Our Senslessly Sensless Society

I've been at a writers conference for the past few days, and have been off-line for most of the time I was attending.

Last week, before heading out to do a quick workout before commuting to the conference, I caught the initial headline about the shooting in Chattanooga, TN, similar to this one, on Yahoo News.

I was hoping this weekend would consist of slow news days, so as not to "interfere" with my pre-loaded posts.

As of yesterday, even the banners on Fox News asked something like:  What was the motive of the Chattanooga shooter?

Seriously?

I try not to stereotype people, but when it comes to terrorism, any variation to the name Mohammed says it all:

The motivation is jihad.

I had a difficult time focusing, not to mention enjoying, portions of the writers conference.  During the panel discussion on writing historical novels, a couple of the panelists got choked-up over discussing the tragedies that overcame people who're now long gone, while nothing was said whatsoever of our recent fallen heroes.

I agree with Mark Steyn's Senslessness and Sensibility commentary: 

A Chinese-made teddy bear from Wal-Mart is not an appropriate reaction. Righteous anger is.

Which reminds me of the quote I've memorized from Beowulf:

It is better to avenge the deaths of near and dear ones, than to indulge in mourning.

And speaking if indulgences, The Diplomad rolls-in and gives leftists credit for the Chattanooga murders.