Even in this era which is characterized by so many acts of depravity, there are some crimes which shock the conscience. Such is the case with the murder of a South Korean immigrant to the United States who was pushed to his death on the subway tracks in New York City by a homeless misfit with an extensive criminal record. The horror of this incident was magnified by a photograph on the front page of the New York Post showing the doomed man on the tracks in the moments before he was struck and killed by a subway train that was unable to stop in time. News reports indicate that the victim's family members so traumatized by the photo that they have been staying at the home of their pastor.
The story causes us to recognize that there are mentally deficient beasts that walk among us every day and that while Al-Qaeda and its sympathizers are often portrayed as the greatest threat to us and our way of life, the lone domestic terrorist is the person that has the greatest ability to shatter our lives without warning.
Naturally, the alleged killer is offering excuses for what he did, smearing the victim by telling the media, "He started it!". The victim cannot challenge the defendant's version of events because he is dead. I am optimistic that security video will disprove the defendant's account, but even if it were found to be accurate, a charge of homicide is almost certain to be sustained by a jury.
The alleged killer had little to lose. He was a drifter with no permanent residence. Now, he will be supported by tax dollars, most likely for decades, able to enjoy three meals a day, room and board, health care, and recreation.
What can we do about it? Nothing.
