Rodent Regatta

After 9/11 I made the weekly Target run, and wondered whether it might not be prudent to get some camping stuff in case, well, we had to leave. What would we need if something awful happened, and we had to light out for the territories? If this seems like a ridiculous overreaction, then either youve forgotten what it felt like after 9/11, when no one knew what the hell was around the corner (besides anthrax). Or your primary reaction to 9/11 was to fight American overreaction to a regrettable but understandable act of karmic comeuppance. Me, I just channeled the inner Boy Scout. Be prepared. So I bought waterproof matches and a small cook stove and some propane tanks and a wind-up radio, and put them in a box in the garage with some canned goods and fresh water. I didnt think it was likely wed have to leave. And I didnt want to be caught flat-footed if the worst happened. Toss the box in the trunk and roll.

That box is still up on the shelf in the garage. The threat level could be light beige, and I wouldnt take it down. Why would I?

James Lileks
The Bleat
March 5, 2004

Don’t go into your weekend without reading all of what James Lileks had to say this morning. It’s simply too inspirational, patriotic and wholly American to pass up. Here’s a bit more:

Okay. A simple quiz.

1. We should promote the rebuilding of the international community through the UN to stop tyrannical regimes through forceful nonviolent intervention.

Or:

2 ”Youre either with us, or with the terrorists.”

Imagine a bomb just went off in your local mall. Choose one.

James Lileks
The Bleat
March 5, 2004