Security

April 7 is the official day to commemorate the genocide in Rwanda. It's a moment to step back to mourn losses of that specific, brutal conflict, and to marvel again at the remarkable ability of people to turn against their neighbors, to ignore what I believe is an inborn human instinct of empathy for others and revert instead to our most brutal state.

I enjoy a great deal of security, certainly relative to many other parts of the world. That is the case even with problems of gun violence, strongly perceived inequality and a prison system that badly needs reform. 

There is a certain wonderful predictability about life that is based on an understanding of what the risks and rewards are of certain behaviors and a lack of existential fear - at least the type that emanates from a force in power- government or otherwise.

Sometimes I feel like it could all be a grand illusion- go up in smoke at any moment, revealing a much more brutal reality. And watchfulness can't be bad. But realistically, I think it is just that. And that's good- very good.