metzora continued

if the sin of slander is so pernicious, then why at this time is there no tzoraas?
the answer lies at the core of our conditioning. when there is a chemical imbalance in the cortex of the brain the effect may be catastrophic. in the heel such an imbalance might not even be noticed!
the sensitivity of the organ makes the imbalance perceived. today we are as insensitive to truth and Torah as the heel is impervious to most stimuli. this is because if the heel were sensitive we couldn't walk on them.
so too, our soles which are called the feet of the Messianic era. we must walk forward despite all the faults. for this reason we no longer are affected physically by the poisons of ill will and slander. the poisons ingested in our systems are no less noxious, just invisible . only when we view the effect of harmful words does it make a dent in our mannerisms. we often miss the lesson through excessive rebuke or insensitivity .
the tragedies at virginia tech are horrid and chilling. how one person can coldbloodedly take the lives of so many defies any justification. nonetheless , certain attitudes pushed his evil to the brink of vengeance. the corrosive nature of criticism ate at this lunatic's core. perhaps a good word from someone at the right time might have delayed and mitigated the disaster. i am not
blaming victims or justifying a vicious animal.
however, if collectively we would be careful with our words and give people in general the respect that they crave,then the latent evil in men like cho could be dissipated.
by what authority do i say this ? by the clear staement in the torah reprimanding the slanderer
more openly than the scoundrel. the upper elements of society must never forget other humans. nor are they more than human.