In troubled times such as these, thank goodness for the inter web net screen machine. As war rages halfway around the world, it's allowing Right-Thinking Americans to thoughtfully debate in real time the ramifications of military action. Serious, impassioned debate that, during past wars, could only have served to torture roommates. Consider these messages, all posted within minutes of today's massive bombing campaign:
First confirmed explosions reported!
Lets hope this is the real thing and not just another teaser!
Yeah, those "teasers" have been a real drag. Kind of like seeing the trailers for the new Matrix movie and knowing we'll have to wait months to hear Keanu say "Whoa" again. Bummer.
Of course, war is often about tragedy. Consider this sad tale:
AAARRRRRRGGGGH!!!!!
I have been watching Fox almost non-stop (save for 20-30 minute 'naps') since Wednesday nite! I even took off work yesterday. So this morning I'm on my way into work, and Rush starts reporting that sirens going off in BaghDAD (thanks for the pronunciation, Shep)! I have THE WORST luck ever!
Worst luck ever, except maybe for the night janitor at the Baghdad Presidential Palace. Then there's this:
Too bad my cat passed away recently. She would give them Shock & Paw.
You go, Mr. Whiskers! Then there's my favorite, reprinted here verbatim:
ROCK & ROLL !
Good to see George Will weighing in.
Not that the actual media is doing much better, mind you. Last night, I was watching pixellated videophone images of tanks racing across the desert on CNN and listening in disbelief to the following on-air discussion between the anchor and his military analyst, one of a zillion of the gruff but lovable retired generals they pull out of mothballs for such affairs:
ANCHOR: General, can you imagine this technology? To be able to see this as it happens?
GENERAL: Well, I'm incredibly proud of our military right now. They're doing an incredible jo--
ANCHOR (interrupts): But this technology! Isn't it amazing! We're looking at tanks! In the desert! Live! On TV! EXCLUSIVELY! It's HISTORY IN THE MAKING!
Nice. That's like a WW2-era newspaper running headlines like this: LATEST GUADALCANAL MOVIETONE TO BE IN LIFELIKE TECHNICOLOR.