So I'm sitting in State College, PA- and it's raining... again. Earlier today it was quite clear and sunny so I took advantage of the seemingly rare break in the weather to go cruising on my new motorcycle. Down Route 150 towards Bellefonte, PA. There's a great little stretch of road out that way that winds along a creek and ends up at a state park called Fisherman's Paradise. Stream was up a bit, with choppy brown water rolling over the stones and cutting up into the green banks. A line of anglers tossed their lines downstream looking for a bite. I rolled back into town and made a quick stop at the town library. Very liberal policy I thought; I was able to get a card without even a piece of mail with an address on it. Thumbed through the history and political sections. I picked up Mill's On Liberty. And a couple other books on global jihad. I tend to steer clear of political books with photos of politicians on the cover. Not a rule, just a guideline. Saw some stormclouds through the window and decided to beat the rain home. Made it back about five minutes before the first thunderclap. I'm staying at my brother Steve's place. I did the dishes and thought about his household recycling procedures. I tend to make efficiency suggestions when I am a houseguest; fairly presumptuous I know, but I figure as long as I present them in the proper spirit, the house- and all mankind- will benefit.
Some bad news from Baghdad. Johnny's parents were in a market when a bomb went off last week, and his father was killed. His mother was badly injured. I saw Johnny's mom all the time at the Embassy; she also worked as an interpreter. I don't believe they were targeted, (a seemingly random attack at a public marketplace) but it underscores the danger that many in Baghdad face. The awful roulette of daily life. I add my tears to the river of the inconsolable.
I intend to continue writing in this space in both modes of commentary (I will let others judge whether I am ‘Informed’ or not…) and the informational. I would ask any of you who have any more questions about the developments in Iraq to please post them here; I intend to open it up as a forum if possible- I feel that while I may have completed my official service to the nation, perhaps I can continue serving my countrymen by facilitating the crucial debate on the significant issues of the day.
