I had a bad day. I am losing my faith in humanity. I am starting to wonder if, as a race, we are doomed to numerous acts of selfishness and cruelty. I think about the shootings and the potential shootings that have ripped through college campuses. I  think about the asinine acts of government that have cost the lives of too many. I think about the out of control students who violently challenge authority simply because they believe that they are entitled. I think about the father who killed his daughter over a video game and mothers who exploit their children for fame. I am afraid. I am disheartened.

And then I find comfort in words of a fictitious president who seems to understand what it means to lead a nation and I remember that human beings can be remarkable. We have heroes and humanitarians and intelligent people walking amongst us.

“…restoring abundance amid an economic shortfall, securing peace in a time of global conflict, sustaining hope in this winter of anxiety and fear. More than any time in recent history, America’s destiny is not of our own choosing. We did not seek nor did we provoke an assault on our freedom and our way of life. We did not expect nor did we invite a confrontation with evil. Yet the true measure of a people’s strength is how they rise to master that moment when it does arrive. 44 people were killed a couple of hours ago at Kennison State University. Three swimmers from the men’s team were killed and two others are in critical condition, when, after having heard the explosion from their practice facility, they ran into the fire to help get people out. Ran into the fire. The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight. They’re our students and our teachers and our parents and our friends. The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels, but every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we’re reminded that that capacity may well be limitless. This is a time for American heroes. We will do what is hard. We will achieve what is great. This is a time for American heroes and we reach for the stars. God bless their memory, God bless you and God bless the United States of America. Thank you.”

From”The West Wing” (20 Hours in America: Part 2), President Bartlett address the nation minutes after finding out that several college students were killed in a terrorist attack.