Boston

Now Boston. The Northeast seems to be cursed at the moment: Newtown, hurricanes, etc. First and foremost our prayers and sympathy goes out to the families of those killed and to those injured and maimed at the Boston Marathon Massacre. We wish the families of the dead comfort and solace and a full and speedy recovery to the injured. 

It is too early to say who did this. Whoever it was had some knowledge of terrorist tactics. Having two bombs go off in close proximity and time is designed to inflict maximum casualties. Ditto the timing of the explosions when the majority of non-elite runners were due to cross the finish line. The national and world press were covering the story and they like the human interest shots at or near the finish line, so the location was right too. 

The explosive itself, while causing horrific results, appeared to be something less than  military-grade. One report said that the devices contained ball bearings, though, which would be a terrorist hallmark. 

The media has made much of the fact that it was Patriot Day in Massachusetts honoring the Revolutionary War citizens that rebelled against the Brits and several outlets (CNN, MSNBC - surprise, surprise) went from there to connect the explosions to "right wing groups." Maybe. I think it is more interesting, however, that yesterday was also the anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel. No group has taken credit for the bombings, so we will see where the investigation leads. If the FBI really does have two disabled bombs to work with they should be able to point the finger with some confidence at who was behind this despicable and cowardly act. 

In the meantime, yesterday's events clearly answered the question of whether the U.S. can let down its guard. The answer is a resounding "No!" Whatever the ultimate source of this attack, we are all cursed with those who would do harm to innocents to make their hateful points. Life will not be getting back to normal anytime soon.