Note: Before you start reading, know that this is not about personal politics or religious convictions. I don’t write about those. This is about the sadness I feel for all the people involved – even the bad ones.

When eleven people were massacred at a synagogue in Pittsburgh recently, it was immediately obviously that the crime had been committed by one bad person. Soon after the crime, other bad people emerged. Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto was the first. When our President came to pay his respects, the mayor tried to make this tragic event into a political circus. He didn’t show up and made public statements that showed his complete disregard for those who had suffered great loss. Disgraceful behavior, Mr. Mayor.

Encouraged by the disrespect of the mayor, a few loud protestors showed up to scream at the president that he had “no right to be there.” Joining in were those who made insensitive comments about the entire community of those affected while hiding behind the anonymity proved by social media. All those mentioned here are bad people. They allowed their hatred of Jews and their personal political views to bring them to take highly inappropriate actions.

The bad people showed themselves to be just that and, as usual, drew most of the attention and coverage. I feel sorry for them.

So, who were the good people and what did they do? The police, the 1^st responders, docs and nurses did what they always do; compassionate care was provided to all parties. The Rabbi and synagogue survivors came together to share their grief. Family members and friends brought flowers and offered prayers. Donations from across the country came next. The good citizens of the region and the entire nation mourned for those who lost their lives, their survivors and for the wonderful city they all share.

In life, the good people always out-number the bad people. Often that fact is lost when the bad people gain the coverage and may even become mistakenly identified as the majority.