I wouldn't be surprised either. >:-(
You're so right... it is an AWFUL symbol of our collapse.
Notre Dame is.... was one of the amazing glories of western civilization... probably the most iconic symbol / building of all of Western Europe. Absolutely heartbreaking.
Glad we saw beautiful Notre Dame in its full glory. If any of it survives, it will *never* be the same again.
First the moral collapse, second the physical collapse.
Shep Smith just threw an ELECTED French official off the air for daring to bring terrorism into the discussion. You would think inquiring minds would want to know what someone on the scene has to say.