As many of you know, tomorrow marks the 2nd anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing. It is still there oddly in my mind as I get closer to next week's race as it had a profound effect on so many people including myself. You also all probably know that the verdict of "Guilty" was handed down last week in the federal case against the remaining brother dubbed "The Boston Bomber". It has yet to be decided as to whether or not he receives the death penalty, and many have stated that he will become a martyr if this is granted. Not sure you can become a martyr if no terrorist group has ever claimed responsibility and it still appears as if the brothers acted alone and for their own purpose. Admittedly as the "baby brother", he (who shall not be named) may have been influenced by his bigger, older brother as we are all most likely influenced by an older sibling (I'm not sure how that really works since both my husband and I are the oldest and my daughter is an only, but I do know this to be true as you can be influenced by an older cousin or even classmate); however, as far as I know we all still have our own free will. Frankly, I'm not really a believer in the death penalty as I do believe that there are many who sit on death row that are indeed innocent and I am sure we can all recall plenty of cases where new evidence or the ability to test DNA or the simple change in our attitudes in like (racially motivated cases and the like) and it really does cost as as tax payers as much if not more $$$ than if the prisoner is sentenced to life. In this case though, I'm also torn by the fact that the bomber is only 22 yrs old and can certainly live within the system for another 50+ yrs spending the hard earned monies made and paid by many of his victims. In many ways, I'm of the "eye for an eye" opinion here in that I think if not given death, he should one leg blown off and maybe the other foot and then be forced to live with a low paying job, no welfare and no health benefits - that might teach him. I'm not sure that he is remorseful at this time as during the trial he seemed to sit and fidget rather than look his victims in the eye. Not sure if that is remorse or distain.
In reading a review by Janet Napolitano of a recent book released about the brothers in this past Sunday's NYT book review, she stated that, "At this writing, no one knows whether Dzhokhar will receive the death penalty. In any case, what is left of his life will be spent behind bars instead of pursuing the American dream as his parents hoped he would. Meanwhile, last year there were 36,000 runners and a record number of spectators lining the course at the Boston Marathon; a million are expected on April 20. People there called it “Boston Strong.” I call it resilience, that enduring strand of the American fabric that, in the end, will outlast the most dastardly plots against it." I have never been the biggest fan of Ms. Napolitano for various reasons, but this time, I must say I do agree. And in just short of one week from today, I will once again run those infamous streets of Massachusetts, through my hometown, and to the finish line downtown, and I will once again and always remain "Boston Strong".
