Foreshadowing

Apparently, a lot of stuff happened when I wasn't paying any attention. Who knew there were terrorists in the US before 911?

Study the history of any nation-state, even ones that were (supposedly) formed out of an overwhelmingly righteous sense of collective destiny, and you'll notice that not everyone agrees with being forcibly coopted into a singular, unified identity. Can't imagine why.

But seriously, what's the take-away from all this?

1. Marion Barry may have gotten shot in the chest, but it still doesn't buy him K street cred, what with the crack rap he'll also never forget.

2. There was a time in US history when all was new and innocent, and it was 1977.

3. Because of this incident, we now know that individuals and groups of people will use violence to make a point .

4. If you can figure out how to pronounce "B'nai B'rith", try saying it three times fast.

5. That one-inch strip of fabric on the hem of your dress may save you from male attention, I mean, aggression.

6. If God's in charge, whose side is He on?

7. You can always make someone into a great person...after they're dead.