Borders And Allegiances (Critical Thinking on Memorial Day) — Here goes AleXander Hirka again—flogging that anti-war horse. You’d think by now he’d know that while he imagines all the people living life in peace, that there is an excitement, a romance, perhaps a testosterone necessity to this organized violence that makes war a force that gives people meaning. But…

Dissecting the Guts of the 4th Of July — Patriotism = ’Love of and devotion to one’s country’. What can I tell ya. I’m not a patriot. I don’t “love my country.” Certainly there are things that I love that happen or exist within the demarcated borders of this country—but let’s just say that it and I have always…

A History (With A Soundtrack) — This is the continuation of The Wars and I (1951–1971) The Wars and I (1951–1971) A History (With A Soundtrack)alexanderhirka.medium.com And so here we are today. I was going to begin by saying that I have lived, since Vietnam, through many many other wars. The most I can truly say is that I’ve lived through many many protests in the streets against these ongoing atrocities. Afghanistan. Iraq…

Stepping Away From This LAVP (Live Action Vote-Playing) game — “Don’t vote; it only encourages the bastards.” — P. J. O’Rourke [Note (to head off some comments): This is about voting — not my opinions on the issues. Don’t worry, I’m always on the right side of the issues — just like you!!] From The Way-Back Machine. I don’t recall…

Searching For One Honest Man — The End Perfect, said the director—that’s a wrap! The cast and crew exhaled a deep sigh, and then there was applause all around. After these many weeks of working together—a deep sense of fulfillment filled their hearts. The Plot (Thickening) This was Dà wěi Hang’s fourteenth movie and a serious…

Prayers Tied To The Railroad Tracks — The Treacle Before The Storm There were a bunch of heartwarming videos shared via social media at the beginning of the pandemic. They suggested that this disaster was going to bring people together—reveal the best that lies in the heart of every human. …

Into The Desert With 70 Thousand Other Souls, Again

A response to a Prism & Pen writing prompt on queer crushes — Crush — “To experience an intense and usually passing infatuation.” — Merriam-Webster dictionary I recognized all my early “crushes” only in retrospect—because I didn’t know what those feelings were at the time. There were girls and there were boys—and it has remained thus. • Hayley Mills • I grew up…