History Strikes Again

It is truly amazing just how much of a difference the passage of one week can make. In the span of time since my last commentary we have, all witnessed two significant tragedies. One involved a fire and one involved overcrowding and panic.

However, the fire at The Station in Rhode Island is distinctly different from the tragedies of the past. Owing to the presence of a television crew filming a story of nightclub safety, we have been granted the unprecedented opportunity to watch the tragedy as it unfolded.

I have spent many hours sitting mesmerized in front of my television set, reliving that tragedy. I cannot stem the flow of questions. Why did this happen? Is it that some people believe themselves immune to the laws of chemistry and physics? Is it that some people believe themselves to be above the laws of our nation? Alternatively, might it be that we simply cannot remember what happened in the past, and consequently the steps that were created to prevent a repeat of past tragedies. Sound familiar?

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn