Why Terrorism Doesn't Work

Because they played Sweet Caroline at Yankee Stadium

It's just a song sung by every Red Sox fan who's ever been to a game. A ritual -- hands waving, voices following the lyrics on the jumbotron. A silly, fun song. Except on April 16, the day after the Boston Marathon bombings. When the Fenway anthem was played at Yankee Stadium it wasn't just a song it was a statement. The divisional antagonists stepping up in support of their longtime rivals. A powerful gesture from the opposing camp. Nothing needed to be said. Every Red Sox fan knew what it meant: "we're with you."

 

This is why terrorists inevitably fail. They galvanize the most bitter of opponents behind a single cause -- to find and punish them. In the days following the Boston attack there were countless expressions of support and we're grateful for every one. But the one from the Bronx, the one that brought tears to my eyes, the silly song, was the best of all.