It Does Matter

A couple of weeks ago, at the event of Jerry Falwell's passing, I posted a piece of classical literature that seemed quite relevant given the response of others.

Particularly famous from that work are these lines.

No man is an island. entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Which is why I take sorrow in this news.

Cindy Sheehan was exasperating, annoying, melodramatic, and -- on several levels -- hateful. But in perspective, she exemplifies a lot of what is right with America -- our freedom and ability to protest, to stand up for what we think is right, and our belief that we can make a difference.

Seeing that die in her does truly diminish us all. While some might claim this is a won battle, I think it a Pyrrhic victory at best -- and perhaps a reminder that the greatest virtue of our country is that it forgives and heals with and for all of its people.

I wish Ms. Sheehan all the best in whatever she chooses to do next -- and would ask my readers to reflect themselves on their thoughts and attitudes towards her.

For the bell is tolling.