Let’s Please Get the Terminology Right

A dead hostage is not a hostage at all but rather a dead body. It’s time the Palestinians learn that.

Maybe it’s time the Israelis stop returning the prisoners and start running tanks through Gaza with guns blazing again… This time without warning. I expect 2 or 3 days of that and the Palestinians will have the smarts to figure out the difference.

Fifty Times a Day

The man said, “Giving up cigarettes is one of the easiest things I ever did. I did it fifty times a day.” I have often said that food addiction is probably one of the most difficult of all. It is ultimately impossible because none of us is able to go cold turkey and just stop eating. I mean, at some point, giving it up is worse than getting fat. As one who fights the battle of the bulge, I am all too aware of the temptations. One minute I am saying outlaw chocolate; the next, I am scarfing it up by the pound. Thank goodness for diet drinks, or I’d have been pushing up the proverbial daisies years ago.

Many problem drinkers adamantly claim, “I’m not an alcoholic. I can stop drinking whenever I want.” Yet, the irony lies in the fact that they never actually want to quit. A preacher once colorfully described this phenomenon, suggesting such individuals have a “broken wanter” – a metaphorical term implying a deep-seated inability to truly desire change, despite outward assertions of control over their drinking habits.

Please forgive me for zeroing in on the problem drinker. Though he would seem to be one of the biggest problems in society, he is far from being the only one. My doctor says I should not eat so many hamburgers. And, by the way, I can give up hamburgers any time I want. However, habits, really deadly bad habits, extend throughout the US. Indeed, it would seem to be most problematic in societies with the greatest wealth.

Perhaps I should not say that. Someone might suggest that my Social Security be halved as a treatment for my clogged arteries.

I suppose, ideally, the easiest way to resolve the problem is to repair those little wanters that the preacher mentioned. However, before we could hope to do that, we would need to find the little things.

Some might go so far as to outlaw certain foods. Some substances are already illegal. Yet, each year the problem only seems to get worse. I think that close to half of our law enforcement efforts are spent eradicating harmful substances now.

Ah, the classic dilemma: solve chaos with total control or embrace the beautiful mess of human imperfection. I’d rather dance with disorder than waltz into a surveillance state—some cures are deadlier than the disease.

Rights and Courtesies

As Americans, we have rights. When we go outside the US, we lose those rights. Many of those rights are converted to courtesies. However, many people get the idea that they have rights in other countries too, some of which the citizens of those countries don’t have. Consider the right of freedom of speech. Most countries have no such right.

It is but one of many reasons why I am so hesitant to leave our wonderful country. Moreover, there are some things we know we can do here that you cannot do elsewhere without being arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned.

Green card holders often misunderstand the extent of their legal rights in the United States. While permanent residency provides significant privileges, it does not equate to full citizenship. To prevent misconceptions, it would be beneficial to implement a comprehensive orientation program that clearly outlines the responsibilities and limitations associated with green card status. Such a program could include a detailed briefing and signed acknowledgment that emphasizes the importance of adhering to local, state, and federal laws, and clarifies that certain constitutional protections may differ for non-citizens. This approach would help ensure that immigrants fully understand their legal standing and obligations within the United States.

Recently, a person with a green card led a protest on Columbia University. He had not that right. More important, as a foreigner, he was trying to run our country, which is blatantly wrong. Now that they are in the process of pulling his green card, the news broadcasters are again on the wrong side. Because they like what he was preaching, they came to his rescue and said he should not be deported.

Foreign nationals should not attempt to interfere with or manipulate the internal affairs of a nation where they do not hold citizenship, regardless of their geographical location or political stance.

Moreover, they should not at all be surprised when their green card is revoked and they are put on a plane home. And by the way, it is not likely that they will be welcomed back.

Without a Trace

The television series portrays a specialized FBI team dedicated to investigating missing persons and kidnapping cases. While the show likely takes creative liberties with its narrative, it offers a glimpse into the complex world of law enforcement’s search and rescue operations. In reality, such units probably manage multiple challenging investigations simultaneously, potentially juggling a dozen active cases at any given moment, each representing a critical mission to reunite families and bring resolution to desperate situations.

In quiet moments of reflection, I ponder the profound theological promise of the rapture—a divine event where believers will be lifted heavenward, united with Christ in eternal communion, transcending earthly concerns and embracing celestial peace.

Given the increased workload and potential staff reductions, they might experience heightened challenges in managing investigations, potentially leading to significant operational stress and widespread concern among personnel.

I am glad I won’t be here to see it. It might be a good reason to be one of those who have accepted Jesus as your Savior now, before it’s too late. It would be a horrible thing to find out it’s already too late. If it should happen that the missing persons unit has about ten times the workload, you will know it’s too late, even if you are an upstanding member of a respected church, even if you have been baptized.

By observing closely, you’ll recognize those who genuinely shared a deep relationship with Christ – they will be amoung those who mysteriously vanish without a trace.

“Call Nine One One!!”

In countless crime dramas, a familiar scene unfolds: a character stumbles upon an injured individual, pauses briefly, then urgently shouts, “Someone call 911!” This trope has become so ubiquitous that it’s practically a television cliché, especially in police procedurals like Blue Bloods, where such moments are almost a narrative staple.

