The people of Oklahoma City suffered an unspeakable tragedy last week. It was a cowardly act worthy of national condemnation, and the perpetrators must be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Civil authorities, who made quick work of capturing at least one of the villains, and all the Americans who pitched in to help are to be commended. As we sift through the rubble of this terrorist act, we must ask whether it's an omen for our future or an isolated act of an evil person.
Civility is fragile.
Its maintenance requires rule of law, respect for private property and, above all, limited government. History is full of examples of how easily civility can unravel and how decent people can become barbarians themselves or become sympathizers to barbaric acts. We need only look at Germany, Ireland or Sri Lanka. For close to a half century, our nation has been trashing the rule of law and constitutional principles. As a result, we have been creating widespread legitimate anger and a climate for incivility.