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Other thinking people believe this, too.


You see, I think I believe differently. In my work, not just in prisons, but in other bureaucracies, even schools, I saw a great number of bad things. You do not have to kill somebody outright to do great evil. You can kill their souls, their opportunities, their hopes, their dignity, their sense of safety. What may seem like unimportant acts, ruin lives outright.


Should we not name as evil these acts (which are really moral choices) that cause such irreparable harm? Is not doing so overlooking them, failing to call out their perpetrators?


In the lifespans of my people, I will confine that to my grandparents through me, my people who I knew and lived with--there have been many genocides. The destruction of the Jewish communities of Europe may have been the largest, and most visible here in the west but it was one of many.


I was a very shallow young woman. I remember I attended a large conference in the late 70's during the dictatorships in Latin America. At that time what was happening was little known. I was so focused upon myself and my petty little wants, it may have moved me some, but not much.  Sometimes, I cannot believe I turned into a reasonably substantial person.


You may think I am being hard on myself. I am not. Just telling the truth.


COPA


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