Dancing on the Volcano's Rim

[tmcg]

Indeed, it is a memorable subject for consideration, with what unconcern and gaiety mankind pricks on along the Valley of the Shadow of Death. The whole way is one wilderness of snares, and the end of it, for those who fear the last pinch, is irrevocable ruin. And yet we go spinning through it all, like a party for the Derby. Perhaps the reader remembers one of the humorous devices of the deified Caligula: how he encouraged a vast concourse of holiday-makers on to his bridge over Baiae bay; and when they were in the height of their enjoyment, turned loose the Praetorian guards among the company, and had them tossed into the sea. This is no bad miniature of the dealings of nature with the transitory race of man. Only, what a chequered picnic we have of it, even while it lasts! and into what great waters, not to be crossed by any swimmer, God's pale Praetorian throws us over in the end! --Robert Louis Stevenson, "Aes Triplex"

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

I'm currently reading 'Secrets' by Daniel Ellsberg (as I've mentioned more than once over on my blog--but it's good and unsettlingly timely) and it's really scary to know how close we were in the sixties to dropping nuclear bombs all over creation. And, in particular, how many people we gave bomb-dropping authority to. And everyone involved were basically just a bunch of guys doing the best they could with what they had (what they had often being the wrong information, trying to make their boss happy, having too much to do in too little time). Scary stuff!

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

Yup. And scary that there are as many secrets right now as there ever were then. An elderly person I know expressed to me the hope that she could hang on long enough for all the dirty bitter truths to come out about the current U.S. actions. Alas, I think it takes twenty or thirty years, most of the time.

[(Anonymous)]

[Someday I will remember to sign my name when I post here :-)]

One of the things that fascinates me these days (in the slightly horrified sense of 'fascinates') is the utter shamelessness of some of the lying that's going on. It's like:

Media: Yesterday you said this would be quick and easy

Gov. official: No I didn't

Media: Yes, you did. Here's a video.

Gov. Official: No. I didn't. You're completely wrong.

Media: Did you watch the video?

Gov. Official: I already told you...(points quickly to his left) Look! Over there! Is that person questioning the war? Are they infavorofSadDAMHUSSEIN!?!?!?!?!

Media: Ohmygosh! Where? Where? Totally forgot what I was talking to _you_ about.

Deb

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

LOLOLOLOL!!!

Well drawn. :)