Two days ago, on Memorial Day, I expressed some thoughts about how this country might express appreciation to people who made the ultimate sacrifice by fighting—and dying—in unjust wars. This morning, I read an essay, written by a Marine veteran, that delivered much more forcefully than mine a message about unjust, mismanaged wars. That message, delivered by someone much closer to the reality of unjust wars than I, has considerably more credibility than mine.
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It’s late already; a quarter past nine. In a while, I have a doctor’s appointment. I must take a shower soon or my doctor will think I only bathe weekly or monthly or annually. Not that it really matters, does it? Should I be embarrassed if I were to leave my doctor with the impression that I am unashamedly unclean? Probably. So I will shower. Shave. Put on some post-shave smell-good juice. Get dressed (an important step in the process, not to be overlooked). I may try to get a haircut this afternoon. I intended to get my hair cut about a month ago, but apparently I lost the calendar and was, therefore, unaware of my intent. Get cracking!
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“I will not strangle myself this morning.” When I say those words, I feel confident that I am speaking the truth. Certainty flows through my body like warm blood. Truth. It’s such a powerful noun. “I will shower in a few minutes.” Those words do not imbue me with as much confidence. Could the difference have to do with the fact that the first is a negative statement and the second is a positive statement? It could be something else. I will force the issue. Off to the shower!