If someone discovers me injured, I urge them to directly contact emergency services. Immediate action reduces response time and guarantees that help is summoned. By taking personal responsibility, bystanders can prevent the diffusion of responsibility, where everyone assumes someone else will make the call. This approach also minimizes redundant emergency dispatches, streamlining communication and reducing potential confusion at the response center.

International Economics

International economic relations are nuanced and multifaceted, extending far beyond simplistic perceptions of conflict. Collaborative efforts like the joint European development of Airbus demonstrate how nations can strategically partner in high-technology industries. Unlike the United States, where aerospace innovation relies primarily on private sector investment, European governments actively support and fund aerospace research and manufacturing.

There is another problem American manufacturers must face: when foreign countries do not allow the sales of American products in their markets. Sorta hard to compete when we are not allowed to compete.

Throughout history, strategic economic manipulation has posed significant challenges to global trade. Nations have employed tactics like predatory pricing to undermine domestic industries, as exemplified by China’s approach to steel and aluminum production. By flooding markets with artificially low-priced metals, foreign producers can effectively dismantle local manufacturing capabilities. Once domestic production ceases, these countries can then leverage their market dominance, potentially dictating prices and availability during critical national needs, such as aerospace manufacturing. This economic strategy transforms a seemingly competitive market into a potential strategic vulnerability, where a single nation can exert substantial economic pressure by controlling essential industrial resources.

National security demands strategic self-sufficiency in critical manufacturing and industrial sectors. We cannot afford to depend on foreign nations, particularly those with potentially competing geopolitical interests, for essential materials like steel used in defense infrastructure. Our national strategy must prioritize domestic production capabilities that ensure we can manufacture key resources independently, maintaining a robust and resilient industrial base that can meet our strategic needs during any potential global disruption.

Are we prepared to risk the collapse of Boeing, potentially leaving the global aviation market entirely dependent on Airbus? The implications of losing a critical American aerospace manufacturer could have far-reaching consequences for our industrial infrastructure, technological innovation, and economic competitiveness.

Musicals

Musicals have long been a polarizing art form, with countless individuals dismissing them outright. The most common critique I encounter is the perceived lack of realism—a sentiment that seemingly undermines the genre’s unique storytelling potential. Yet, beneath this surface-level objection lies a misunderstood world of emotional expression and artistic innovation.

While musicals may not appeal to everyone, dismissing the entire genre means missing out on numerous exceptional films and theatrical performances that offer rich storytelling, compelling characters, and innovative artistic expression.

If not for “The Sound of Music,” most of us would not have experienced the takeover of Austria by the Germans, other than in a clinical sense. If not for “Fiddler on the Roof,” most of us would not be aware of what the Jews went through during the final years of Czarist Russia, which is a very important part of human history. Some might argue against me, but “South Pacific” and “The King and I” brought up racial subjects that were right on the edge in their day.

The timeless melodies of classic musicals transcend generations, breathing life into narratives that might otherwise fade. “Sound of Music” exemplifies this phenomenon, captivating audiences decades after its initial release. Its enduring appeal suggests a universal resonance that speaks to contemporary viewers as powerfully as it did to its original audience, proving that great storytelling, enhanced by memorable music, can create an emotional connection that defies time.

Fiddler on the Roof stands out as a timeless masterpiece that transcends musical entertainment. Its profound narrative explores cultural traditions and social change with remarkable depth. The musical’s songs, particularly poignant pieces like “Sunrise, Sunset,” beautifully capture the emotional landscape of Jewish life in early 20th century Russia. Beyond its melodic brilliance, the story offers rich historical insights that could profoundly educate students about cultural identity, family dynamics, and societal transformation. The work’s thematic richness makes it an invaluable educational resource, deserving of broader recognition in academic settings.

Humor often serves as a crucial element in storytelling, providing levity and emotional relief that can make narratives more engaging and memorable. The inclusion of lighthearted moments not only breaks tension but also creates a more relatable and enjoyable experience for the audience.

While musicals often showcase exceptional musical compositions, not all achieve a perfect balance between narrative and score. Some productions primarily serve as platforms for memorable melodies, which can still be thoroughly enjoyable. However, certain musicals, like Desert Song, possess narratives so minimal that the music becomes the primary driving force. In such cases, removing the musical elements would leave behind a skeletal storyline.

How to Encourage Spaceships to the Moon

Discover a big chunk of gold up there in one of those craters.

Well I suppose that’s true for any of half a dozen other elements, minerals or who knows what all.

Then, too, would they line up for trips to mars if they find the yellow stuff up there?

On the other hand, the investments might be in AI robots.

You think I kid you? Look at the 49ers. Look at the risks they took in the Yukon and the number that died on their way there. Then too, many take big risks to find it today.

On the other hand, I don’t think there will be any shortage of it in Heaven.

Found Another Wonderful Place to Eat

Slim Chicken on Getwell in Southaven, MS. Besides all the regular wings and things they do well, they make a wonderful dish of mac and chicken and cheese. Never seen or eaten anything like it anywhere else.

One of the best parts is that it is not far from my wife’s physical therapist, who we will be visiting once a week for a while. Incidentally, we will also be visiting visiting Slim Chicken once a week too.