The October 01, 2017 massacre of some 58 and injury of hundreds of others in Las Vegas was a despicable act of horrific cruelty. Among untold others worldwide, past and present. Another painful reminder that, in a world of much good, there also exists considerable evil.
Nevertheless, from heartbreaking struggle with such evil, “good” can be the ultimate victor, and “hope” a crucial survivor. As demonstrated by the many, from all walks of life, who unfailingly confront evil’s despicable works. The list is long: first responders; law enforcement; medical professionals; an array of unnamed others; and on the world stage, our military. People giving of themselves through often heroic acts of courage and self-sacrifice. Invaluable demonstrations of true caring for fellow human beings.
Unfortunately, for many the triumph of “good” over “evil” can be long coming, or never realized. Often from ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and fear, of those having the means for life circumstances to be otherwise. As evidenced, for example, by millions massacred not so long ago at the hand of Adolph Hitler’s regime, as too many nations for too long turned their heads away. And, more recently, as demonstrated by millions trapped in the menacing jaws of barbaric regimes such as North Korea, and countless others worldwide deprived of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. As some among us take for granted, and/or choose to show disrespect for, our precious liberty and freedom and nation’s symbols of same.
The faces of evil are many and often masked. However, regardless of where, when, and how revealed—evil originates not in “things” (knives, guns, explosives, car-bombs, hijacked-aircraft, etc.), but in the hearts and minds of humankind. In “intent” and “choices.” And, while fortunately a relative few have the “intent” and “choose” to do so—every able body human being has the ability to harm others. But, rather than acknowledging and trying to constructively deal with these aspects of human nature, many prefer to deny or ignore such and futilely continue to blame human failings on “things.”
A self-destructive path, as evidenced, for example, by related circumstances playing out in Great Britain. Where, after guns being purged from law abiding citizens and routine law enforcement personal, they are often essentially defenseless against armed terrorists and other criminal elements. Including those reportedly carrying out epidemic levels of horrifying attacks with “knives” and “acids.” Other reminders that the distracting focus on “things” fails to meaningfully address the “evil intent” in the hearts and minds of some. And that those hell-bent to inflict cruelty upon others, have at their disposal an essentially limitless array of ways and means.
The “good vs evil” struggle is an age-old human condition. And, as historically the case, the victor between these two conflicting sides of humankind will likely always be—the one we choose to nurture the most. As individuals and a nation. Therein likely rests the prospects for hope’s survival—and our ultimate fate.
—William James Moore
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