The command is clear. But is the heart engaged?

Reflecting on the response of Bush pere and fils to the tsunami, contrasted with Clinton, in the post below, I remembered this comment by Sen. Boxer in the Rice confirmation hearings:

BOXER: And if you're going to become the voice of diplomacy, this is just a helpful point. When Senator Voinovich mentioned the issue of tsunami relief, you said -- your first words were The tsunami was a wonderful opportunity for us. Now, the tsunami was one of the worst tragedies of our lifetime, one of the worst, and it's going to have a 10-year impact on rebuilding that area. I was very disappointed in your statement. I think you blew the opportunity. You mentioned it as part of one sentence. And I would hope to work with you on this, because children are suffering; we're worried they're going to get in the sex trade. This thing is a disaster -- a true natural disaster and a human disaster of great proportions. And I hope that the State Department will take a huge lead under your leadership in helping those folks in the long range.

A small point, but not an unimportant one. Everything depends on perspective, of course; on where you stand, and what you choose to look at. Is the suffering of human beings truly an "opportunity" for us? Or an obligation?

The difference is important.