Good Samaritans

Yesterday a good samaritan was killed in Auckland when he went to the aid of a woman being attacked and was stabbed to death.  It's raised a bit of a debate here about whether to go to someone's aid or stand a safe distance away and call for help on your cell phone.  I don't know what the right answer is - the woman would likely be dead now if not for the help, but a life was lost in the end regardless.  There is some hope in a world when one stranger can still give their life for another, that altruism isn't dead, but at the same time I just keep thinking that there has to be a better way, that the sum should tally with no lives lost.

Faced with the split-second decision I think I would jump in to help, based on things that have happened in the past, but I guess you don't really know until each moment happens.

Anyway, it puts me in mind of this Avett Brother's song:

If I get murdered in the city
Don’t go revengin' in my name
One person dead from such is plenty
No need to go get locked away

When I leave your arms
The things that I think of
No need to get over alarmed
I’m comin' home

I wonder which brother is better
Which one our parents love the most
I sure did get in lots of trouble
They seemed to let the other go

A tear fell from my father’s eyes
I wondered what my dad would say
He said I love you
And I’m proud of you both, in so many different ways

If I get murdered in the city
Go read the letter in my desk
Don’t worry with all my belongings
But pay attention to the list

Make sure my sister knows I loved her
Make sure my mother knows the same
Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing
Like the love that let us share our name
Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing
Like the love that let us share our name