"... there's a great gap between a gallous story and a dirty deed."
If empathy is something one must make a concerted effort to feel, then is it genuine?
Other people, having better instincts for human empathy, would, upon reading this article, think of the welfare of the people involved; or ponder the ramifications; or question the truth of the article.
I, on the other hand, must admit my first thought was: what, are all the good code names taken?
Second thoughts are for second guessing oneself; and so normally a second thought ought to steer one into morally calmer waters where one can reflect upon one's inital reactions, and upon how that in turn reflects upon oneself. And then one can choose an ethical, and more empathetic, course of thought.
My second thought was: ...because, evidently, nobody at MI5 would have been able to spell "Sabatier".
I'm not trying to be sarcastic about the depth of seriousness of the situation; I'm commenting on my emotional shallowness: I'm appalled at myself, because, intellectually, I know I ought to be.
It is, as they say, a dirty little war with many dirty little secrets. And I'm appalled. Because I know I ought to be.
Perhaps I oughtn't to feel guilty for not being empathetic; but, then again, I don't, really. It doesn't involve me, so I'm not involved.
So why does this feel unresolved?
Posted by edgar at May 14, 2003 02:42 PM