacted, another 73 hit the like button.
Wow! Send me to Ecuador where life is at least respected.
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