Article November 11, 2002 Issue

Toward a greater SAFETY

By J. Thomas Black

EVEN THOUGH SUSPECTS HAVE BEEN arrested in Maryland, it's hard to imagine what life was like in the Washington/Maryland/Virginia area these past days— people were reluctant even to shop for food or pump gas. They've been watchful of their children as never before. Many admit, too, to having had no idea how to defend themselves or their families beyond some blind hope that they wouldn't wander into the crosshairs of an assault rifle in the hands of a random sniper who at the least was tragically confused and troubled. There were so many reports of a widespread feeling of helplessness.

One thing, I believe, is sure: Hatred doesn't help; it increases frustration. Fear fails, too; it makes us feel even more vulnerable.

But I have an inner, intuitive sense that we never are helpless. There is always something we can do.