BITTERSWEET, Ky. — I don’t often stray into social issues in this column; that’s really not what it’s for, and often I let my emotions take over as opposed to making my point. With that said, occasionally I will stick in a sentence or two about an issue that is on my mind.

  

Today is one of those days – but I feel as though I must devote the whole column to this subject, as opposed to a few words. As I write this, a tragedy has recently taken place in Manchester, England.

 

During an Ariana Grande concert, someone decided to blow himself up, taking 22 innocent victims with him, many of them young – just children. This has all the markings of being a terrorist attack and it took place in a venue that had just been filled with wonderful music, happy concertgoers and an overall sense of peace; at least that’s what I usually feel when attending a live musical event.

I love a concert, be it in a huge arena with superstars on stage or a small local spot with the hometown favorite. Live music brings the performer closer to their fans and creates a bond of sorts, while bringing each song to life.

In many instances I love live versions of certain songs better than the studio arrangements.

I say all that to say this: Live concerts are a place to feel happy and safe and to dance and sing. Unfortunately, there are such evil people in this world, they take advantage of events such as the Grande concert to inflict pain and suffering on innocent people all to bolster their cause.

I just can’t believe we live in a world where this happens. But we do and it is heartbreaking every time we hear of such a tragedy. I wish I had the answer to all this madness, as I know we all do.

While I’m a firm believer in learning to get along, the people who are creating this havoc have no place in a civilized world. Killing children for a demented cause is too horrific to comprehend or tolerate.

In my naïve way of thinking, we could and should all get along – music takes me to a place of happiness, as I’m sure it did with all those concertgoers who had to experience this nightmare. I know we can’t expect to rid the world of all these tyrants, but I hope for these victims, all those responsible are found and dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. God be with those who were lost and injured; God be with us all.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.