The sheer horror and terror of what has occurred in New Zealand stands at such close proximity at this time, that it is difficult to fully gauge its gravity.

It has certainly shocked the nation itself, as New Zealand isn’t known as a dangerous, or even particularly excitable, place.  The serene and unfathomably gorgeous surroundings, along with the California-like dichotomy of beaches and ski mountains within hours of one another, lends the Kiwis the unmistakeable air of “chill” that one normally reserves for Malibu or San Diego.

In fact, this rampage claimed the lives of more New Zealanders than an entire year of homicides would have in the country.

But, as with any act of gruesome horror, there is always a shining light, somewhere in the darkness, that rekindles our belief in the human spirit.

BREAKING: The New Zealand Herald reports that the shooting at the second mosque was stopped by an armed Muslim who "chased the shooters and fired two shots at them as they sped off." pic.twitter.com/BA2FzsXq2d

— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) March 15, 2019

That’s right; a good guy with a gun.  It’s the same story that we hear time and again, all over the globe, and it rings fundamentally true in nearly all aspects of life.

It is not enough to hope and pray for the bad guys to turn the other cheek.  No; we must also hope and pray that good men will not stand aside and do nothing in the face of such evil.  And, by God, let’s hope they’re armed.

When it comes to community fundraising, there are no shortage of unique and inspired ways in which Americans can help one another out.

Between the candy bar cartel, the car wash cabal, and the bake sale barons, local communities throughout our nation have long found interesting and unique ways to stash a little extra cash for a shared project.

Now, one town in Vermont is taking things a step further, allowing residents the opportunity to put a name on the mayoral ballot for a mere $5, with the cash raised going to the creation of a new public playground.

But there’s a catch…

A 3-year-old goat in Vermont beat out more than a dozen other pets for the title of honorary mayor.

Lincoln, a Nubian goat, was chosen by residents in Fair Haven, a town of roughly 2,500 people that sits along the border of Upstate New York, to serve as mayor for one year.

The goat was among 15 other animals on the ballot in the running for the honorary position. Lincoln beat out several other animals, including cat Sassy Towle, a dog named Stella Heibler and a gerbil named Crystal, for the job.

Lincoln took 13 of the 53 votes cast, just surpassing a dog named Sammie Viger who took home 11.

The young, female goat will lead the town’s Memorial Day parade later this year, dressed to the nines in yet to be revealed “custom sash”.

And while the fundraising stunt only brought in around $100, local officials are hopeful the exposure that Lincoln brings to the town will be beneficial in as-of-yet unknown ways.