truer words were never spoken

I just don't think anyone can fully understand the catastrophe of all that's happened without actually having been there. Everything else is pure speculation. — Gayle T (from a mailing list)

this was in response to someone's heartfelt awe at the looting and loss that has happened to Iraqi museums and libraries.

although i share the other person's pov — i have to admit that i also share gayle's thought. and i almost feel sick to try to imagine. it just isn't fair and there is a bit of sick voyeurism to it... here we all are... so comfortable without even really thinking about it... and there is real catastrophe out there. how smug to even try to identify with it.