Today is Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day in the United States. Today is the day we've set aside to recognize and honor the men and women who've died in military service. But Memorial Day is a federal holiday, and my greatest fear is that as soon as someone implies government to something, that thing becomes immediately politicized.

As a matter of personal philosophy and moral code, I call myself a pacifist and even a conscientious objector. I do not like violence and war, and fundamentally disagree with many of the justifications offered for both. However, even though I'm strong in my convictions, I'm not blinded by them. Although it pains me, I see that violence and war are integral parts of the social fabric not only of our country, but of all the nations on Earth, and while that is true, no matter how much I protest it, I must acknowledge that conflict occurs, militaries are created, and wars waged. And as a result, people die.

Today is Memorial Day in the United States. Today is the day we've set aside to recognize and honor the men and women who've died in military service. No matter one's political leanings, no matter one's convictions about the waging of war (or the reasons for doing so), today is a day of remembrance. Whether wreathed in tragedy or heroism, the death of every man and woman who's had their life cut short while in service to their country has impacted us. Hold the memories of these men and women in the light. Hold their families, friends, and loved ones in the light. Today of all days, I think we should be able to put aside partisan philosophies and vitriolic opinions, and come together with fellow Americans to mourn the lives that have been lost, and celebrate the cause they served - protecting the United States so that this country can work to become the best nation it possibly can.

We still have a long way to go, I think, but some day I hope the men and women who died in service to this country will be proud of us.

What do all villains have in common?

They monologue right before the protagonist whups the tar out of them!

And on the topic of bad-guy monologues, this may be one of the most "villainous" ones I've ever heard; it rides that beautifully fine line between truly evil, and utterly campy. It's spoken by Galactic Boss Cyrus in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (and probably Platinum as well), so if you'll bear with me please and try not to ridicule me too much for quoting a Pokémon game...

"...I see. You must be the Trainer I've been hearing about. The foolhardy one that's trying to stand up to Team Galactic. Although I'd hardly expected to see that the Trainer is a mere child. I'd heard that our Commanders had a rough time with you..."

((here's where it gets good!))

"I know why you're here, I can sense it in you. It's about UXIE, MESPRIT, and AZELF, correct? You want to save them... I no longer have any need for them. I am finished with them. If your heart aches to save them, go right ahead, I could care less. It will save me the trouble of disposing of them. But I must say... You are a remarkable specimen. Those Pokémon have nothing to do with you, do they not? But still you came to rescue them out of pity? Such pitifully useless emotions... It's illogical and irrational. Pity and compassion are products of the weak and lacking human heart. You were compelled to come here by such vacuous sentimentality! I will make you regret paying heed to your heart!"

Not bad for a kid's video game, huh?

PLUR!