In The Mail

I just got a review copy of the book “Debunking 9/11 Myths,” which is a book version of the in-depth investigation that Popular Mechanics did. It’s in a similar format to Snopes, with a “Claim” (the myth), then a “Fact,” in which the evidence and physics are brought to bear to debunk it. It looks like an interesting book, from an engineering standpoint. What the book doesn’t explain, of course, is why (besides Bush derangement) people buy into these nutty conspiracy theories. I hope that PM sends a copy to Cynthia McKinney, though she doesn’t seem like the type that reads books, particularly factual ones.

On The Virtues…

…of killing children.

“It is our love of these innocents that endangers them. If we did not care if children died, they would be in little danger.”

“That cannot be,” she replies in anger.

“But it is so,” I contest. “If we did not care if our children died, they would not be targets. There would be no reason to target them, because we would not be moved by their deaths.

“If we did not care if their children died,” I add, “there would be no reason to clutter military emplacements with their presence. If it were not that we are horrified by the deaths of children, the enemy’s children would be clear of all places of battle — because they are, except for the fact that we love them, a hindrance.”

She bites her lip.

“Of course, we cannot cut out our hearts,” I tell her. “Nor should we — as we wish to remain men, and good men, rather than monsters. Yet it is our love that is the chief danger to the innocent now — to our own innocents, and theirs also.”

Tell Me

I hate that stupid commercial for the oil and natural gas industry, in which a bunch of people say “Tell me about this, tell me about that, tell me the truth.” It makes them sound like idiots. It also makes whoever came up with the ad sound like idiots. I don’t expect an industry to tell me things–I expect an industry to provide me with what I need at an affordable price.

What is the point?

The Terrorists Are Winning

Even when they lose.

…the terrorists are having a major impact on our society. There have been enough successful attacks (9/11, London, and Madrid to name the most obvious) that each foiled attack still heightens the public fear level, causing a predictable government overreaction. Today’s news will certainly cost us a little more freedom and a lot more treasure.

It became a standing joke in the months after 9/11 attacks that, if we did not continue some trivial activity, “Then the terrorists have won.” Sadly, it’s no joke.

Biting Commentary about Infinity…and Beyond!