Reflection on Charleston

There is much discussion about whether the gunman in the Charleston Shooting should be labeled Mentally ill or Terrorist. I do not particularly like labels but it is clear that how we label people and events has a direct influence on how we processes the situation. It also has a direct influence on whether or not we grow as individuals and a society.
I am still processing all of the many layers of this shooting and how I can personally evolve as a result. Those who were killed and their families deserve to have me respect them enough to make sure that the sacrifice of their lives has made a difference to at least one individual, .
It is true that we have to look candidly at ALL the factors involved.. including our approach to mental health. AND it is true that if we are going to take into consideration these issues for this person, we ALSO have to apply the same insights to the people who flew the planes into the Twin Towers, and EVERYONE who we have labeled a terrorist. These insights apply across race, ethnicity, and country.
We need to look within our hearts to see if and why we treat some people with more compassion than others. I am one of the few SU students to return from England after the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. I lost nearly all of my classmates and some of my close friends to that "terrorist" attack. Even through my pain, I understood the many layers of circumstances that the bomber must have been faced with. My words come from experience and deep exploration of humanity.
It's time to be honest with ourselves. Nothing heals until we face it with open eyes.