On Little Hawk's recommendation a few years ago, I have finally got hold of a copy of Mark Twain's "Personal recollections of Joan of Arc." IMO, it's one of his very best, if not THE best. I know it is fiction, but he truly portrays, with stunning ability, the dichotomy she faced..a peasant girl who loved the fairies of a childhood tree, family and friends, the great outdoors, all creatures and had an abundance of empathy for even those, to the very end, who were her enemies and finally destroyed her mortal being, and the going to war which she was charged with in order to deliver France from the 100 years war. She had empathy for any and all and I would think she would were she here, today, for those mentioned above. A fine example, perhaps a bit too saintly for some mortals to attain, but a goal anyway.

I do try to have empathy, I have tons of it for nature, critters, family and friends and their friends. I have some for people such as Stephens and their families. It is sad that he died so tragically, but I think, like BillD, there are those I would say, maybe not "good riddance," but "better karma next time" and leave it at that.

Interesting thread, Ebbie.