He had a vendetta

Today's news carries the story of Clay Duke, the disgruntled ex-convict who tried to shoot three school board members at a meeting in Panama City. His last Facebook entry seems based on the movie Vendetta and carries his manifesto of hate.

What complicates this matter is that Duke was diagnosed with adult onset Bipolar Disorder. No one knows at this writing if he was taking his medication or not. My suspicion is "not."

What inspires me is the bravery of the Board President who tried to sacrifice himself by asking Duke to release the others, and the female board member who returned after her release from the hostage-taking to attempt to hit the gun from Duke's hand with her purse. In a culture which is so often painted with the broad brushes of selfishness, narcissism and egoism, it is refreshing (albeit sad) to see this level of courage and other-centeredness by the two board members.