McGrath, I'm surprised that you of all people, can't seem to grasp the immediate implications of the Shakespearean/Greek tragedy aspects of this spectacular event. There is always a politics of national and international tragedies like this. Now, there may be some who protest that, as we have seen in this thread. Those who suggest the mere mention of the political ramifications of this national and international tragedy, is abhorrent to them.

But that should hardly mean that we should immediately shout down those who have an honest and innocent impulse towards precisely that sort of understanding of the event. I believe it to be every bit as natural and appropriate as the behavior of those who wrap themselves in grief. Neither response should be taboo, as they both reflect the reality of the event.

May I remind everyone, this is not an obituary thread. Now, if it would comfort those who wish only to discuss grief, then perhaps it is time to start an obituary thread, rather than engage in vituperative insults and character assassination of those who wish to discuss the political aspects of the tragedy.