A Few Quick Thoughts on Today's Events in DC
As you've no doubt heard, there was a shooting rampage in the Navy Yard in DC, along the banks of the Anacostia.
I've been in a state of disbelief all day, for several reasons.
First, I really like that area of DC, and not just because the Nationals play there. It's has a nice vibe, and if I could live there, I totally would. (Yes, I'd even pick the Navy Yard neighborhood over Wrigleyville.) The area used to be a dump, but it's gentrified nicely.
Second, my (late) best friend's father occasionally worked in the Navy offices there. Interestingly enough, on 9-11 he was in meetings there when the plane struck the Pentagon - and his office was one of those struck by the plane.
Third, my great-grandfather was born in that neighborhood. The family moved to Georgetown when he was a few months old, and his father is buried in Congressional Cemetery a few blocks away from the Navy Yard. So I feel a familial connection to the area, even though all of these people died long before I was born.
In short, for various reasons, all of them somewhat distant when looked at dispassionately, I'm feeling somewhat stunned by today's events.
I've been in a state of disbelief all day, for several reasons.
First, I really like that area of DC, and not just because the Nationals play there. It's has a nice vibe, and if I could live there, I totally would. (Yes, I'd even pick the Navy Yard neighborhood over Wrigleyville.) The area used to be a dump, but it's gentrified nicely.
Second, my (late) best friend's father occasionally worked in the Navy offices there. Interestingly enough, on 9-11 he was in meetings there when the plane struck the Pentagon - and his office was one of those struck by the plane.
Third, my great-grandfather was born in that neighborhood. The family moved to Georgetown when he was a few months old, and his father is buried in Congressional Cemetery a few blocks away from the Navy Yard. So I feel a familial connection to the area, even though all of these people died long before I was born.
In short, for various reasons, all of them somewhat distant when looked at dispassionately, I'm feeling somewhat stunned by today's events.