A civilization did die last night, never to return.

Perhaps it used to be a good idea. Perhaps we should mourn its deadly, destructive demise.

Yet last night we saw a people flood their city's streets—not seeking martyrdom, but refusing to let the very idea of civilization perish.

Sometimes blood triumphs over the sword. There are no guarantees, only struggle.

Someday we'll tell the unheroic stories of those who chose life and living against the pull of death and profit.