Once again, I find myself in mind of the day’s observance; I’ve tended to be so, as demonstrated here, here, here, and here. Once again, I’ve got a spin-off of a show years into syndication to air. Once again, I reflect upon the circumstances of the world in which I live and which gave rise to me. And once again, I question things, knowing that the world that is is not the world that ought to be and that we are not much if any closer to it than we have been even so recently as a year ago.

It’s a broad “we,” to be sure. I know that no few will seek to exempt themselves from it, claiming that the lives they live are exactly those that ought to be lived–and that, indeed, the lives of all who live are what they deserve. I know there are many who look about and see that things are good, or that they are at least moving in ways that tend toward the good. I know there are many who hope for more of the same, who think that what is being done should be done and in greater measure than has yet been done. They have their reasons, I am sure. They think them good, or good enough, I am equally sure.

I wish I could be so convinced about anything.

But I doubt. I question. I grapple with ideas, finding that they do not sit so well with me as they seem to for others (even as I acknowledge that I see my own struggles more than I see those of others, having no real way to hide them from myself, while others can hide theirs from others’ eyes). Each holiday, each observance, each commemoration finds me in such mind, wondering about the whys and wondering what it is in me that makes me wonder about such things, what lack in me makes for so uneasy a time of accepting what so many others seem to take without question or comment other than the rote repetitions the rites seem to require.

It is said that those who fell in uniformed service did so to secure the freedom I have to think upon such things and to voice those thoughts, and that I and everybody else ought to be grateful for the same. I am not arguing the point. I do question, however, if those who can no longer speak for themselves would be pleased to have their voices invoked, though I know I will not have an answer that I can, myself, report after its achievement.

Analysis and commentary at your command–you have but to fill out the form below to begin to receive it!

Or simply send support to https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/elliottrwi!