Amish 1, Mainstream Culture 0

We have always looked at the Amish as some quaint throwback culture -- harmless but ultimately anachronistic. After the killings of Amish schoolchildren in Pennsylvania last week, I suspect the smug is on the other foot. Amid their despair, I suspect many Amish feel vindicated in their beliefs about the corrupt and sociopathic nature of the society the English have built here.

I read that the Amish, while famously private, have opened the funerals of their children (and the attendant coffers) to the family of the accused, believing that the victims of this crime go beyond those being buried. The Amish have also been open with their forgiveness, perhaps is keeping with their belief that vengeance is just another bullet in the same gun that started this horrible episode.

Here in the mainstream culture, violence is becoming America's first resort, and vengeance and judgment color virtually every decision we make. While the Amish will continue to live on the margins of our sophisticated and civilized society -- and they certainly will not be appointed to government positions anytime soon -- this round goes to the Amish.