* Patton Oswalt, in the comment above, is exactly right. There are far more good people in this world than evil people. This was illustrated by the wonderful people who immediately ran to help the bombing victims in Boston -- the first responders, the race volunteers, and the spectators (from Boston and other places).
* There are other evil people in the world -- people who are almost as disgusting as the bomber. I am referring, of course, to the creeps of the Westboro Baptist Church. Once again they are using a tragedy and the suffering of others to push their own agenda of hate -- and they have said they will be picketing the funerals of the innocent bombing victims. I would like to be able to stop these vile people, but I am not willing to give up our freedom of speech to do so.
* I am personally troubled by all the people who are so quick to find someone to blame for this tragedy -- usually a group they personally don't like. Some right-wingers have already decided that islamic fundamentalists are to blame, while some on the left are ready to blame right-wing militia types, and at least one nut is calling it a government conspiracy. The truth is that all of these people are just using this tragedy to further their own positions -- and it is wrong. We simply don't have enough evidence to put the blame in any direction, and we should put off the blaming until there is some evidence.
* The Boston Marathon is one of the world's great sporting events -- both for the athletes and for those ordinary people who are just trying to prove something to themselves, or those who are running to honor someone else or some charity or cause. One of the best posts I have read recently was written by a runner in Monday's marathon named Dave Munger. I urge you to read what he has written. You'll be very glad you did.
In the circumstances I have no wish to parse your and Mr. Oswalt's words to closely, suffice to say that on the whole I agree with your commentary.
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