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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Thirty Days of Photographs: Pain

There is so much pain in the world. Countless civilians suffer and die for the wars fought by politicians. Terrorists use violence to cause pain and suffering in the name of their conviction, and students go on killing sprees through their schools. Yesterday it was Norway’s turn to suffer when one of their own turned against his people and killed almost 100 men, women and children in two separate, unprovoked attacks.

I’ve never understood what makes someone want to cause that much pain and suffering to other living beings. Someone once said that human compassion is what separates us from animals. Someone else said it is the fact that we’re capable of evil that distinguishes us from animals.

In my studies of human rights, I’ve read about genocide, torture, the death penalty and crimes against humanity. I know for a fact how evil man can be, and how much pain a single man with a crazy idea can cause. And there’s always a man with a crazy idea.

Today my candle burns for the victims of the attack in Norway. Tomorrow it will burn for someone else. There will always be someone else.


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Posted by Ziva
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16 comments:

  1. Linda MedranoJuly 23, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    I was stunned with horror when the events in Norway became known yesterday morning.  My heart goes out to all of the people in that lovely country who are suffering because of the actions of a madman.  Beautiful photo, Ziva.

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  2. NickyJuly 23, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    You brought tears to my eyes with this one, Lemmikki. From your profound and wise words to the heartbreaking image of the lone candle, this is painfully beautiful.

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  3. 00dozoJuly 23, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    A very simple photo for a very complicated problem.  Very well done on the pic and the post.

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  4. frankleemeidereJuly 23, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    I've been following this story since it broke. Part of the shock is simply that this isn't the kind of thing that happens in Scandinavia. Another part is the remarkable innocent look to the alleged shooter, Anders Breivik (one commentor mentioned he looks like a young Fox Muldar -- and I can see it). The death toll is over 90 now, all caused by one man. I believe this is a record for a spree killer.

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  5. nonamedufusJuly 23, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Yesterday was yet another wtf moment. The sad thing is there are far too many of them these days. Absolutely senseless. Your photo exudes such appropriate sensitivity. Nicely done.  

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  6. meleahrebeccahJuly 23, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    I second that.

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  7. ReformingGeekJuly 24, 2011 at 2:36 AM

    Thank you for saying that so well.  My thoughts are prayers are with Norway.

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  8. MikewjJuly 24, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    "Today my candle burns for the victims of the attack in Norway. Tomorrow it will burn for someone else. There will always be someone else."

    Those are three of the best articulated and saddest sentences I've ever read anywhere, Ziva. I'm tired of reading about madmen and their killing sprees, and I'm going to remain tired. What is wrong with the world?

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  9. ZivaJuly 25, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    I know, we're all feeling their pain. All of Scandinavia shared a moment of silence today to honor the victims together.

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  10. ZivaJuly 25, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Never thought anyone would call my words profound and wise, but if there ever was a time for it, this was it.. Thank you, Nicky.

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  11. ZivaJuly 25, 2011 at 11:54 PM

     Thank you, somehow that candle shows exactly how I was feeling.

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  12. ZivaJuly 25, 2011 at 11:59 PM

     I know, we were all shocked that this had happened in Norway, and even more so when we learned that it was this fair young Norwegian man who did it. He sent his manifesto to many Finnish politicians as well, and is now trying to make himself heard in front of the world. I truly hope people will ignore the bastard.

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  13. ZivaJuly 25, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Mine too, Reffie. 

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  14. ZivaJuly 26, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    Everything is wrong with the world, Mike. But luckily, there are still a few good people left.

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  15. ZivaJuly 26, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    Thank you, it truly was a wtf moment if there ever was one. It took me a good while to really understand what was happening.

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  16. Linda MedranoJuly 26, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    I can't even imagine what the people of Norway must be feeling. That is
    not a country with violence as a way of life. It really makes me sick.

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