This morning it is reported that former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens and 8 other passengers were on a small plane (an Otter, seats something like 12, I think) that crashed last night in western Alaska. At this point it is not publicly known whether Sen. Stevens is among the five reported dead.

I find myself ruminating on my feelings. I don't like Ted Stevens, never came close to voting for him, don't like what he stands for, etc. However, that said, I feel great sympathy for those who love him.

A number of years ago, Stevens was in another small plane crash that killed his first wife. Today his second wife is at home wondering whether her husband survived this one.

Thoughts? Can we legitimately empathise with those we truly don't like? I think we can.