On the death of Marla Ruzicka

Marla Ruzicka's death isn't exactly shocking; she put herself in harm's way every day. But it is horrifying that such an extraordinary person should die so young and should die because she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In the midst of war, every place is the wrong place at the wrong time.

If young girls want someone to look up to, Ruzicka should be at the top of the list. Instead of turning away from reality and shutting out uncomfortable feelings, she felt compelled to act. She was one young woman (two strikes against her from the start), but she made dozens of highly influential people listen to her. If ever there were someone who proved that one person can make a difference, it was Marla Ruzicka.

Conservative columnist Debbie Schlussel remembers Ruzicka by calling her a "treasonatrix barbie" and implies that she got what she deserved. This got the people at Free Republic going, and they contributed such condolences as: "At least this one is dead and can't do more damage," "Good riddance to bad rubbage," "I'm glad she got greased," and "Marla Ruzicka's obituary is one that can be read with real pleasure."

So much confusion about who the enemy is. So little thinking.