Tragedy

[bcholmes]

If I controlled the universe, tragedy would be measured differently. Public response to Nelia Laroza's death, for example, would far exceed public reaction to Holly Jones' death.

Entire communities would mobilize around efforts to ensure that health care is a safe profession. The government would be pressured to change law, change budgets, (change premiers ferchrissakes), to make hospitals better. People would demand inquiries into the history of health care underfunding.

Comments

[bcholmes.livejournal.com]

Both are Toronto-specific.

Holly Jones was a 10 year-old girl who disappeared while walking home not too far from where I live. Her remains were found in two different locations in Toronto.

Her death was much more violent than Toronto is accustomed to. The case has prompted a lot of renewed interest in, for example, keeping lists of known sex offenders, and Holly's neighbourhood has mobilized to form street patrols.

Nelia Laroza was the first Toronto health care worker to die from SARS.