How Much Lower Can We Sink?

When it comes to values in America today, our moral compass is pretty fouled up, and its not getting any better.  Over the last few days I have been pretty disgusted with how some in our society treat those who serve and protect us.  Here in Philly, a fast moving row home fire killed 4 children.  A tragic and sad event for the parents, family, neighbors, and friends of those who died.  As a parent, my heart goes out to them, I can only imagine the depth of their grief.  Next thing you know, large groups of residents from the area are protesting in front of ladder 4, and Engine 40, the first trucks on the scene. Crazy rumors are running through the neighborhood accusing the fire department of taking 30 minutes to respond.  I can understand people's grief, but I can't understand blaming the men who responded and put their lives on the line to extinguish that fire and try to save those kids.  If there is one thing that gets to a firefighter, its not being able to save the life of a child.  If people want to be angry, go to City Council and let them know how upset they are with the reduction in the number of fire houses and firefighters in the city.  Don't go after the guys who came when you called 911.
The other incident involves the murder of rookie Jersey City police officer Melvin Santiago.  He was ambushed by a man who said he wanted to kill a cop and be famous.  He waited for the first officer to arrive, and then opened fire on officer Santiago.  He was killed in an exchange of gun fire with other officers.  The killer's widow was interviewed by a local TV news station and said her husband should have killed more officers.  And then some in the community set up a memorial for the murderer.
So I ask, has our sense of community morality sunk so low that we memorialize cop killers and threaten firefighters?  God help us all.
Blessings,
Dr. Paul