The phrase “Thoughts and prayers” has received ridicule, but in the absence of more information, it is all we can give for now.

This is a developing story; perhaps thanks in part to the RV's broadcasting of an evacuation message, the loss of life from this incident was thankfully nonexistent, apart from the fact that it is believed the RV itself contained a suicide bomber. Damage to the surrounding buildings in the bustling commercial district was extensive. Hundreds will be displaced or out of work as a result.

That means this event, although shocking, did not at all compare with the thousands of Americans who lost their lives on Christmas Day thanks to Covid, which in the history of the pandemic will be marked as any other day.

So

Perhaps this totally inexplicable bombing that by all accounts could have taken place in any city at any time should not stop us from telling each other

Merry Christmas

I guess