Schadenfreude defined

Misfortune beset upon others rarely if ever brings me real pleasure. In my life, I’ve probably wronged more people than have wronged me. I’ve probably apologized less than I should for indiscretions and thoughtlessness. This is to say that I am fully aware I am an imperfect being.

There is a difference, though, in between being imperfect and being evil. Indeed, friends, there is evil in the world. Evil breeds in self-concern and manifests itself in the active pursuit of others’ demise. Evil is the ability to believe selfishness is not only a virtue, but the only virtue. Evil is trying to ruin good people in an effort to make yourself more profitable.

It’s been nearly three years since I was afraid to use this forum as a place of comfort during one of the most difficult professional moments of my life. My reputation hung unjustly in the balance. Then, I only wrote:

There are things that I can’t write about, even in this dangerously honest forum. There are things that can threaten a person’s professional life. There are things that are so ridiculous that the mere possibility that they may be taken seriously boggles the mind.

Some fine day, I will write about these things. But for now, let this suffice:

To all friends: I thank you for your shoulder, your ear, and your support.

And bring Bradoween the fuck on.

For three years, I’ve rested on the comfort that karma exists. Every time it seemed as though the evil as winning, I’d offer the trite old phrase, “What comes around, goes around.”

There’s no need to offer a full recounting of the old events or even bring up the new ones. All I can say is… karma is a great thing.

The Jews have a saying: “Rejoice not at thine enemy’s fall, but don’t rush to pick him up either.”

No rush, friends. No rush at all.