New Orleans, a terrible start to the year

It only takes a madman to remind the world that violence is totally endemic on this planet. The new year has begun with an appalling slaughter of innocent people on the streets of New Orleans. People celebrating the New Year and killed by a man who drove his pick-up truck into them with the intention of killing as many as possible. Ten lives lost and 30 more injured. What gets into the head of men like this just before they carry out an atrocity like this? Are they suicidal and decide to take others with them or are they simply people with ideological hatred inside them who hate to see others enjoying themselves? Whether this was a terrorist attack or a hate-filled attack, we don't yet know. But the FBI are involved, so it's probably terrorism. And that's another reminder, that however successful countries are, notable the US, in trying to eliminate terrorism and terrorists, they will always be there. As their "comrades-in-terrorism" are killed, more step into their shoes. There is no end to terrorism. And 2025 has begun with the grimmest of messages, that innocence is not something sacred. There are always angry and hateful people around in our communities who believe innocence should be punished. I started 2025 with a sense of optimism. It didn't last long.