Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The light brigade

Yesterday I helped our fearless leader with some shtuff around the house, and while I was there I quoted two of the more famous poems to have graced our little world, "Casey at the bat" and "The Charge of the Light Brigade". These two poems really describe how I sometimes feel about Yeshiva. Sometimes Casey strikes out, we mess up, and there's no joy in Mudville. And like Casey, we should have known it was coming. As the holy words say, "Chacham Einav B'Rosho", a wise man sees the future. Casey went down swinging because he figured he could wait for his pitch, but the fact is that you've got to take every opportunity given and not wait until the perfect time comes, because perfection ain't coming anytime soon.
At other times, I feel that six hundred horsemen are riding into the valley of death, and up above are Russian cannons just itching to take a shot at the Englishman. And what about those brave Britishers? "Their's not to reason why, Their's but to do and die". Obviously the commanders knew what they were doing, or at the very least thought they knew what they were doing, but the feeling is still there that the time of horses has passed, and a couple of HUMVEEs would do a better job. Obviously I'm not advocating revolt against the leadership, or even suggesting that they're inept. All I'm saying is that everyone should take a deep breath, count to seventeen, and then think long and hard about sending the troops into battle. If they then decide to send out the suicide mission? At least we'll have the assurance that our deaths are not in vain.
Moving right along, I think I'll take a stab at the latest news coming from the Zionist Entity. Olmert wants to give back Golan, though he won't give back the envelopes of cash. Funny world, isn't it? In general, when it comes to Israeli issues, I tend to space out, because, like the Rebbe quoted many times, "Hashem's eyes are on the land from the beginning of the year until the end of the year." Not that we don't have a responsibility to try and save the land, but, especially from America, we really don't have the ability to do anything besides hope and pray. And you know what? As long as the Golan is still Israeli for the summer, I'll be okay. It would be nice if we had a little war and a bunch of Arab-types went to heaven, but I've learned my lesson by now, which is that G-d rarely does what we wish when we wish it.
Selfish? Yes. So I take it back. Hopefully Olmert will repent completely, the Messiah will come, and a bunch of Arab-types will go to heaven. Does that work for everybody now?

3 comments:

Leo de Toot said...

Dear Mr. Real Shliach:

Your analysis of the Charge of the Light Brigade raises several interesting issues although I will just focus on what appears to be an important theme of your note. The key mistake that lead to this debacle was that the Generals were looking at an entirely different valley when they ordered the charge. The orders transmitted to the Light Brigade were a massive miscommunication. And, even though the orders did not make sense, in the true tradition of the army, no one had the temerity to question them. To obey was their duty and they did it. Point is - while orders shouldn't be questioned (or at least only in very special circumstances) one should make sure that you're getting ready to charge up the same valley that your leaders expect you to charge up (alternatively you can just be sure you actually heard the message right).

As always, for Queen and country,
L de Toot.

le7 said...

"Casey at the bat" always makes me think of my wittle sister Casey.

Not sure why. Quite puzzling.

Just like a guy said...

Extremely. Perhaps you should seek professional help to resolve this issue.