Sad contrasts

1. Man’s humanity to man: On April 25, a terrible earthquake (7.8) hit the small country of Nepal. The surrounding countries of China, India and Bangladesh also suffered damage. Even towering Mount Everest experienced multiple avalanches, which took the lives of many.

Centuries-old buildings in the city of Kathmandu collapsed in seconds. Outlying villages were demolished. The loss of life numbers in the thousands.

Survivors of this massive earthquake immediately began to search for people who might still be alive, digging through the rubble of bricks, stone and splintered wood, hands and fingers cut and bleeding. They search, risking their lives to save their fellow man.

2. Man’s inhumanity to man: Baltimore, April 27. The tragic death of a young man while in police custody triggered peaceful demonstrations through the week. However, local gangs and outside influences took over, leading to riots, looting and burning. Rioters used bricks, stones and splintered wood to attack and prevent police and firefighters as they attempted to stop this onslaught of hatred and violence, while rioters used the death of this young man to justify their lawlessness.

Bricks, stones and splintered wood. Is the contrast in use lost on anyone?

Pat Nichols

Newport